IDOT kicks off reconstruction of Wood Street, Ashland Avenue
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation joined area officials and community leaders Thursday to break ground on the reconstruction and overhaul of Wood Street/Ashland Avenue, a key commercial, industrial and residential corridor that runs through Harvey, Dixmoor, and Riverdale.
The $94 million project will modernize 90-year-old infrastructure, according to a news release from the state. It encompasses more than three miles between 161st and 138th streets, completely rebuilding the four-lane road to include new curbs, gutters, and lighting. According to IDOT, the project will also improve capacity, modernize traffic signals and turn lanes, implement smoother and safer railroad crossings, and include landscaping and aesthetic enhancements.
The bridge over the Little Calumet River will be rehabilitated, and bike and pedestrian accommodations will be added throughout the corridor. The project also includes a new storm sewer system to address longtime drainage and flooding concerns, and the replacement of municipal water mains.
The entire project is expected to take two full constructions seasons to finish, with an anticipated completion date in 2025.
Wood Street through Ashland Avenue, north of Thornton Road, was built in the 1930s but never reconstructed, with the original pavement still serving as the roadway’s base in some locations. Among the properties along Wood Street/Ashland Avenue are Maya Angelou Elementary School, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Cook County forest preserves, and several churches.
Lemont High School seeks Hall of Fame nominations
Lemont High School is seeking nominations for the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
The Lemont High School Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to society and serve as role models to Lemont High School students. This recognition is the highest honor that can be given by Lemont High School to one of its alumni.
Nominees are eligible for induction to the Lemont High School Alumni Hall of Fame 10 years after their graduation. An online nomination form is available at www.lhs210.net under the “Support LHS” section. Nominations should be submitted by Oct. 7.
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The 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame class will be honored at the school’s annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance on March 11.
Cook County Farm Bureau Farm Crawl set
An event highlighting Cook County’s farms, farm stands, greenhouses, garden centers and agribusinesses is planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17.
The 6th Cook County Farm Bureau Farm Crawl is a free, self guided tour of 24 farm-related places in the county, featuring tours, workshops and other experiences. It also features a Passport to Agriculture, where participants can collect stamps from each location they visit, which can be turned in at the end of the day to be entered into a drawing for gift cards.
More information and passport books are at https://cookcfb.org/discover-local/farm-crawl-event.
Midewin offers Fall Migration Photography Tour
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington is marking National Public Lands Day by offering opportunities to explore and experience fall colors and migrating species at during a Fall Migration Photography Tour through Prairie Creek Woods on Sept. 24.
The event is an opportunity to hike along with experienced photography instructors through the pristine Prairie Creek Woods at America’s only national tallgrass prairie, where participants might see migrating monarchs and birds, such as vireos, warblers or flycatchers; as well as year-round woodland birds, including hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers and cardinals.
Will County Audubon Society Vice President Greg Dubois will guide two groups, sharing information about bird watching as well as photography.
An early bird session is set from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and hike for U.S. military veterans and family members is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Participants of all ages, skills and interests are welcome, according to a news release from Midewin.
Information and registration are at 815-423-6370 or [email protected].
H-F High School children’s play opens this month
Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School will present its annual children’s play this month, performed by high school students.
Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name by Harry Allard, “Miss Nelson is Missing!” will be performed at 7 p.m. Sept. 29, and 30, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 1, in the school’s Mall Auditorium.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are being sold online at https://hfhs.ticketleap.com/nelson/.
Send news to [email protected].