Lake Bluff approves $87K engineering contract for Green Bay Road reconstruction

In a pivotal meeting held on June 3, 2025, the Village of Lake Bluff took significant steps toward the long-awaited reconstruction of Green Bay Road, a project that has been in the works for several years. Under the warm glow of city hall lights, village officials gathered to discuss the final engineering services agreement with Baxter and Woodman, a firm that has been instrumental in the planning stages of this project.

The board unanimously approved a resolution for the second phase of engineering services, which will cost the village $87,200 for the road work and an additional $68,039 for the bridge component. This decision comes after the village successfully secured a $3.9 million grant from the Surface Transportation Program, covering 80% of the eligible construction costs. With the village's share amounting to $1.3 million, the financial groundwork is now firmly in place.

Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2026, with the road work prioritized before the bridge, a shift from the original plan due to delays in state approvals related to historic preservation issues. Village officials expressed relief at finally moving forward after years of navigating bureaucratic hurdles. “We’re excited to get started next year on Green Bay Road,” said one board member, highlighting the importance of the project for local residents.

However, the reconstruction will not come without challenges. The bridge closure, expected to last six months, will significantly impact traffic and emergency services in the area. Village officials are coordinating with local fire and police departments to ensure public safety during the construction period. Plans are already in place to reroute emergency services through Lake Forest, addressing concerns about accessibility for residents living south of the bridge.

As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was one of cautious optimism. The village is poised to enhance its infrastructure while ensuring that the community's needs are met during the transition. With the groundwork laid and a clear path forward, Lake Bluff is ready to embark on this transformative journey.