The Dixie Highway viaduct in Homewood will close on September 22, as announced by the village authorities. This is to accommodate a flood mitigation and resurfacing project by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Initially set to start in June, the project faced delays due to necessary utility work.
The closure will last at least 90 days. The project aims to address persistent flooding issues and enhance safety and drainage. Improvements will extend from Spruce Road to Park Avenue with new pavement and traffic patterns being part of the upgrades.
Detour routes are planned during the closure. Southbound drivers will turn onto 175th Street, go down Governors Highway, and continue on 183rd Street. Northbound drivers will take Ridge Road, Ashland Avenue, and then 171st Street.
The flooding problem has worsened after recent severe storms, including two EF-1 tornadoes in July and August. These storms highlighted the urgency to address drainage, prompting the project timeline to move up from its initial 2027 start. Homewood Public Works Director Joshua Burman cited frequent closures of the viaduct after heavy rain, emphasizing the necessity of this project.
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