The Homewood Village Board approved an agreement with HR Green Inc. for Phase 2 engineering and design work for downtown crosswalk improvements at the April 14 meeting.
The agreement, not to exceed $100,000, will support the design of high-visibility crosswalks and related pedestrian safety upgrades at several key intersections throughout the downtown area, Homewood Assistant Village Manager Terence Acquah said.
The project builds on recommendations from the village’s 2024 Downtown Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan, which identified pedestrian improvements aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity and access to local destinations, Acquah said.
Phase 2 builds on earlier improvements completed under Phase 1, which included designs for upgrades to several downtown intersections and came in under budget, allowing the village to use that additional funding for continued work, he said.
Related story: Homewood Board approves contract with HR Green for crosswalk improvements (July 12, 2025).
According to Acquah, Phase 2 work will include engineering and design for crosswalks at five intersections. The first three of the five were identified as priorities due to serving as links between surrounding neighborhoods, the Metra station and the downtown area:
- Dixie Highway and Olive Road.
- Dixie Highway and Hickory Road.
- Ridge Road and Gottschalk Avenue.
- Ridge Road and Highland Avenue.
- Ridge Road and Gladville Avenue.
The plans also call for Americans with Disabilities-accessible curb ramps and the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, he said.
The village previously approved HR Green to complete Phase I engineering in July 2025 at a cost of $24,095. The firm was selected for Phase II due to its familiarity with the project and prior work, Acquah said.
Funding for the second phase comes from the village’s general capital fund, with a total of $100,905 available for engineering work. The village also secured funding through the Regional Transportation Authority’s Access to Transit program, which may reimburse up to $55,000 in eligible engineering costs. The funding is expected to lower the village’s share of the costs for the three prioritized crosswalks, he said.
According to Acquah, the improvements are especially important as the village anticipates increased pedestrian traffic tied to planned redevelopment projects in the downtown area, including at 2066 Ridge Road and 2024 Chestnut Road.
Staff plans to work towards the start of Phase 1 construction once final permitting is approved from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The permit review process is expected to be completed within the next several weeks, Acquah said.
Related stories:
- Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission recommends new downtown master plan, comments on parking, traffic issues (April 19, 2024).
- Homewood trustees applaud, approve new downtown plan (May 1, 2024).
