Comings & Goings: County approves $37 million Central Avenue bridge project

By Bob Bong

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved $37 million for the reconstruction of the Central Avenue bridge over the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal in Stickney and Forest View. 

An additional $1.7 million was approved to replace sidewalk curb ramps along roadways throughout the county.  

The projects are designed to boost economic development, build up regional transportation and improve the quality of life throughout Cook County.  

The first project provides $32 million for a three-year, three-phase reconstruction of the Central Avenue bridge over the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal.  

Another $4.7 million was allocated for construction management services for the project.  

The project is expected to begin this summer on the southbound lanes. Work on the northbound lanes will be done in 2024. Work on the median is scheduled for the summer of 2025. During construction, the bridge capacity will be reduced from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction. Work is expected to be completed in late 2025. 

Lorig Construction Co. is the contractor for the construction project. Michael Baker International is the contractor for the management services for the project.

“We must continue to bring infrastructure funding to our communities,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar (D-16^th).  “Repairing the Central Avenue Bridge will allow for more people to take advantage of the amazing things Stickney, Forestview, and the rest of the 16th District has to offer. It increases accessibility, for residents to receive medical care, for residents to participate in community events, for residents to frequent local businesses, and much more. I will continue to look for more ways to improve our streets and transportation infrastructure.”

New York realty group expands footprint 

A New York-based realty group that had previously acquired shopping malls in Matteson, Calumet City, Bourbonnais and the Southwest Side of Chicago expanded its Southland footprint with the recent purchase of Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet. 

Namdar Realty of Long Island ponied up $31.4 million for the mall, which has lost two of its anchor stores in recent years but still has a healthy tenant base. 

Namdar got its start in 1999 and in recent years had acquired Ford City Mall in Chicago, River Oaks Mall in Calumet City, Northfield Square in Bourbonnais and Matteson Town Center in Matteson. 

The Joliet property includes more than 125 acres and about 940,000 square feet of leasable space near Route 30 and Interstate 55 exit for Joliet and Plainfield. 

 If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.