IDOT Starts Flooding Mitigations On Orland Park Southwest Highway

ORLAND PARK, IL — State officials will begin construction on Southwest Highway next week following seasonal drainage problems in the area, Orland Park representatives told Patch.

The Illinois Department of Transportation plans to work on the stretch of Illinois 7 going from 131st Street in Palos Park to 135th Street in Orland Park starting Monday.

Last month, a portion of Southwest Highway was closed for almost a week due to flooding following rainy weather and ice.

At the time, village officials said the responsibility to repair the heavily trafficked roadway fell on IDOT as it, along with 143rd Street and Wolf Road, were state property.

Starting Monday, IDOT said repair crews will add new drainage crossings and a stormwater overflow area to the stretch. Drivers should plan for shoulder closures along with alternating lane closures throughout the week until June when the project is expected to be completed.

Village officials said 143rd Street was also in the midst of a multi-phase project to redesign the street with wider lanes and updated drainage. Currently, a spokeswoman for the village said the project is in its first stage which includes engineering studies. The next step in the project is expected to begin later in 2022.