Work On Dixie Highway Viaduct Moved Up, Will Begin In March: Village

HOMEWOOD, IL — In a renewed push to address longstanding flooding issues, the Illinois Department of Transportation has moved up the start of needed infrastructure work at the Dixie Highway viaduct in Homewood, officials said.

Work will begin at the viaduct in March 2026, with construction expected to continue through approximately October 2026, officials said on the Village website.

The "comprehensive improvement project" includes critical drainage work beneath the viaduct, along with new pavement and updated traffic patterns from Spruce Road to Park Avenue, the Village said.

Although the project was originally scheduled for 2027, IDOT has accelerated the timeline after determining that the drainage issues needed to be addressed sooner to help reduce repeated flooding. Bidding for the project officially began in January 2026.

Homewood residents can anticipate that the viaduct will be fully closed for a minimum of 90 days. The Village will notify residents when the closures will start as soon as they are notified, officials said.

Detour routes will be posted in advance, and Public Works will have message boards and signage to direct drivers, officials said.

"The good news is that while the temporary closure will be inconvenient and probably on the annoying side for many, this project is expected to provide a long-term solution to flooding under the viaduct and to improve roadway safety, drainage performance, and overall reliability once construction is complete," the Village said.

Additional updates, including specific closure dates, detours, and construction milestones, will be shared on the Village's Facebook, in its digital newsletter, and through the Village of Homewood app.