Community Invited to Groundbreaking Ceremony for Multi-Phase Project Aimed at Addressing Chronic Flooding
North Chicago residents are invited to a press conference and groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. to mark the start of construction on Phase 1 of the Lewis Avenue Detention Basin and Drainage Improvement Project. This critical infrastructure initiative will address chronic and severe flooding within the Southwest Pettibone Creek Watershed, an area long impacted by an undersized and aging storm sewer system. The event will take place at the project site located at 1850 Lewis Avenue.
This $1.7 million construction phase is being funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development. Construction will be completed by Berger Contractors, with Trotter and Associates, Inc. providing engineering design and construction oversight services.
Phase 1 includes the construction of a large stormwater detention basin on a vacant parcel near Lewis Avenue and 20th Street. The basin will store approximately 20.5 acre-feet of stormwater, which is equivalent to more than 20 football fields covered with one foot of water! This basin will reduce peak stormwater flows, relieve strain on the existing drainage system, and significantly mitigate downstream flooding. Environmental enhancements will include a low-flow channel and wetland vegetation to improve water quality.
Upon completion of both Phase 1 and 2, this stormwater improvement project is expected to significantly reduce flooding frequency and severity, benefiting approximately 742 residences and over 900 structures. The multi-phase improvements will enhance public safety, protect private property, and strengthen overall infrastructure resilience.
“This project represents a major step forward in addressing long-standing flooding challenges in our community,” said Leon Rockingham Jr. “For too long, residents in the Southwest Pettibone Creek watershed have dealt with the impacts of an aging and undersized stormwater system. This investment not only strengthens our infrastructure, but also protects homes, improves public safety, and enhances the quality of life for hundreds of families. We are proud to move this critical initiative forward.”
“Over the past five years, with the support of the City Council, we have secured $55 million in grants and infrastructure funding to advance critical projects across the City of North Chicago. Strong infrastructure is the foundation for achieving our strategic economic and community development goals. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to clearly communicate the City’s needs and deliver meaningful results. These investments not only strengthen our community today but also position North Chicago for long-term growth and opportunity,” Mayor Rockingham added.
QUICK FACTS
OVERVIEW: The Lewis Avenue Detention Basin and Drainage Improvement Project in North Chicago, IL, is a multi-phase City of North Chicago infrastructure project aimed at improving stormwater management and flood reduction.
PHASE 1 FOCUS: Involves the construction of a 20.5-acre-foot new stormwater detention basin, requiring excavation, grading, , erosion control, site restoration, and supporting drainage connections/utility adjustments.
PHASE 2 FOCUS: Provides upgrades to existing storm sewer infrastructure and pavement restoration, replacing undersized segments to improve system capacity and performance during 10-year, 50-year, and 100-year storm events.
LOCATION: The project is in North Chicago, IL, impacting areas near 1850 Lewis Avenue. Project will improve a 3.5-acre vacant parcel just south of the Middle and High Schools.
STATUS (AS OF APRIL 2026): Phase 2 construction services and bids are being discussed for approval.
FUNDING: A total of $5.5 million for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant funding.
ENGINEERING: Trotter and Associates, Inc. is managing the project engineering, including Phase 2 stormwater infrastructure improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The project was approved for a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) from detailed EPA environmental review, indicating it will not cause significant adverse environmental effects.
SITE ENHANCEMENTS: Site will be enhanced with over 18,000 square yards of topsoil and seeding and with the addition of trees, erosion control systems, and long-term landscaping. Wetland vegetation and native plantings will be installed to improve water quality.
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE: Construction anticipated to begin in May 2026 and be completed by late August 2026, weather permitting.
ENGINEERING SERVICES: Trotter and Associates, Inc. provides planning, design and construction engineering services to municipal, institutional and other governmental agencies.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR: Berger Contractors