'Major Upgrade' Coming To Harlem Avenue In 2021

ORLAND PARK, IL — State Sen. Bill Cunningham has announced the Illinois Department of Transportation will upgrade six miles of Harlem Avenue this year. The project will cost more than $7 million, and includes repaving and increasing access for people with disabilities, according to a news release from Cunningham's office.

“Harlem Avenue is an important road connecting the southwest suburbs,” Cunningham said. “The stretch seeing improvements is a heavily trafficked business corridor, so we need to keep it in good repair.”

According to the release, the upgrades will begin just south of 62nd Street in Chicago, and end at 111th Street in Worth. In addition to repaving, the repairs include better lane markings and divisions, and making street crossings safer and easier for people in wheelchairs or who otherwise have limited mobility.

“Our states roads and bridges are the arteries of commerce,” Cunningham said. “Keeping them in good repair supports all of our communities and helps put people to work in good-paying construction jobs.”

The Harlem upgrades are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan to maintain and expand Illinois’ transportation infrastructure, the release states.

According to Cunningham's office, other area projects scheduled for the upcoming year include:

- Land acquisition to address chronic flooding on Southwest Highway in Palos Park
- Bridge repair where Calumet Sag Road crosses over U.S. 45
- Repairs to Central Ave. in Alsip, Chicago, and Oak Lawn
- Improvements to Kean Rd. in Palos Park

In total, the area Cunningham represents expects to see more than $11 million in upgrades, according to the release.