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3rd Ward E-News for 3/10/26

Pat Dowell Ward 3 📞 773-373-9273 ✉️ [email protected]
Relevance: 1/10

Summary

The Third Ward aldermanic office announces a major water main replacement along 43rd St. and Vernon Ave., with phased construction, water shutdowns, and lead service line replacement scheduled over 120 days. Residents will see temporary parking restrictions and one lane remaining open during work hours, with advance notice of shutdowns. The office also promotes the 3rd‑4th‑5th Ward Job and Resource Fair and updates on vote‑by‑mail postmark rule changes.

Email from Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward

In This Issue

  • 3rd, 4th, and 5th Ward Job and Resource Fair
  • Vote By Mail Postmark Rule Changes
  • 43rd St. from Prairie to Cottage Grove/Vernon and 43rd St. Water Main Project
  • Spring Ahead Career Fair
  • ComEd Power For Good Grants

43rd St. from Prairie to Cottage Grove, Vernon from 43rd St. to Alley South - Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project


The Chicago Department of Water Management will be replacing the existing water main, water service transfers, and lead service lines (LSLR) at the following locations:


  • 43rd St., from Prairie Ave. to Cottage Grove Ave.
  • Vernon Ave., from 43rd St. to the alley south


The new pipe will be fully installed for each phase before any planned water shutdowns. Installation typically takes 4–5 days per block.


Estimated schedule:

Pipe Installation and Testing is scheduled to take 120 Calendar Days. Water Service Transfers/LSLR + Final Connections + Concrete Road base another 60 Calendar Days. Restoration (Flat work and paving) an estimated 30 Calendar Days.

  • Phase 1 -43rd St from Prairie to MLK
  • Phase 2 – 43rd St from MLK to St Lawerence 
  • Phase 3 – 43rd St from St Lawrence to Cottage Grove
  • Phase 4 – Vernon Ave from 43rd St to alley south 


Parking Restrictions

  • “No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
  • Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends.
  • Signs will be placed 48 hours before work begins and will be limited to the block where work is actively taking place or being staged.
  • “No Parking” signs will only be posted within the limits of the block where work is taking place and will be moved down to the next block as work progresses accordingly. Posting will be done one block at a time.


Traffic and Lane Closures

  • Construction will occur on the north side of the street.
  • Local traffic may be limited during work hours due to staging of trucking and the movements of other machinery needed to perform the work.
  • One lane will always remain accessible for traffic, including busses.


Water Shutdowns

  • Planned water shutdowns will be communicated at least 3 days in advance to affected buildings.
  • All planned shutdowns will also be included in our weekly update emails.
  • Emergency shutdowns may occur due to the age of existing infrastructure. If this happens, residents will be notified immediately.
  • Some shutdowns (planned or emergency) may require a boil water notice issued by the Department of Water Quality. We will notify residents if this is required.


Water main testing

  • After installation, the new water main will be tested for about one week.
  • Testing includes pressure testing and disinfection.
  • This phase may take longer if private drains need to be replaced before testing can begin.


Water Service Transfers / Lead service Line Replacement (LSLR)

  • Once testing is complete and approved, water services will be transferred from the old main to the new one.
  • Lead service lines will be replaced during this phase.
  • This work can take about three weeks per block. The deration is dependent on the following:
  • The total number of services to be transferred within the parkway.
  • The number of lead services which need to be replaced to the building.
  • Homeowner responsiveness to schedule replacement activities.


Final Connections and Concrete Road Base

  • After all buildings are connected to the new water main, final connections will be made to fully remove the old main from service.
  • These shutdowns will not affect buildings already connected to the new water main.
  • Some buildings outside the project area (but within the Ward) may be impacted.
  • Advance notice will be provided with clear details on affected areas.
  • Once all underground work is complete, restoration of the water main and service trenches with concrete will begin. 

Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward | 5046 South State Street | Chicago, IL 60609 US
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