Taking Shape

The new Oak Park Avenue streetscape – those bright-white roadways, sidewalks and curbs – is becoming more apparent to the naked eye within the construction zone. This is especially true along the southern section where bricklaying continues at a steady pace. There are still many steps prior to reopening, but visitors can now picture the future thanks to artist renderings on view in storefront windows throughout the Hemingway District.

1. Digging it all out. The layer-upon-layer excavation of 100+ years of roadway continues on north Oak Park Avenue. Framing the new roadways and sidewalks is kicking off this week with concrete pouring (weather permitting) expected to begin the following week.

2. Connecting north and south. As Union Pacific completes its repair work along the train embankment, you’ll notice more utility crews working under the bridge. This carefully coordinated work involves additional protection for pipes and creation of access points for infrastructure related to the Village’s new water main and communications. Once these items are completed, the process of working on the roadbed and pedestrian crossings will get under way.

3. Get best access to Avenue Garage – and save this date! Continuing work under the viaduct means that drivers’ best entrance to the Avenue Garage (and its free 90-minute parking daily and all day Sunday throughout construction) is to take Kenilworth Avenue to North Boulevard and head east. With autumn just around the calendar, be sure to plan to head over Saturday, Oct. 17 to Fall Family Fun in the Hemingway District.

Please feel free to contact the project team at any time and check the Renew the Avenue website for project updates.