Drivers who use the intersection of Oak Park Avenue and North Boulevard will need to find another route starting Monday, Nov. 2.
The Village of Oak Park announced the intersection will close to vehicle traffic for approximately 10 days so crews can pour concrete and install bricks, according to the village's weekly report. The closure is part of the Renew the Avenue streetscape project, which is in its fourth of five construction stages.
Weather permitting, the work is expected to last 10 days, according to the project's construction updates page.
What changes for drivers
A two-way traffic pattern will temporarily go into effect on North Boulevard between Kenilworth Avenue and Euclid Avenue. The village is directing through traffic to Lake Street. Recommended detours are Harlem Avenue for trucks and Ridgeland Avenue for all other vehicles.
Angled parking along North Boulevard between Kenilworth and Euclid will be removed to create the additional traffic lane. All parking in that stretch, including overnight permit parking, will be redirected to the 100-200 block of South Kenilworth Avenue.
The Avenue Parking Garage at 720 North Boulevard will stay open. Drivers must enter North Boulevard from Euclid Avenue to reach the garage.
Pedestrians can still get through. Access through the Oak Park Avenue and North Boulevard intersection will be maintained at all times.
Businesses remain open
All stores, restaurants and businesses in the Hemingway District remain fully open via sidewalk access during construction, according to the project website. As we reported Oct. 28, the district is planning a block party along Oak Park Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 14, as the corridor readies for reopening.
The project is on track to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving 2026, according to the construction updates page. Stage 4 work includes installation of brick pavers, new lighting and landscaping. Sewer and water main replacement is finished, and electrical work and pavement restoration continue along Oak Park Avenue and under the train embankment.
Utility and transportation partners including NICOR Gas, Commonwealth Edison and Union Pacific Railroad have coordinated infrastructure improvements during the project. Union Pacific repaired the viaduct and elevated railroad at Oak Park Avenue, and new illuminated panels featuring Oak Park-themed art will be installed there to improve visibility and pedestrian safety.
