10/14/2026
Road closures at Harlem
TRAFFIC ALERT: Harlem Avenue railroad crossing closure Oct. 19–24
Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, Canadian National (CN) Railroad will fully close Harlem Avenue just south of 26th Street for railroad crossing repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place until 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, weather permitting.
IDOT’s official detour will direct traffic to Ogden Avenue, First Avenue and Cermak Road. However, we expect some local drivers will look for shorter routes around the closure — and that could mean considerably more traffic on 26th Street and Riverside Drive/Home Avenue.
Riverside Drive/Home Avenue serves as an important north/south bicycle route through Berwyn and the intersection at 26th Street sits directly next to Morton West High School. Eastbound 26th Street also narrows to one through lane at Riverside Drive, with the second lane dedicated to left turns. Additional traffic in this already constrained area could create congestion, longer backups and increased driver frustration.
The map shows the railroad closure in red and the main likely local cut-through route in black.
We are especially concerned about students and families traveling to and from Morton West. People driving, biking and walking all rely on these streets during school arrival and dismissal, so additional traffic creates additional potential for conflict.
Please plan ahead next week:
- Drivers: Use the official detour when possible, allow extra travel time and slow down on local streets. Expect students walking and biking, especially near Morton West.
- Parents and caregivers: If your student walks or bikes independently, please talk with them about the expected increase in traffic and encourage extra caution at intersections and driveways.
- People walking and biking: Expect heavier-than-normal traffic around 26th Street, Riverside Drive and Home Avenue throughout the closure, and use caution.
We hope everyone will give themselves a little extra time, remain patient and look out for their neighbors next week.
