Road Construction

Please visit the Special Events page and read the latest Press Releases to keep on top of all that's happening in Des Plaines!

Work Commences On Des Plaines Metra Platform
Release Date: May 6, 2008

The Des Plaines Engineering Department has received notification from Metra and the Union Pacific Railroad that work on the downtown Des Plaines commuter Metra platforms commences Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Initial work will consist of temporary removal of the decorative fence between Lee and Graceland; removal and relocation of some landscaping from the railroad right-of-way; and beginning of work on the southernmost railroad tracks. Temporary orange construction fence will be installed to replace the decorative fence during construction. No significant impact upon auto traffic is anticipated during this initial work.

The overall project includes the demolition and reconstruction of the existing center platform, between Pearson Street and Lee Street, and the construction of a new center platform, between Lee Street and Graceland Avenue. The existing southern tracks will be shifted approximately 10 feet south to allow for the new platform construction. In order to accommodate the track shift, the Lee Street and Graceland Avenue crossings will need to be closed for a period of two weeks while they are reconstructed. The date for these closings is not yet available. Detour signs and variable message boards will be installed to alert the public of the closings. A future press release will be issued when the closing dates become available. Access to the downtown businesses along the tracks will remain open throughout the construction.

This marks the final phase in the downtown Metra platform work. Once complete, the new platform configuration will allow inbound trains to stop east of Graceland Avenue and Lee Street, providing relief to those two streets while trains are stopped at the station. In addition, outbound trains will stop west of Pearson Street, relieving that street of congestion while trains are stopped at the station. On a working day approximately 1,100 individuals board at the Des Plaines station and 400 board at the Des Plaines Cumberland Station.

A full schedule and project duration is not yet available. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Westbound Dempster Street Ramp Closed
Release Date: April 30, 2007

The Des Plaines Engineering Department has received notification that the westbound Dempster Street entrance ramp to southbound I-294 will be closed from Thursday, May 1, 2008 to Wednesday, June 25, 2008, for reconstruction work

Motorists are advised to detour the ramp closure by turning left onto Rand Road (at the intersection of Northwest Highway) after driving past the closed ramp and utilizing the SB I-294 entrance ramp off Rand Road. River Road to the Touhy Avenue Ramp can also be used as a detour.

Lane Closures At Pearson and River
Release Date: April 17, 2008

The Des Plaines Engineering Department has announced that daily lane closures will be occurring on River Road at the Pearson Street intersection for the next two months while traffic signal improvements are being made.

Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and obey signage.

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