Flood Mitigation Project

The Village knows flooding is a real worry for many residents in our community, and the Village has spent millions of dollars over the past 20 years to improve stormwater management. We also know that our work is not done and, with the increased frequency and intensity of rain events in recent years, the needs have increased and become more urgent.

The Village is moving forward with engineering for a number of projects that will mitigate the risk of flooding in several neighborhoods and the Flossmoor Road viaduct and we want to keep residents informed. The Village is also actively seeking grant funding for the construction of those projects that we cannot afford on our own. If you are aware of a flooding area that has not been discussed with the Village, please contact us so we can review the situation and help address the problem.

Flossmoor Road Viaduct Drainage Improvements

In 2022, the first phase of the Flossmoor Road Viaduct Drainage Improvement project was completed, which was the Berry Lane Drainage Improvements Project. The next phase of the overall project is currently underway. This phase includes construction of a detention basin near Heather Hill Elementary School. This final portion of the project will involve the installation of a large-scale storm sewer from the viaduct, south on Sterling Avenue to Maryland Avenue, and south on Lawrence Crescent to the Heather Hill Elementary School site. This improvement will be bring flood relief to the viaduct and adjacent Central Business District. Further, this project will bring the Berry Lane Drainage Improvements to full completion by the addition of the detention basin.

Richwood Terrace Drainage Issue

The Richwood Terrace subdivision off of Holbrook Road continues to experience severe flooding throughout the subdivision, especially on the east side in rear yard areas during heavy storm events. Staff suspects that this flooding is due to an undersized culvert under Holbrook Road.

Recent Updates

Staff has been working with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways to see if the proposed culvert improvements under Holbrook Road can be included in an upcoming roadway rehabilitation project that the County is currently developing for Holbrook Road.

803/807 Latimer Lane Drainage Issue

During heavier rainfall events, Latimer Lane floods between Marston Lane and Cummings Lane. When this area floods, water reaches the house located at 807 Latimer Lane. This seems to be the result of a storm sewer capacity issue. In order to address this, additional analysis will be completed to determine the necessary improvement to mitigate the flooding.

Small Drainage Improvement Projects

Each year, Public Works staff identifies drainage issues that are reported by residents, and our Residential Drainage Improvement Program. If the drainage issue involves the potential of flooding damage to a structure, staff works to identify a solution to fix the issue and then prioritizes the improvements each year to see what can be completed with our Storm Sewer Fund budget.

Once the projects are designed and contractor quotes are received, staff will bring the projects to the Village Manager or Village Board (if needed) for approval to proceed. If you are aware of a flooding area that has not been discussed with the Village, please contact us so we can review the situation and help address the problem. Further, if you have questions about other areas not included in this update, please contact the Department of Public Works at 708-957-4100.