Milwaukee Avenue project to start:

The $23 million project to widen Milwaukee Avenue from Route 137 north in the Libertyville area will begin Thursday, March 22 weather permitting, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The two-year project is intended to eliminate a bottleneck and enhance safety on the two-mile stretch to near Route 120 and involves the widening of the Milwaukee/Route 137 intersection. Initially, the project will involve bridge demolition where the road crosses Bull Creek. One lane in each direction will be maintained but they will be reduced in width. All traffic eventually will be shifted to the east side of Milwaukee Avenue while new lanes are built on the west side. The project will widen the roadway from one to two lanes in each direction. Drivers should plan alternate routes or allow extra time when driving through the construction zone.