ROSCOE VILLAGE — Time to dig deep, motorists, and gut out one more lane closure as the Western-Belmont overpass replacement project nears the finish line.
Final paving of the stretch of Western Avenue between Waveland and the Chicago River bridge, including Belmont, is set for next week, with traffic reduced to a single lane in each direction while crews lay down fresh asphalt.
The work will be done during off-peak hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., over the course of four to five nights weather permitting, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.
Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes.
The stretch of Western from the river bridge south to Diversey is tentatively set for paving June 27 through July 1, according to an update from Ald. Deb Mell (33rd).
After a break for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, daytime single lane closures on Western Avenue will continue into August to allow for final pavement markings, miscellaneous finish work and punch list items.
Once the project is completed, three lanes of traffic will be open in each direction on Western Avenue during rush hours.
Demolition of the former Western-Belmont overpass, which was built in 1961 to relieve congestion around the former Riverview Amusement Park, began in March 2016.
Drivers will no longer sail over the Western-Belmont-Clybourn junction, but will instead converge on a five-leg grade-level intersection.
