FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As part of the more than $100 Million in road, traffic, and utility projects in the Village of Orland Park, Motorists are urged to help keep work zones safe

Orland Park, IL (June 13, 2024) – The Village of Orland Park is excited to announce its plans for the 2024-25 construction season. The plans include more than $100 Million in new-construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvements throughout Orland Park.

"The Village of Orland Park works tirelessly on projects from preventive maintenance and rehabilitation to reconstructing roads, all aimed at supporting the safety and reliability of our transportation infrastructure," said Village of Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau. “By making logical, data-driven investments and utilizing comprehensive strategies, the Village is dedicated to delivering projects that enhance safety and optimize efficiency for all road users.”

The construction program includes two primary and local road projects, two traffic and utility projects, in addition to Orland Park’s annual Village-wide Road improvement program.

Road Improvement Program

A study completed in 2018 found a backlog in road resurfacing. Since that time, road improvement funds have been increased to reduce the backlog, and as a result, the road condition rating assessment in 2022 has increased the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) from 49 to 59.

The annual road improvement program includes replacement of hazardous sidewalks, repair or replacement of non-functioning curbs and gutters, milling of existing streets, new surface layers of asphalts, and construction of ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps and crosswalks. Miscellaneous roadway preservation procedures, including patching and crack sealing, continue to be completed in areas throughout the Village for the areas not yet scheduled for the complete road improvement program.

Road Improvements for 2024 are budgeted at $6.35 million and are found in the following neighborhoods: Brook Hills Phase I, Clearview Estates (East), Courtyards of Orland Park, Green Castle and Manor Homes, Humphrey’s, Mallard Landings Unit 5, Collette Highlands (Somerglen Dr.), and Wildwood Hills (South). The roads selected for resurfacing are based on the results of a survey conducted by a third-party consultant. The consultant uses a combination of sensor data, GPS, and high-resolution imagery to gather data to assess the current pavement condition using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) methodology.

143rd Street – West Avenue to Southwest Highway

From Will Cook Road to LaGrange Road, 143^rd Street is under the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).  Nonetheless, in order to increase capacity to the roadway, improve traffic signal coordination, and address existing traffic safety issues for motorists and pedestrians, the Village has led the effort to secure funding for 143^rd Street improvements.  The entire 143^rd Street project from Will Cook Road to LaGrange Road is divided into three separate sections, with an estimated total project cost of $70 Million.  The Village has secured total funding for the most complicated of the three sections: West Avenue to Southwest Highway.  This $14 million project is being funded with over $4 million from the Village, with the remaining $10 million from federal grants and IDOT. Design engineering of this section has started, and construction is expected to begin in 2026.

143rd Street and John Humphrey Drive

This project includes intersection widening and improvement. This $10 million project is being funded with over $7 million from the Village and the remaining $3 million from federal funds (STP). Design engineering is anticipated to be completed in 2024 and construction is expected to start in 2025.

Catalina Watermain Lining (Phase I)

This improvement aims to structurally reinforce several of the existing water mains in the Catalina subdivision without fully excavating and replacing the old pipes. A structural liner will be installed on the inside of the pipe that will seal cracks or holes that may have been leaking, while at the same time preventing more leaks from forming in the future. While the water mains are shut down for maintenance, an above-ground piping network will provide water service to all affected homes throughout the construction period until the permanent water mains are ready to be brought back into service.  This $4.3 million project is being funded through water and sewer user fees. Work is still on schedule to be completed in June 2024.

Catalina Watermain and Storm Replacements (Phase II)

This project is the second phase of the Catalina improvement plan that began last year. This phase will see work done on both the local watermains and storm sewers as both systems are upgraded to better meet the needs of residents. Unlike the lining work performed in 2023, the water and sewer mains will be fully replaced. As a result, there will be greater impacts to local traffic as work is conducted in the roads, but affected residents will not need to be placed on a temporary water service system. This $5.9 million project is being funded through water and sewer user fees. Work is still on schedule to be completed by November 2024. This year’s efforts (Phase II) focus on the western portion of the Catalina neighborhood while the remaining eastern portion is scheduled to be finished in 2025 as Phase III. 

Orland Hills West Subdivision Road and Ditch Improvements

This project is similar in nature to the “rural” road and ditch improvement projects recently completed in the Fernway and Laguna Woods subdivisions. This includes the replacement of drainage pipes beneath all driveways and street intersections. With all new concrete piping placed at an engineered elevation, the roadside ditches are then re-graded to accommodate the new culverts. The combined effect of new culverts and re-graded ditches will ultimately improve within the neighborhoods.

The presently distressed roads will be entirely reconstructed from the ground up. A new stone base and a thicker asphalt pavement will be installed to strengthen the road. This comprehensive road reconstruction will also include the installation of concrete shoulders, replacement of all driveway approaches, and parkway/ditch restoration with topsoil and sod. 

The Orland Hills West Subdivision, not to be confused with neighboring Village of Orland Hills, is located off West 135^th Street near LaGrange Road.  When constructed in the 1950s, the unincorporated roadways were constructed to rural road standards, far below current Village standards.  This $1.8 million project will significantly improve road and storm water drainage conditions. Next year, the Orland Hills East Subdivision, located West of 135^th Street and Elm Street, is scheduled to be completed at a cost of $3.3 million.

Spur 2 Water Main

The Village of Orland Park is a member of the Regional Water Supply (RWS) system. RWS is a group of 12 communities that receive water from the Village of Oak Lawn, who receives Lake Michigan water from the City of Chicago. The Village’s existing water infrastructure is over 40 years old, and the Village has been working with RWS for several years to install a redundant water supply line from Oak Lawn.  This water line, called Spur 2, will serve as a redundant water line for the Village and other RWS communities.

