PROJECT LOCATION

Improvements will begin at the intersection of Old Orchard Road and Woods Drive and extend one mile east to Skokie Boulevard. Additionally, improvements will occur along the I-94 westbound exit ramp, eastbound exit ramp, westbound entrance ramp, Lawler Avenue, Lavergne Avenue, Bronx Avenue and Lamon Avenue.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the improvement is to alleviate congestion and increase safety. The project includes the addition of turn lanes at the I-94 eastbound ramps and Old Orchard Road intersection, pavement widening, bridge widening of the IDOT bridge over I-94 and installation of storm sewers, traffic signals and lighting. The project will include construction of a new multi-use path on the south side of Old Orchard Road, providing access to the North Branch Cook County Forest Preserve Trail.

PROJECT TIMELINE

PROJECT WORK ZONE STAGES

April 2024 - October 2026
​Work Zone Stage
South half of Old Orchard Road
I-94 EB and WB exit ramps
November 2026 - September 2027 Work Zone Stage
North half of Old Orchard Road
I-94 WB entrance ramp
Old Orchard Road lanes will be reduced; however, one lane in each direction will always be maintained and side street access will always be maintained.

PROJECT DETOURS

Northbound I-94 off-ramp to westbound Old Orchard Road detour
  • Spring 2024 to October 2026
  • No access to westbound Old Orchard Road from I-94 west
  • I-94 west traffic can exit onto Old Orchard Road going east
  • ​​Traffic access to westbound Old Orchard Road detours east towards Skokie Boulevard, south to Golf Road, west to Harms Road then east on Old Orchard Road
Northbound I-94 on-ramp detour
  • ​​Spring 2024 to November 2026
  • No I-94 west access from Old Orchard Road
  • Use Skokie Boulevard to access I-94 west
  • ​From Old Orchard Road, traffic moves north on Skokie Boulevard to access I-94 west
Eastbound Old Orchard Road to northbound I-94 on-ramp detour
  • November 2026 to September 2027
  • No I-94 west access from eastbound Old Orchard Road
  • Use Skokie Boulevard to access I-94 west
  • ​From Old Orchard Road, traffic moves north on Skokie Boulevard to access I-94 west
Northbound I-94 off-ramp to westbound Old Orchard Road truck only detour
  • ​October 2026 through September 2027
  • No truck access to westbound Old Orchard Road from I-94 west
  • I-94 west truck traffic can exit onto Old Orchard Road going east
  • ​Truck access to westbound Old Orchard Road detours east toward Skokie Boulevard, south to Golf Road, west to Harms Road then east on Old Orchard Road

PROJECT PARTNERS