Community members invited to press conference about completion of 154th St. renovations

The public is invited to attend a press conference with elected officials on Dec. 23 at 11:00 A.M. to mark the completion of improvements downtown Harvey. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 154th St. and Broadway Ave.

The 154th St. commercial strip has been closed between Broadway Ave. and Wood St. since this summer. State and federal officials will be present. The multimillion improvement project began in June with anticipated completion in November. But the project ran behind schedule and became a sore spot for downtown business owners, as it diverted consumer traffic away from the area.

Read the full press release from city spokesperson Glenn Harston II below:

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks $4.2 Million 154th Street Reconstruction Completion

HARVEY, Ill. — After months of closure to motorists and pedestrians, 154th Street is officially reopening, marking the completion of a $4.2 million reconstruction project that transformed the roadway from Wood Street to Broadway. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Monday, December 23, 202[4], at 11 a.m. at 154^th and Broadway to celebrate this significant milestone.

The extensive project included the installation of new curbs, freshly laid gutters, and a fully reconstructed roadway, eliminating potholes and enhancing infrastructure. During construction, workers uncovered historic trolley tracks and original brick pavers, connecting the project to the area’s history.

The improvements were made possible through funding from Cook County, the Regional Transportation Authority, The Nature Conservancy, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additional support came from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Rebuild Illinois Funds, Invest in Cook Programs, and other infrastructure-focused initiatives.

Key goals of the project included:

·       Upgrading roadway conditions for safer travel.

·       Enhancing drainage and reducing street flooding.

·       Installing green infrastructure to improve water quality and manage runoff.

·       Incorporating enhanced safety measures for all users.

“This project not only improves the roadway but also addresses critical environmental and safety concerns,” said Mayor Christopher J. Clark. “It’s a testament to what can be achieved when the community, government, and organizations work together for the betterment of our neighborhoods.”

Event Details

·       What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 154th Street reconstruction

·       When: Monday, December 23, 2025, at 11 a.m.

·       Where: 154^th and Broadway 

Members of the community, local officials, and representatives from the funding organizations are invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate this achievement.

Confirmed speakers include Mayor Christopher J. Clark, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, and Illinois State Rep. William Davis.

About the Funding Partners

·       Cook County: Provided funding through the DCEO and Invest in Cook Programs.

·       Regional Transportation Authority: Supported infrastructure improvements.

·       The Nature Conservancy: Contributed to green infrastructure elements.

·       EPA: Played a key role in ensuring environmental compliance and sustainability.

·       IDOT: Funded the project through Rebuild Illinois, a statewide initiative to enhance transportation infrastructure.