Work winding down on LaGrange Road bridge
The LaGrange Road (U.S. 12/20/45) bridge over Santa Fe Drive, the Canadian National Railroad, Illinois & Michigan Canal and the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal in Justice, Hodgkins, Countryside and Willow Springs reopened to traffic last week after a $21.4 million project that consisted of replacing the northbound bridge decks and new LED lighting as well as pier, abutment and structural steel repairs, according to a release from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The project began in March 2022.
IDOT officials said construction in the area is not finished, and as miscellaneous work is completed over the next few weeks, motorists should continue to expect occasional delays.
Also, other projects north and south of the bridge will continue to have an impact on traffic. One is replacing the elevated southbound La Grange Road ramp to Illinois 171/Archer Avenue/79th Street. The work zone has northbound La Grange Road reduced to one lane from 87th Street through the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) overpass. Southbound La Grange Road prior to the tollway overpass is reduced to two lanes and the ramp to inbound Archer Avenue is closed until the project is scheduled to be finished in late fall.
Another project, scheduled to start June 3, is a new deck overlay and joint repairs at La Grange Road over Interstate 55. LaGrange Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction once the project begins, with the outbound I-55-to-southbound La Grange Road and the inbound I-55-to-northbound La Grange Road ramps closing for approximately six weeks starting in late June.
H-F Park District plans Pride Fest June 7
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, and villages of Flossmoor and Homewood plan to celebrate the spirit of diversity and inclusion at Pride Fest, starting at 5 p.m. June 5 at Irwin Park, 18120 S. Highland Avenue, Homewood.
The event will include food and beverage sales, and resource and education vendors will be on site to provide information and support services. Six of Spades and The Bel Canto Community Choir will provide entertainment at the Irwin Park Band shell. Then, Beyond the Blonde, a tribute to P!NK, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga, takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Admission is free. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food, beverages and alcohol will be available for purchase from vendors; outside alcohol prohibited.
Homer Township set to celebrate pets
The Homer Township Petfest is planned from noon to 3 p.m. June 15 at Town Center Park, 14354 W 151st St., Homer Glen. Community members and visitors of all ages can discover options available for pets, participate in activities, shop for products, enter pet contests and find information for pet services, according to a news release.
Over 30 exhibitors are expected, including an exotic animal demonstration. Taco truck and ice cream trucks will sell food, and the first 250 attendees will receive a goody bag. Donations of pet food and horse food will be accepted for Chrislin Farm in Homer Township. All animals are welcome, but they must be up to date on shots and on a leash at all times. More information is at https://homertownship.com/.
Blessing of the Waters planed in Blue Island
The annual Blessing of the Waters is planned for 3 p.m. June 23 at the Blue Island Waterfall on the Cal Sag Channel. The waterfall, operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, is located at Chatham and Fulton Streets in Blue Island.
The event is open to everyone, especially environmentalists and any who use, respect and care to protect our planet’s most precious commodity: water, according to a news release.
The nondenominational, interactive ceremony to bless the water will be officiated by the Rev. MaryBeth Ingberg of Immanuel Church of God in Christ in Evergreen Park. There will be dixieland music provided by The Mudcats, along with refreshments and snacks. Each attendee will have the opportunity to offer blessings and prayer in their own, individual way, organizers said.
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