Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lockport public works updates Route 7 channelization project and trail connections
Summary
Public works director Brian Levering briefed the council on the Route 7 channelization project (now in Stage 1) and ongoing efforts to expand trail connectivity, including the I&M Trail connection at 135th Street and exploratory work on a Lockport Loop Trail to access the Des Plaines River corridor.
Public works director Brian Levering told the Lockport City Council that construction on Illinois Route 7 began this summer and the project has moved from pre-stage utility work and pavement widening into Stage 1. "Today they actually switched over to Stage 1 which will last through the winter," Levering said, describing traffic shifts that keep two-way travel open while work proceeds behind barricades and noting the contractor will likely pause in November and resume in March or April depending on weather.
Levering outlined the sequence of work: curb, storm sewer and new pavement up through binder; Stage 2 is expected in spring and will address the center section for roughly four to six weeks before final work continues into the following year with a goal of achieving a three-lane cross section by next September or mid-October. He said the work is intended to make turning movements into businesses and driveways function more smoothly.
Council members also discussed multi-jurisdictional trail projects: staff and council members reported a completed segment connecting the I&M Trail to Centennial at 135th Street (construction finished this spring with grant support) and described plans for the Lockport Loop Trail and better river access; staff said they will coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard on riverwall jurisdiction and safety measures for potential pedestrian access. No formal action was taken; the update was informational.