The RWS system is upgrading and expanding its ability to provide Lake Michigan water to the residents of the Southwest Suburbs including the Village of Orland Park. As part of the over $22 Million in improvements specifically in the Village of Orland Park, is a new water transmission main and intake structure that is being constructed within the area bordered by 151st Street, Catalina Drive, Wheeler Drive / ComEd right-of-way and Liberty Park / Raintree Drive. These roads will also be resurfaced in the coming months.  The entire Spur 2 Water Main project construction began in 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

Downtown Orland Park (formerly Main Street Triangle) Utility Relocations

Since 2004, when the original Main Street Triangle TIF District was established, only a few parcels have been developed.  During the past few years, a lot of progress has been made in fulfilling the original vision from 2004. 

At the May 2, 2022, Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the Conceptual Master Development Plan for Downtown Orland Park (formerly Main Street Triangle). Downtown Orland Park (“DOP”) is approximately 27 acres and is located at the northwest corner of 143rd Street and LaGrange Road, bordered by the Metra/Norfolk Southern railroad. The Conceptual Master Development Plan outlines the proposed development for the remaining undeveloped 9.15 acres of DOP.

The approved conceptual plan was the foundation for the specifications for a Request for Proposals that was issued seeking a master developer. Two proposals were received, and at the August 15, 2022, Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved initiating negotiations on the Redevelopment Agreement (RDA) for the Downtown Orland Park project with Edwards Realty Company.

For this redevelopment to happen, the Village plans to:

1. amend the existing Main Street Triangle (MST) TIF District boundary to include only a subset of the parcels currently in the MST TIF District, and

1. designate a new TIF District on some of the parcels currently in the MST TIF District, to be known as the Downtown Orland Park (DOP) TIF District.

At the November 6, 2023, Board of Trustees meeting, the Village Board authorized the execution of a Term Sheet with Edwards Realty for the Downtown Orland Park Redevelopment.  Since the November 6, 2023, Term Sheet approval, the Village has been meeting regularly with Edwards Realty to finalize the redevelopment agreement and to initiate the development process.

Later this year, it is anticipated that utility relocations at a cost of approximately $2.5 Million will commence.  Soon thereafter, phased work on the remaining elements of the DOP will begin.

In addition to Village of Orland Park led projects, other governmental entities will also be completing projects within the Village.

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways Projects

• Will Cook Road North of Oak Hill Drive

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (CCDoTH) is leading a preliminary engineering and environmental (Phase I) engineering study of Will-Cook Road north of Oak Hill Drive where the Villages of Orland Park and Homer Glen abut. The study limits are along Will-Cook Road from 100’ south of Lynch Drive to 660’ south of 151st Street (see map below). Will-Cook Road is under the jurisdiction of CCDoTH. The land east of the roadway is Cook County, and the land west of the roadway is Will County. The purpose of the Phase I study is to identify a solution that will alleviate the pavement flooding that occurs at the low point in the roadway profile north of Oak Hill Drive, eliminate future road closures and enhance traffic flow and safety.

The roadway is classified as a Local Road and the overall land use in the area is residential. The posted speed limit along this corridor is 45mph. The existing roadway is two lanes with paved shoulders on either side. It is anticipated that the existing two-lane roadway configuration will be maintained in the proposed condition as additional lanes are not warranted based on existing traffic volumes. CCDoTH is planning to host a public information meeting for the project in 2025 to present the proposed improvements and obtain feedback from residents prior to proceeding with detailed design and construction. The Phase I study is anticipated to be completed in 2025, with project costs yet to be determined.

• 108^th Avenue (159^th Street to 167^th Street)

This Cook County project is currently in Phase II Final Design Engineering, with the project focusing on roadway reconstruction, as well as an addition of a multi-use path. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025-26, with an estimated project cost of $15.9 million.

IDOT Project: Southwest Highway (135^th Street – 131^st Street)

The scope of this IDOT project consists of Reconstruction, Resurfacing, Drainage Improvements, Culvert Replacement, Traffic Signal Modernization, Pedestrian Accommodations, and Ditch Cleaning on IL Route 7 (Southwest Highway) from 135th Street to 131st Street.  IDOT began work on this $20 Million project in May of 2024 and anticipates completing this project in 2025.

Traffic and Safety

Orland Park has multiple safety and traffic improvement projects, including the 94th Avenue and 159th Street Intersection Safety Study planned for this year. The goal of the project is to identify improvements for vehicular and pedestrian safety that could be used for a subsequent design engineering contract. The intersection historically has the most crashes in the Village. The intersection involves three different jurisdictions: the Illinois Department of Transportation (159th Street, east and west legs), the Village of Orland Park (94th Avenue, north leg) and the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (94th Avenue, south leg). The study will also provide estimated engineering design and implementation costs. Improvements will be implemented when funds are available from the other two government agencies. The Village will pursue various grants through IDOT and Cook County to complete the recommended improvements.

Work Zone Safety

Between Village, IDOT, and Cook County projects, there will be several work zones throughout the area. The Village urges drivers to remain alert and practice caution to keep themselves and road workers safe. To help keep the roads as safe as possible, residents are strongly encouraged to practice these safe driving tips:

• Plan ahead. Expect delays, plan for them, and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
• Obey road crews and signs. When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, stopped or slow-moving vehicles, construction equipment, or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
• Slow down. Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
• Move over. Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
• Avoid distractions. Always keep your eyes on the road and off your phone.
• Watch for sudden stoppages. Do not make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.

For a list of Orland Park construction projects, locations, information, or to view the Village's live Roadway and Park Improvements maps, visit orlandpark.org/roads.