Fall Construction Roundup

As fall approaches, the City has several construction and capital improvement projects underway or getting started. Below is a roundup of what to expect. For real-time updates and full project details, check the City's interactive construction map and Construction Newsletter page.

Infrastructure & Utilities

Water Main Work on Ridge Avenue: The City has begun water main construction on Ridge Avenue between Noyes and Simpson Streets. Work will continue in four phases through about September 17: main installation (Aug. 12, full closure), Leonard Place service connections (Aug. 13–Sept. 8, no Ridge Avenue impact), final utility connections (Sept. 9–10, full closure), and roadway restoration (Sept. 11–17, two-way access maintained). All dates are weather-dependent. Drivers should expect delays.

CDBG Sidewalk Improvements and Gap Infills: The City will continue sidewalk improvements throughout August and September as part of the 2026 CDBG Sidewalk Improvements and Gap Infills Project. In August, new sidewalks will be installed along Lake Street between McDaniel and Fowler Avenues and along Dewey Avenue between Howard and Dobson Streets, filling existing gaps where sidewalks do not currently exist. In September, existing sidewalks will be replaced along Ridge and Dodge Avenues between Howard and Mulford Streets. Construction schedules are weather-dependent. Drivers, pedestrians, and residents should expect temporary impacts and follow posted construction signage.

Transit Stops: Beginning in late August and continuing into early September, the City will be installing new concrete transit stop pads at various locations throughout Evanston. These improvements will create more accessible, ADA-compliant boarding areas for transit riders and provide a more stable and accessible connection between the sidewalk and transit vehicles. Work will occur at multiple locations throughout the City and may require temporary pedestrian or parking impacts during construction. Construction schedules are weather-dependent, and residents should follow posted signage and use designated pedestrian routes around active work areas.

Sidewalk Improvement Program: The City is continuing construction for this program, which includes the replacement of deteriorated sidewalks at various locations throughout the City. Phase I locations were identified based on sidewalk condition and established program criteria, with additional locations included through the City’s 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program. Work will continue throughout the construction season as crews address sidewalk deficiencies and improve pedestrian accessibility. Residents and pedestrians should expect temporary impacts around active work areas, including short-term sidewalk closures and construction activity. Construction schedules are weather-dependent, and contractors will coordinate access as work progresses. Work is expected to continue into late August.

Pedestrian Crossing Improvements: The City is completing improvements along Emerson Street at Dewey Avenue, Hartrey Avenue at Dodge Avenue and Foster Street, and McCormick Street at Prairie Avenue. Improvements include curb extensions, a median refuge island, pavement restriping, sidewalk improvements, and new LED flashing pedestrian crossing signs to enhance pedestrian visibility, accessibility, and safety. Work is expected to be completed by August 24.

Facility & Park Improvements

Leahy Park Fieldhouse: Restroom upgrades and ADA-accessibility compliance work begin in late August and run through November.

Robert Crown Center Storage Upgrades: Construct dedicated storage bays and refrigerated storage for programming. Work is scheduled to begin in September and be completed in November.

Levy Center Kitchen Upgrades: Renovate the existing commercial kitchen. Work is scheduled to begin in late August and continue through late October.

James Park Playground and Pathway Renovations: Renovate the park’s playground, pathways surrounding the existing fieldhouse, and sections of the multi-use trail. Work is scheduled to begin in late August and be completed in December.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Exterior Improvements: Construct a new patio and exterior classroom space immediately east of Fleetwood. Work is underway and scheduled to be completed in October.

Burnham Shores, Snyder Park, and Eggleston Park Playground Renovations: Renovate the existing playground. Work is scheduled to occur this fall.

Chandler Tot Lot Renovation: Renovate the existing playground and basketball court. Work is underway and scheduled to be completed in October.

Cartwright Park Renovations: Located at 3324 Grant St. Renovations include a new children's playground, gazebo, pavement, drainage system, security lighting, site amenities and landscaping, plus improvements to the basketball and tennis courts. Work is underway and scheduled to be completed in October.

Fitzsimons Park Renovations: Located at 1033 Elmwood Ave. Renovations include a new playground, pavement, site amenities, and landscaping. Work is underway and scheduled to be completed in October.