EDGEWATER — Construction crews are "a bit ahead of schedule" on replacing thousands of feet of century-old water mains on Sheridan Road, a city official said.
The project has snarled traffic since the work began earlier this month between Thorndale Avenue and West Sheridan Road, at Loyola University's campus.
"We want to express our deep thanks for the spirit and patience you have shown during this project," Department of Water Management assistant commissioner Tom LaPorte wrote in a letter to residents in the area.
LaPorte said traffic immediately around the construction area would be reduced to just one lane with a crew member directing traffic on Saturday as crews finish installing the 2,837 feet of the 8-inch water main.
He said it should be the final weekend shutdown.
Two southbound lanes have remained open during morning rush-hour traffic, and two northbound lanes have remained open during the evening rush.
But during the day, North Sheridan has been reduced to only two lanes.
Motorists have been encouraged to use Broadway as an alternate route during construction.
LaPorte said Sheridan Road should reopen after the Chicago Department of Transportation resurfaces the street after Labor Day.
The closures have given commuters a taste of what's to come this fall during the planned resurfacing of North Sheridan, between Hollywood Avenue and West Sheridan.