Arlington Heights Road project begins Monday

Drivers on North Arlington Heights Road this weekend should really take a minute to enjoy it.

Starting Monday, Arlington Heights Road from Rand Road north to University Drive will be narrowed from four lanes to two while workers repave and improve the roadway, curbs and gutters, said Hassan Mohebbi, senior project manager with the Cook County Highway Department.

"The road will always have one lane open in each direction, but of course people should avoid that area during this time, if they can," Mohebbi said.

The $1.7 million project will last until November.

All of the curbs, gutters and storm sewers will be replaced and the entire portion of the road will be resurfaced, Mohebbi said. The manhole covers will also be replaced and many of the raised medians will be flattened to make it easier for drivers to turn into parking lots along North Arlington Heights Road, he said.

"It's mostly just maintenance," Mohebbi said. "It's probably been 15 or 20 years since that portion of the road has been repaved."

Most of the work will be done from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays although some work could take place on Saturdays, he said. The two lanes will be closed even when workers aren't at the site, Mohebbi said.

Village officials also want to include four landscaped medians with grass and possibly trees on this portion of Arlington Heights Road. The median improvements will cost around $100,000. The village board is expected to approve the expenditure on Monday.