What’s Being Built at Archer and 135th?

Lemont Patch readers have been asking, “What’s  being built at the corner of Archer Avenue (Route 171) and 135th Street, across from Kohl’s and Target? Is it a shopping center, restaurant, gym – or even a movie theater?”

The answer is: none of the above.

James Brown, the Village of Lemont's Planning and Economic Development Director, said the construction is part of a road-widening project that's outside Lemont's jurisdiction.

The project is actually in Homer Township in Will County. According to George Catalano, assistant county engineer for Will County, the project involves realigning 135th Street  to feed into Archer Avenue (Route 171) at a 90-degree angle.

The estimated $3.4 million project will include creation of a detention basin, realignment of the creekbed of Long Run Creek and raising the profile of 135th Street, the engineer said.

Once completed, 135th Street will include four lanes with a median and curb and gutter. Depending on the weather, Catalano estimates the construction project will be completed by next fall.