Desplaines Valley News: Lyons Township officials recently hosted local government leaders to discuss stormwater management and infrastructure updates.

Supervisor Chris Getty, Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg, Assessor Patrick Hynes and Highway Commissioner Sean McDermott welcomed U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Vice President Theresa Flynn, the MWRD engineering team and representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation and Cook County.

The event, the township’s third annual Stormwater Mitigation Luncheon, took place in the Community Room of the township offices on Joliet Road in Countryside.

Hoffenberg opened the luncheon by introducing Casten, who addressed attendees about federal funding concerns.

“Due to uncertainty over a potential freeze on government grants and loans, I urge anyone with concerns about federal funding to reach out to my office,” Casten said.

Getty emphasized that stormwater flooding remains a significant issue in the township. Officials outlined ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at addressing infrastructure concerns.

Upcoming projects in Lyons Township include:

• I-55 (Stevenson Expressway): From Wolf Road to the Chinatown Feeder Ramp and at Illinois 50, work includes bridge deck expansion joint replacements, structure and substructure repairs, resurfacing, drainage repairs, new signage, lighting and surveillance equipment upgrades.
• I-55 and Harlem Avenue: Bridge replacement, intersection improvements, drainage work and new storm sewer installation.
• Harlem Avenue (63rd Street to 65th Street and BRC Railroad): Railroad grade separation, intersection reconstruction, drainage improvements and pedestrian and bicycle enhancements.
• Illinois 171 southbound to I-55 westbound over the Des Plaines River: Bridge deck overlays and joint repairs.
• Illinois 171 at Joliet Road and the BN Railroad Spur: Bridge deck overlay, joint replacement and repairs.
• Illinois 171 at IHB, south of 59th Street: Bridge deck overlay and joint replacement.

Ongoing projects include:

• East Avenue at 47th Street: Standard overlay, traffic signal installation, lighting, drainage work and railroad crossing improvements. The project is 15% complete.
• 55th Street from LaGrange Road to East Avenue: Standard overlay, widening, intersection improvements, traffic signal modernization, lighting, pavement markings and ADA improvements.
• 79th Street from Archer Avenue to Cicero Avenue: Standard overlay and ADA improvements. The project is 9% complete.
• Ogden Avenue at the IHB Railroad to east of Tilden Avenue: Bridge deck overlay, joint replacement and railroad coordination.
• Harlem Avenue from 78th Street to 90th Street: Traffic signal modernization and corridor improvements. The project is 5% complete.
• 55th Street east of I-294 to west of Plainfield Road: Standard overlay, intersection upgrades and ADA improvements. The project is 40% complete.

A Phase I engineering study is underway for Plainfield Road from County Line Road to East Avenue. The 3.5-mile corridor affects Burr Ridge, Countryside, Indian Head Park, La Grange, McCook, Western Springs and La Grange Highlands. The study focuses on safety improvements, enhanced connectivity, accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians and upgraded drainage infrastructure to meet projected 2050 travel demands.

Representatives from Novotny Engineering provided updates on drainage improvement projects in collaboration with MWRDGC in several municipalities. The MWRD also shared details on its ongoing and future stormwater projects. More information is available at mwrd.org.

Following the event, Getty expressed support for continuing the annual gathering.

“At the township, we’re happy to host the Flood Mitigation Conferences to connect local municipal leaders with the Water Reclamation District, county, state and federal officials,” Getty said. “These discussions and collaborations have proven to be successful, and I see these forums continuing.”

Hoffenberg echoed his sentiment, noting the event’s increasing impact.

“We are proud to bring together municipal leaders, public works professionals and engaged community members to discuss infrastructure and stormwater mitigation—two of the most pressing challenges facing local government,” Hoffenberg said. “This luncheon strengthens collaboration across sectors and ensures we implement smart, sustainable strategies that protect our communities and make the most of taxpayer resources.

“This was our third Stormwater Mitigation Luncheon, and we’ve seen a significant increase in projects around the township since we started hosting it,” she added. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease, as the saying goes, so we want to continue this event and possibly expand it next year to invite more members of the public.”

Hoffenberg said to her knowledge, Lyons Township is the only entity hosting a luncheon of this kind, but she hopes others will follow suit.

“Increased communication, collaboration and accountability benefit everyone,” she said.

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