Lake Forest Viaduct Improvements Project To Begin Nov. 30

LAKE FOREST, IL — Work will soon begin along Deerpath Road and Rte. 41 in Lake Forest to address the flooding problem in that area, city officials recently confirmed. The mitigation project is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 30.

The $12 million project is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2022, city officials said.

A new pumping station will be constructed at the southwest corner of Ahwahnee Lane and Deerpath Road. The current equipment, initially installed in 1951, has been malfunctioning for years and must be replaced, city officials said. At the same time, new storm sewers will be installed and two detention ponds will be created on the Deerpath Golf Course. In addition, both lanes on Deerpath under Rte. 41 will be widened, and two dedicated left turn lanes will be created to improve safety and the flow of traffic at the intersection.

Signage will be installed throughout the area within the next week. Beginning next Monday, preparatory tree removal will begin.

City officials said they are working with IDOT to ensure that heritage trees in the area are protected and preserved to the extent possible. Excavation of the two ponds is anticipated to begin on or about Dec. 7. At that time, flaggers will be present to direct trucks entering and exiting Deerpath Golf Course.

Work will take place from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.