Commuters in eastern Lake Forest can expect traffic disruptions over the coming months as the city undertakes construction on two Lake Road bridges.
Demolition of a bridge on Lake Road just north of Woodbine Road started Jan. 12 in the first phase of a replacement project expected to last about nine months, according to city spokeswoman Dana Olson.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation work on the nearby Lake and Spruce Road bridge is scheduled to begin at the end of March.
The Lake and Woodbine replacement follows more than a decade of planning. City officials began discussing the project in 2012, with the effort entering the design phase in 2023 and later receiving approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the State Historic Preservation Officer.
“It’s the most critical bridge project in the city,” City Manager Jason Wicha said during a June 2025 City Council meeting.
The bridge, originally installed in 1912 and rehabilitated in 1977, will be fully replaced at an estimated cost of $4.7 million. Federal and state grants will cover $3.7 million, with the city funding the remainder.
During construction, Lake Road will be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the bridge site, though local access will remain available on either side for residents. Detours will be posted.
At the same time, crews will rehabilitate the bridge at Lake and Spruce roads. The project includes replacing the bridge deck, adding new sidewalks and railings, and resurfacing the roadway approaches. That bridge was originally installed in 1978.
The Spruce Road project is estimated to cost $2.2 million and will be fully funded by the city.
Work on both projects is expected to occur from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, if necessary.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
