City of Lake Forest, IL

Latest Construction Updates
Updated: 5/1/23

The ComEd Bridge that carries the Skokie Valley Bike Path over Deerpath Road is now open! ComEd's contractor will be completing some cleanup activities in the area over the next few weeks.

Description
The pedestrian bridge on Deerpath Road that runs parallel to Route 41 is owned by ComEd and will be replaced to increase its capacity to support maintenance vehicles and equipment. 

Background
While this is a ComEd project, City staff has met numerous times with ComEd over the past year to review tentative project construction schedules and encourage ways to limit impacts to residents. ComEd is paying the total cost for the replacement of the bridge.

Timeline
Construction resumes this fall with heavy construction activity expected to be completed by May 2023.

Location
The project area is on Deerpath Road just east of Route 41 and west of Ahwahnee Lane.

Anticipated Impacts
Even though this is a ComEd project, the City will communicate early and often about the expected impacts during construction. During construction, you can expect:

• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the Skokie Valley Bike Path will be rerouted from the path to Laurel Avenue or Westleigh Road. The new bridge and Skokie Valley Bike Path are expected to re-open by late April 2023. View the Bike Path Detour Map.
• Expect intermittent lane closures with a flagger directing traffic while ComEd works on the two bridge abutments. To limit traffic impacts, the contractor has been instructed to avoid lane closures on weekdays during peak commute hours (i.e., 7-8 am, 3-4 pm).
• The north and south sidewalks in the area will be closed while the contractor is working on the two bridge abutments.
• Intermittent lane closures to complete final project construction.

Stay Informed
Our goal is to limit surprises and ensure neighbors are aware of construction activities. Prior to construction there will be mailed notification, signage in the project area, email communications, and additional outreach efforts. To receive email or text/SMS alerts on the status of this project, register your contact information at cityoflakeforest.com/enotify.

Construction Contact
Engineering Assistant Bernard Pondexter, 847.810.3556, pondextb@cityoflakeforest.com

Sign up for electronic notifications
To receive email or text/SMS alerts on the status of this project, register your contact information at cityoflakeforest.com/enotify.