New Lights to Shine on Harlem Avenue

Mayor Steven Landek observes the installation of a street light on Harlem Avenue.

The final phase of the Harlem Avenue streetlight project has begun.

New brown aluminum light poles are being installed along Harlem, part of a project to replace a lighting system that is more than 40 years old.

“The new light poles should be installed by January with the light switch being turned on by early February,” said Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek.

“This is another great upgrade for our important retail shopping corridor for the convenience and safety of Harlem Avenue shoppers,” Landek said.

Over the past eight months, electricians have been working diligently installing new underground wiring, pouring new pole bases and setting lighting control boxes along the entire length of Harlem Avenue.

The new system will be more energy efficient, the lights will shine more directly on Harlem and a few more poles have been added to eliminate some dark areas along the road.

The entire project has employed many skilled Americans and it has used American-made products.

Federal dollars were used to pay for 80 percent of the project and 20 percent were local funds.

In an additional savings, the old light poles will be recycled and used in other areas of Bridgeview to improve lighting around municipal buildings and Toyota Park.