The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has begun a project along Western Avenue to improve sidewalks in Beverly and Morgan Park.
Crews began removing pavers from the sidewalks on the west side of Western Avenue from 99th to 111th streets in early October, and the project will also include work on the east side of Western Avenue.
According to 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea, the sidewalk improvement project was made possible in partnership with Cook County using funds that remained from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law in 2021.
O’Shea said the estimated cost of the sidewalk repair project is $1 million, and the project is expected to be completed by the second week of November.
The pavers along Western were installed over 30 years ago, according to O’Shea, and with time, repairs were necessary.
“The pavers were beautiful and looked great when they were installed, but unfortunately, with our climate and the freeze and thaws, you get depressions and bubbling in the pavers,” he said. “With utility work along Western, often times you have to take out and re-install the pavers, and you get settling.”
Sumit Construction is the contractor for the CDOT project.
The work includes replacing deteriorated parkway areas with concrete and stamped concrete surfaces and replacing deteriorated sidewalks, including curbs, gutters and driveways, wherever necessary.
Temporary “No Parking” signs will be displayed as needed for the duration of the work.
O’Shea said CDOT officials are confident that construction will be completed in November before the onset of winter weather.