If you drive along First Avenue south of Ogden Avenue, you might want to consider avoiding it.
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that beginning March 24 it will resume work on the bridge reconstruction project along First Avenue between 47th Street and 55th Street in Lyons, McCook and Summit.
Work is being done to reconstruct the eight bridges that span the Des Plaines River, Interstate 55 and the Sanitary and Ship Canal. The project includes widening the bridges and replacing the northbound bridge over I-55.
The I-55 interchange at First Avenue is also being reconstructed.
Traffic on First Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction, beginning March 24. Traffic will be shifted onto the recently constructed southbound lanes of First Avenue, and there could be occasional overnight lane closures and permanent shoulder closures on I-55 near First Avenue during the project.
And, beginning March 28, all ramps on northbound First Avenue will be closed to traffic, according to IDOT.
All lanes are expected to reopen in fall 2016 when the project is complete.
