The Village of Orland Park is asking the federal government and the Illinois Department of Transportation to fund the widening of 143rd Street.

The Village Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution Monday, April 5, asking the governmental bodies to assist in the widening of the roadway from two to five lanes to “address the regional transportation corridor needs for several communities including Orland Park, Homer Glen, Orland Hills and Palos Park, as well as benefitting the surrounding communities,” the resolution stated.

Further, the resolution stated that by widening the roadway it will improve traffic conditions and safety in the area.

Trustee Dan Calandriello said he appreciated that the Village Board supported the resolution.

“We definitely need to get this road done – hopefully, before my kids are old enough drive in 10 to 15 years,” he said. “I know that it is good to tell the federal government where it can spend some money, and I know there are talks about another transportation plan and about $13.2 billion in Illinois. So, maybe, we will be able to get some of that money for 143rd Street if it is passed.”

The item passed 7-0.

“This was actually a request from [U.S. Rep. Marie] Newman to put this resolution out there to help her get that support,” Mayor Keith Pekau added prior to the vote.

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