- Apr 21, 2017
Infrastructure Projects to Improve Downtown
A six-month infrastructure and streetscape improvement project in Northbrook’s downtown began last month, which will repair streets and sidewalks, add parking and improve safety in the Central Business District. The project includes replacement of failed concrete sidewalks, resurfacing asphalt streets, the installation of new traffic signals and lighting, and most significantly reconfigures traffic on Shermer Road between Waukegan Road and Church Street.
Assistant Director of Public Works Matt Morrison touts the project as significant investment in the downtown and Northbrook’s future. Since many of the roads already needed work, it allows for the opportunity to make changes and add amenities, including adding much needed parking he points out. Slowing traffic down will help make it obvious to drivers that they are entering the Business District.
Traffic on Shermer between Church Street and Waukegan Road will be reconfigured with two lanes of traffic (one south/west bound and one north/east bound), a center turn lane, mid-block pedestrian crossing, and 15 on-street parking spaces on the south/east side of the road, across from the 68 Gateway townhome project. The roadway curb line will be extended to create additional parkway and green space on Shermer between Walters and Maple Avenues.
- Other changes include:
Replacement of the island at the northeast corner of Shermer and Church
Replacement of street lighting on Shermer between Church and Angle
Replacement of the traffic signals at Shermer and Church
Replacement of existing plantings and the addition of new landscaped areas within the rights-of-way
Throughout the construction process, every effort will be made to maintain traffic flow, with no street closures and access to all driveways and shopping center entrances. All businesses will continue to be open and accessible.
Crews will work 7:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day, and in some cases a little longer depending on the weather, according to Morrison. On street parking within construction zones will be restricted for safety purposes when crews are working in the area immediately around them. All garbage pickup and mail service will continue during construction. The primary focus will be to get as much work done on sidewalks, curbs and resurfacing before the Fourth of July parade.
Updates on the construction progress will be continually released on the Village website, www.northbrook.il.us. Mike DeBennett with the engineering firm Baxter and Woodman will be available to answer all questions. He can be reached at (815)482-9126.
In addition to the downtown improvements, the Village will also be undertaking water, sewer, sidewalk, and other roadway improvements during the 2017 “construction season.” Check the Village website for updates and the status of all of the projects.&’ type=’text/javascript’>