The Village is partnering with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to reduce flooding along Thorn Ditch.
Where is Thorn Ditch?
Thorn Ditch is located north of 165th Street. It drains from west to east, from Cottage Grove to Interstate 94 (I-94), and eventually flows into the Little Calumet River.
Why this project is happening
MWRD began studying flooding along Thorn Ditch in 2019, focusing on areas where water overtops the ditch or impacts nearby structures between Cottage Grove and I-94. A public meeting was held in December 2020 to share improvement options. In 2021, MWRD selected a preferred approach to increase drainage capacity and add stormwater storage.
What improvements are planned
This project includes culvert replacements and new stormwater storage areas to help move and hold water more effectively during heavy rain.
Culvert replacements (4 total):
- Woodlawn Avenue: replace existing pipe with a 7’ x 7’ concrete box culvert
- Dobson Avenue/Greenwood Avenue: replace existing pipe with a 7’ x 7’ concrete box culvert
- Kenwood Avenue: replace existing pipe with a 10’ x 7’ concrete box culvert
- Kimbark Avenue: replace existing pipe with a 10’ x 7’ concrete box culvert
Stormwater management improvements:
- New stormwater management areas at Maicach Park and Pioneer Park to provide additional water storage in the Thorn Ditch watershed
- New walking paths and native plantings to enhance the parks
- An additional pedestrian bridge over Thorn Ditch at Maicach Park
Funding
The Village and MWRD signed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) in 2024 to share project costs.
- MWRD is funding construction of the flood mitigation improvements, providing $5.8 million
- Cook County is contributing $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward MWRD’s cost share through a separate IGA with MWRD
Schedule
Construction will be completed in phases.
- Winter 2025 through Summer 2026:
Construction of 3 of the 4 culverts (Woodlawn, Kenwood, Kimbark) and the stormwater management areas at Maicach Park and Pioneer Park - The Village is working with MWRD to secure additional funding for the fourth culvert (Dobson/Greenwood), which will be constructed in the future once funding is available.
The contractor for the project is Airy’s Inc. of Joliet, Illinois.
View the map below: