Residents' Ideas Needed For Southwest Highway Improvement Study

OAK LAWN, IL — The Village of Oak Lawn is seeking community input on a study to improve Southwest Highway. The community survey will be launched this Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Oak Lawn Farmers Market, Dumke Drive at 52nd Avenue Dumke Drive at 52nd Avenue (behind the library). Residents are invited to stop by and participate in the survey.

The village is embarking upon an exciting planning effort for Southwest Highway. The goal of this study is to develop a more welcoming environment for walking and biking, to identify economic development opportunities, and to reinforce a sense of place in our community. Partially funded by Cook County, the Southwest Highway planning efforts include the areas between 93rd Street (northeast) and Ridgeland Avenue (southwest).

Corridor improvements may include improved traffic operations, enhanced streetscaping and landscaping, and guidance for private development. Residents and businesses are encouraged to share their creative ideas to help make Southwest Highway corridor the best it can be.

As part of the project kickoff, the consultant team will attend the Oak Lawn Farmers Market, Wednesday Oct. 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by to visit with the consultant team to provide your input.

The community survey will remain online until Nov. 19, with a possible extension. Residents can also learn about upcoming public meetings and events to view project documents by visiting the Southwest Highway Corridor Plan, or shoot an email to Tr. Paul Mallo (Dist. 3) at pmallo@oaklawn-il.gov. An open house for the public is planned for the near future.

The Village of Oak Lawn has been planning for the future of our corridors for many years. Past efforts related to the current study along Southwest Highway include the 95th Street Corridor Plan (partially funded by CMAP) and Ridgeland Avenue Corridor Plan (partially funded by the RTA).