Oak Lawn’s Midway Airport Expansion Impact: How Construction is Disrupting Water Pressure Across the Community in 2025

Major Infrastructure Overhauls Hit Oak Lawn Hard: How Airport and Water System Construction is Creating a Perfect Storm of Plumbing Problems in 2025

Oak Lawn residents are experiencing an unprecedented convergence of construction projects in 2025, with both Midway Airport’s $47 million runway rehabilitation project and the Oak Lawn Regional Water System’s massive infrastructure improvements, originally approved in 2013 and now expected to be completed in 2025, creating significant disruptions to local water pressure and plumbing systems throughout the community.

The Double Impact: Airport and Water System Construction

While Mayor Brandon Johnson and city aviation officials broke ground June 5 on a $47 million overhaul of a primary runway at Midway International Airport, the project’s impact extends far beyond the airport grounds. The construction, led by K-Five Construction Corporation and in planning since 2022, involves resurfacing the runway, reconfiguring taxiway geometry to meet updated federal standards, and installing new safety features.

Simultaneously, the Oak Lawn Regional Water System continues its extensive infrastructure improvements. The 60″ transmission main was installed along Marion Avenue on March 14th, 2025, with the next phase including connecting the transmission main to existing improvements at the intersection of Southwest Highway and W 100th St. This work involves traffic control and lane closures at the intersection, as well as replacing the water main on the east side of the street.

Water Pressure Problems Plague Residents

The extensive water system construction has created significant challenges for Oak Lawn residents. Trustee Alex Olejniczak referenced almost two dozen water main breaks caused by the old infrastructure, noting “There are over 20 (main breaks) so far in the village”. The situation has become so critical that Public Works Director Bill Meyer stated they’re “keeping our head above water — literally”.

The construction involves installing a 60″ steel water transmission main as part of Water Transmission Main Bid Package 5, which has resulted in minor disruptions in service during portions of the project and when connecting existing water services to the new water main. These disruptions can cause fluctuating water pressure, temporary service interruptions, and increased strain on residential plumbing systems.

The Financial Reality Behind the Crisis

The scope of these improvements reflects the urgent need for infrastructure updates. The water system project costs have risen to an estimated $271.55 million, with the board increasing the maximum amount of IEPA Series Bonds to $327 million. The upgrades include updating a decades-old water system that is susceptible to main breaks, doubling the system’s capacity to 110 million gallons per day, and reducing the energy used to transfer water by 15%.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

With ongoing construction affecting water pressure and system reliability, Oak Lawn residents should be vigilant about potential plumbing issues. Signs that you need professional help include:

During these infrastructure disruptions, it’s crucial to work with experienced local professionals who understand the unique challenges facing Oak Lawn residents.

Go-Rooter: Your Local Solution During Construction Chaos

When construction-related plumbing problems strike, Oak Lawn residents need a reliable, local solution. Go-Rooter is the trusted and reliable emergency plumber serving Chicago, Cook County, IL, taking great pride in offering the community cost-effective, speedy, and trustworthy plumbing service.

As a licensed, bonded and insured family-owned plumbing and sewer company specializing in residential and commercial services, Go-Rooter understands the specific challenges that infrastructure construction brings to local plumbing systems. Their services include hydro-jetting, installing and repairing flood control systems, water prevention, power rodding, sewer repairs, and gas pipe pressure testing.

What sets Go-Rooter apart is their commitment to the local community. They are more than a plumbing company; they are part of the Cook community in Cook County, IL, ready to tackle any plumbing issue. For residents dealing with construction-related water pressure issues, having a trusted plumber oak lawn residents can rely on makes all the difference.

Go-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency service, available anytime, day or night, which is particularly important when construction activities can cause unexpected plumbing emergencies. They offer free estimates and upfront pricing for all services, providing a precise price before any work begins.

Preparing for Ongoing Construction

With construction expected to continue throughout 2025, Oak Lawn residents should prepare for potential ongoing disruptions. Restoration work is planned to start as weather improves, including pavement restoration, landscape restoration, and other work to restore project sites to pre-construction condition.

The water system improvements, while disruptive now, will ultimately benefit the community. Oak Lawn provides water to about 325,000 people in the Southland through its own residents and municipal customers, making these upgrades essential for long-term reliability.

Looking Ahead

While the convergence of airport and water system construction creates challenges for Oak Lawn residents in 2025, these infrastructure investments represent crucial improvements for the community’s future. However, the immediate impact on residential plumbing systems requires professional attention and expertise.

By partnering with experienced local professionals like Go-Rooter, residents can navigate these construction-related challenges with confidence, ensuring their plumbing systems remain reliable despite the ongoing infrastructure work transforming their community.