Route 21 work begins after Labor Day

The reconstruction and widening of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) in Libertyville is scheduled to begin after Labor Day, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The first stage of construction is north of Route 137 and will involve grading, tree removal and temporary pavement. Next spring, construction of new lanes will begin on the southbound side of Route 21. The $25 million project involves a second lane in each direction and an 18-foot wide landscaped median along the 2.2-mile route. A traffic signal will be installed at Casey Road and dual left- and right-turn lanes in each direction will be added at the Route 137 intersection. A multiuse path also will built beneath Route 21 near Casey Road.