The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday, November 27, that all lanes are now open on the reconstructed and widened 159th Street (U.S. 6/Illinois 7) from Gougar Road in Homer Glen to Ravinia Avenue in Orland Park.
In order to complete the project, some additional work remains, including landscaping, striping, and traffic signal improvements. Intermittent daily lane closures, as well as possible overnight lane closures, will continue through the winter. Side streets also might require temporary lane closures to complete the work. Temporary traffic signals are now in operation, with new signals to be activated in December.
Motorists should continue to anticipate occasional delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The $105 million project enhanced safety and mobility by expanding approximately 8 miles of 159th Street to two 12-foot-wide lanes in each direction separated by a raised and curbed median. Intersections were rebuilt and improved at 104th and 108th avenues and Cedar, Parker, North Bell, South Bell, Will-Cook, and Wolf roads. A recreational path and sidewalk also are being built to accommodate bikes and pedestrians.
All work is expected to be completed next spring.
For additional details on the project, visit www.idot.illinois.gov/projects/159th-street-project.
IDOT Press Release