Construction resuming on Old Orchard Road

Cook County, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Village of Skokie, are completing a major roadway improvement on Old Orchard Road from Woods Drive to Skokie Boulevard.

When completed, the project will alleviate congestion, increase safety and expand access to pedestrians and people biking through the addition of the following improvements:

• New turn lanes at the I-94 eastbound ramps and Old Orchard Road intersection.
• Roadway and bridge widening (from Woods Drive to Skokie Boulevard including the IDOT bridge over I-94).
• Installation of storm sewers, traffic signals and lighting.
• A new multi-use path on the south side of Old Orchard Road within the project limits, providing direct access to the North Branch Cook County Forest Preserve Trail.
• Intersection improvements at Old Orchard Road and Woods Drive.
• Intersection improvements at the I-94 westbound exit ramp, eastbound exit ramp, westbound entrance ramp, Lawler Avenue, Lavergne Avenue, Bronx Avenue and Lamon Avenue intersections with Old Orchard Road.

Here is the latest info from Cook County, available at https://www.ccdotholdorchardroad.com/

Construction along Old Orchard Road is entering a new phase this month, with traffic set to shift back to the north side of the roadway in April. This move will allow crews to begin final work on the eastbound lanes, including storm sewer installation, grading of the stone base, and construction of the new I-94 eastbound ramp to Old Orchard Road.

Later this month, traffic on I-94 will shift to the outside shoulders to give crews better access to the bridge structure. You may already notice work happening near the closed ramps from Old Orchard Road to westbound I-94, where crews are preparing to hydraulically lift the ramp for structural steel repairs.

Paving on the new south side of Old Orchard Road is now complete. As traffic is moved onto this fresh pavement, it will weave north over I-94—clearing the way for major reconstruction of the northern lanes.

Pedestrians and cyclists are reminded to use the sidewalk on the north side of Old Orchard Road when crossing I-94. The work zone is an active construction area and is not safe for foot or bike traffic.