City officials say improvements at 111th Street and Roberts Road, in front of Stagg High School, are almost finished, part of a series of projects moving forward across town.
Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett called the intersection work the result of years of planning, during The Committee of Whole meeting, Thursday, Sept. 18. “We are very happy with how this has turned out,” he said. “This was part of a vision and plan set in motion about eight years ago, and it has become a great project for the city.”
Commissioner Nick Oeffling said that the project is wrapping up. “The planters went in today,” he said. “It’s looking good, and it’ll finish up soon.”
Work began in April with sidewalk replacement on the southeast corner, followed by resurfacing, new median features, and upgrades to the traffic signals.
The intersection now features new streetscape elements and decorative planters on all four corners – upgrades Bennett described as the culmination of years of planning.
Alderman Mark Brachman also spoke about the city’s street overlay program, which began the week of Sept. 22.
Brachman told the council that milling is set to begin right away, with paving expected to wrap up by the end of October.
The program involves putting a new layer of asphalt over existing road surfaces, improving safety, and enhancing ride quality. “It keeps our streets in good shape year after year,” Brachman said.
Brachman also reported that bids for the regional water project came in under budget.
The pipeline work was awarded for just over $1.3 million. Landscaping at the golf course, connected to the project, went to Earthwerks Land Improvement at about $1.22 million, also under estimate.
“Both bids came in under budget,” Brachman said, adding that construction is expected to begin later this year.
Bennett added that the project is tied to lake improvements, which require a new pumping station at the city’s golf course. The station will be built right along the fence on the golf course and is expected to be completed by March 2026.
“That lake project has been in the works for years, and it requires the new pumping station,” Bennett said. “It’s not a big building, but it’s an important piece of the project.”