FROM THE COOK COUNTY BUREAU OF ASSET MANAGEMENT

The demolition of the Oak Forest Campus at 159th Street and Cicero Avenue has continued to keep pace with plans in place. Cook County’s lead agency for the demolition, the Bureau of Asset Management, keeps public safety and security the top priority for the project. The contractor team’s careful planning and strict safety protocols and procedures are evident in the excellent safety record at the site.

Unfortunately, in spite of precautionary measures, a large piece of earth-moving equipment recently gave way over a collapsed tunnel in the demolition work zone. The operator of the excavator was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and observation and released later that day.

As a result of the incident, all work at the site is paused until the contracting team and Bureau of Asset Management review what happened in detail, make any necessary changes to operations, and restore the compromised tunnel. 

Enjoying Summer 

Although it’s already August, summer lingers with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Cook County Forest Preserves, whether you like hiking, birding, biking or fishing, among many other options. Whatever your pursuit, Oak Forest Heritage Preserve remains open, with alternative access.

Reminder for Visitors to the Heritage Preserve

As the demolition of the Oak Forest Campus continues, the west entrance of the Forest Preserves’ Oak Forest Heritage Preserve remains closed. Alternative access points through the east entrance and the Don Gorman Fieldhouse parking lot of the Oak Forest Park District will remain open, ensuring continuous access to the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve. 

To reach the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve - East from the Oak Forest Campus, turn right onto IL-6/159th St, then make right turns at Pulaski Rd/Crawford Ave and Fieldcrest Dr. For the Don Gorman Fieldhouse at 4412 Henry St, turn left onto IL-6/159th St, then left onto IL-50 S/S Cicero Ave, and follow Fieldcrest Dr and Craig Dr to Henry St. Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Trails - Brown Paved Loop and Purple Paved Spur near Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West. 

Upcoming Work

Once work at the site restarts, demolition will continue apace, with buildings and other structures taken apart piece by piece, without the use of implosions or explosions. The next phase of routine project permits is underway, and ongoing air quality monitoring  reports will continue to be summarized and uploaded to the Cook County website for easy access by members of the public.

For additional information about the Oak Forest Campus demolition, go to www.cookcountyil.gov/oakforest. Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to Audrey.Jonas@cookcountyil.gov.