Oak Park Avenue Will Reopen By Thanksgiving 2026
The village plans to reopen the street following an extensive $18 million infrastructure project.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Oak Park officials expect to reopen Oak Park Avenue to traffic by Thanksgiving 2026. The street has been closed since early March 2026 for a massive water, sewer, and streetscape renovation.
Why it matters
The $18 million project is replacing infrastructure over 100 years old, causing significant disruption for local businesses during construction. Some establishments have reported revenue losses as high as 50 percent while waiting for the work to conclude.
The $18 million project is modernizing utilities that are over 100 years old. Local businesses like George's Family Restaurant have reported revenue declines ranging from 30% to 50% during the construction period.
The players
George's Family Restaurant
This local business has reported a significant decrease in revenue due to the ongoing construction impacts.
Grape Leaves
Located at 129 S. Oak Park Ave., this business had to postpone a planned relocation to a larger space because of financial difficulties tied to the construction.
The details
Crews are currently working weekends on electrical, irrigation, and cement tasks to meet the holiday deadline. While the road is slated to open in November, finishing touches including pavement markings and spring plantings will continue into 2027.
Timeline
Construction on the streetscape project began in March 2026.
Business revenue declines were reported starting in May 2026.
The On the Road Again block party is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
Oak Park Avenue is expected to reopen by Thanksgiving 2026.
Pavement marking and spring plantings are scheduled for 2027.
Market Landscape
This project mirrors a national effort to replace critical municipal infrastructure that has reached the end of its intended lifespan. Such construction creates intense competitive pressure, forcing local businesses to navigate significant dips in customer traffic and revenue.
Residents and customers should prepare for the return of normal traffic flow and parking access on Oak Park Avenue by late November. Local businesses struggling with construction-related losses will look to the road reopening to stabilize their daily revenue streams.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects often create severe temporary financial challenges for nearby small businesses. Community members can support impacted local restaurants while navigating ongoing construction zones until the project concludes.
What happens next
The village will host the On the Road Again block party on November 14, 2026, ahead of the projected Thanksgiving reopening of the street.
Further reading
For more updates on local developments, see the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wednesday Journal.
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Should local governments provide direct financial aid to businesses impacted by long-term street construction?
