Traffic delays expected as bridge and roadwork begins in Summit

Commuters in Summit should expect major delays on Archer Road starting July 15, when state crews begin repairs on a deteriorating bridge over the Indiana Harbor Belt railroad tracks.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is set to begin a joint replacement and deck overlay project on the bridge between 59th and 60th streets. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and village officials say the disruption will be the first in a series of construction headaches this summer.

“We have a triple punch on the way,” said Summit Village Administrator Jerry Hurckes.

Hurckes said the sidewalk on the bridge has shifted significantly, creating safety concerns for pedestrians. 

While the structure will be repaired, he said the sidewalk will remain out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“The cement on the sidewalk area of the bridge has moved a lot and it’s not safe to walk on,” Hurckes said. “IDOT told us they can’t widen it, so it won’t be made ADA-compliant. It’s an old, old bridge with no room to expand.”

He said IDOT will repair the sidewalk’s concrete surface to reduce tripping hazards but won’t make it accessible for wheelchairs.

The bridge project is just one of several planned disruptions in the village this summer and next year. 

Later this summer, IDOT will resurface Archer Avenue from Ogden Avenue to just east of Harlem Avenue.

Hurckes said both summer projects are expected to be completed before a major sewer installation begins in 2026 on Harlem Avenue.

“That sewer work will eventually go down Archer Avenue and head west,” Hurckes said.

To manage the expected traffic backups, Summit recently converted 73rd and 74th avenues to one-way streets.

“We knew the traffic impact would be significant,” Hurckes said. “We’ve been working on this for four to five years. There’ve been engineering studies, car counts, speed counts. Our hope is that the one-way streets will help traffic flow better through town.”