CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced the Illinois Department of Transportation has slated six miles of Harlem Avenue for major upgrades this year. The more-than-$7 million project includes repaving and increasing access for people with disabilities.
“Harlem Avenue is an important road connecting the southwest suburbs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “The stretch seeing improvements is a heavily trafficked business corridor, so we need to keep it in good repair.”
The upgrades will begin just south of 62nd St. in Chicago and end at 111th St. 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.
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.
