Introducing Audrey Nixon Boulevard, newly reconstructed 14th Street

The Lake County Board, cities of North Chicago and Waukegan, and the Lake County Division of Transportation along with members of the community gathered to celebrate the newly named Audrey Nixon Boulevard, and the completion of the 14th Street reconstruction project.

The ceremony remembered and recognized the many accomplishments of Audrey Nixon, as 14th Street, from Green Bay Road to Sheridan Road, was renamed to Audrey Nixon Boulevard. Nixon served on the Lake County Board from 1982-2017 and was the long-term distinguished chairwoman of the county's Board Law and Judicial Committee.

Lake County Board Chairwoman Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Vice Chairwoman Mary Ross-Cunningham, and Lake County Board Member Angelo Kyle all shared personal stories from their time on the board with Nixon, including about what a passionate community leader and cherished friend she was.

At the end of the ceremony, attendees took photos with an Audrey Nixon Boulevard sign and were able to take the short walk to see the newly constructed road.

14th Street, from IL 131 to Jackson Street, was reconstructed using a 'road diet' concept to reduce the lanes from four to three, with a lane of traffic in each direction and a center turn lane. This newly designed road reflects the traffic needs of the area, while adding a sidewalk on the south side and a bike path on the north side to expand nonmotorized travel options for walkers, runners and bikers. These paths were also connected to the Greenbelt Forest Preserve and Robert McClory Bike Path.

The project also included the conversion of the four-way stop at 14th Street and Dugdale Road to a newly constructed roundabout. All lanes of traffic on Audrey Nixon Boulevard are now open, and only a few punchlist items such as final landscaping remains.

The reconstruction of 14th Street had been on Lake County's radar for decades. The original funding request for this reconstruction project dates back to 1999. After years of coordination with the local community and working through the public involvement process, construction on 14th Street began in 2019.

The Lake County Division of Transportation thanks everyone for their support and patience throughout the length of the entire project.