Crews are beginning work on a year-long project to reconstruct the land bridge on Route 132 in Lake Villa and officials say motorists should expect traffic congestion.
The Village of Lake Villa said the objective of the project is to reconstruct the dry land bridge that is located on Grand Avenue east of Cedar Lake Road.
The project will consist of roadway widening, resurfacing and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements between Cleveland Avenue and McKinley Avenue.
The project is being managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with Dunnet Bay Construction Company working as the contractor.
The project, which will require lane closures, will cost approximately $8.7 million and is being funded by IDOT.
Work began recently and is expected to be completed, weather permitting, by the fall of 2024.
Village officials said ComEd has been installing temporary poles in the area north of Grand Avenue in the farm field before moving the electric lines to the temporary poles.
Message boards have been set up in the area and two-way traffic will continue to be maintained in the first month of work.
Contractors are expected to be working Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grand Avenue will be shut down to westbound access only beginning around May 8. Eastbound access to the downtown will be rerouted to Cedar Lake Road during the lane closure.
IDOT has met with the village regarding tree removal within the new IDOT right-of-way north of Grand Avenue and within the temporary easements south of the right-of-way.
IDOT will be coordinating with property owners regarding tree removal.
Village officials said IDOT began mobilizing contractors on Grand Avenue on Monday.
Workers will be placing barriers and other safety equipment throughout the job site.
“Drivers should expect traffic congestion and delays. We recommend drivers use Monaville Road or Petite Lake Road, if possible,” the village said.