A stretch of Ridge Avenue between Noyes and Simpson Streets will shut down to traffic Wednesday, Aug. 12, as the city begins a four-phase water main replacement expected to last more than five weeks.

The full street closure takes effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday while crews install the new main. The project, overseen by the city's Capital Planning & Engineering Bureau, is scheduled to wrap up around Sept. 17, weather permitting.

The city is advising drivers to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes and follow posted signs and directions from construction personnel. No specific detour routes were named in the city's announcement.

Four phases, two full closures

Phase 1 (Wednesday, Aug. 12): New water main installation on Ridge Avenue. Full road closure between Noyes and Simpson, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phase 2 (approximately Thursday, Aug. 13 through Sept. 8, about 18 working days): Crews connect water services along Leonard Place. Ridge Avenue traffic will not be affected during this stretch. Ramped plates will keep the roadway accessible.

Phase 3 (approximately Sept. 9–10, one to two working days): Final utility connections requiring a second full closure of Ridge Avenue between Noyes and Simpson, again 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phase 4 (approximately Sept. 11–17, five working days): Road restoration and concrete pouring. No full closure, but temporary traffic controls will maintain two-way access. Overnight plates will protect the driving surface while concrete cures.

All phase dates are approximate and weather-dependent.

Who to contact

Assistant City Engineer Chris Sous is the project's point of contact and can be reached at [email protected]. The city said it will post construction updates, including changes to work hours and traffic impacts, at cityofevanston.org/news. An interactive construction map is also available on the city's ArcGIS page.

The planned replacement is distinct from the high-pressure gas line break that disrupted Ridge Avenue on Friday, Aug. 7, near 2145 Ridge Ave. That was an emergency incident handled by Nicor Gas.