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- 🏗️ $100M O’Hare Access Project in Des Plaines & More!
🏗️ $100M O’Hare Access Project in Des Plaines & More!
Stay updated on Chicagoland's local trends, developments, and market insights.
Brandon Blankenship
March 06, 2026
Happy Friday!
A major road project just kicked off near O’Hare International Airport. Crews have begun work on a $100 million reconstruction of Touhy Avenue in Des Plaines, aimed at easing congestion for more than 32,000 daily drivers and improving access to the future I-490 tollway. It’s the largest project ever undertaken by Cook County’s transportation department. 🏗️
🌧️ Today’s weather:
Heavy rain with a high of 56°F. A 98% chance of precipitation, 95% humidity, and winds at 10 mph. Definitely a grab-the-umbrella kind of Friday.
📺 My Hot Takes on Living in Chicago in 2026: In today’s video, I share a few honest opinions about life in Chicago right now — the good, the frustrating, and what might surprise newcomers.
🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup.
Let’s dive in!
—Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties
Events
💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS?
This Weekend’s Events…
25th Annual Fish Fry
A Friday night favorite during Lent. Enjoy all-you-can-eat white fish, shrimp dinners, and classic sides while gathering with neighbors for one of Naperville’s longest-running community traditions.
📍 Location: Saints Peter & Paul Church, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: March 6–27 | Fridays, 5 PM – 9 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $15 all-you-can-eat fish or shrimp dinner
🔗 More Info
Stellar Space Party
An after-hours family night at the DuPage Children’s Museum packed with space-themed activities, hands-on exhibits, and interactive fun for kids who love exploring the universe.
📍 Location: DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: March 7 | 5:30 PM – 8 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $10–$22 depending on membership
🔗 More Info
The Ten Tenors
Celebrating their 30th anniversary world tour, the internationally renowned group brings powerful 10-part harmonies and a high-energy show that moves from opera to pop and rock favorites.
📍 Location: Belushi Performance Hall, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
🗓️ Date & Time: March 7 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $66–$85
🔗 More Info
Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored
Watch This
🎥 My Hot Takes on Living in Chicago in 2026
📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/
News
🏗️ $100M Touhy Avenue Project Breaks Ground in Des Plaines
Driving the news: Construction has begun on a $100 million reconstruction of Touhy Avenue in Des Plaines—Cook County’s largest transportation project to date.
Details:
The project rebuilds Touhy Avenue between Elmhurst Road and Mount Prospect Road.
More than 32,000 vehicles use this corridor daily.
Work includes a new bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad and the future I-490 tollway.
New sidewalks, traffic signals, bus shelters, and drainage systems will also be installed.
The project is expected to wrap up by the end of next year.
Why it matters: The overhaul targets congestion and safety in one of the region’s busiest freight and commuter corridors.
Improvements could speed up travel, support economic activity, and strengthen Chicagoland’s role as a national logistics hub.
The big picture: The project ties directly into the $4.3 billion Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project, which will create a long-awaited western connection to O’Hare International Airport through the new I-490 tollway.
By the numbers:
$100M total project cost
$41.5M federal funding from the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program
$5M from Illinois Department of Transportation funding
32,000+ vehicles traveling the corridor daily
Between the lines: The road upgrade required coordination across multiple agencies—including Cook County, the Illinois Tollway, IDOT, the Chicago Department of Aviation, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village and others—highlighting how complex major infrastructure projects around O’Hare can be.
What’s next: Construction will continue through 2026 as crews rebuild the roadway, realign intersections, and prepare the corridor for the future I-490 tollway connection.
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🍔 The Foodie's Guide
BREAKFAST
Da Local Boy Cafe (Highwood)Da Local Boy Cafe is a family-owned eatery founded in 2021 by Nate and Dianne. Known for its welcoming ‘ohana spirit, it serves creative comfort food made with quality ingredients, along with rotating weekly specials for the local community. |
LUNCH
Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company (Cary)Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company is a family-owned pizzeria inspired by Chicago’s deep-dish tradition. Founded by Jerry Czerwinski after perfecting his own recipe, it serves rich, buttery-crust pizza rooted in family, community, and classic Chicago flavor. |
DINNER
NaKorn (Evanston)NaKorn brings authentic Thai cuisine to a modern dining experience, blending bold flavors with traditional recipes. Using high-quality ingredients and creative presentation, it offers flavorful dishes best enjoyed family-style alongside warm, welcoming hospitality. |
The Free Home Buying Seminar Is Tomorrow!
Join us for The House Pour — Home Buying Seminar Edition at Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst!
Jesse Furrow and I are hosting a free home-buying seminar on March 7 at Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst. You’ll get practical tips, market updates, and answers to your questions. Coffee and bagels are on us. A great chance to learn, meet people, and feel confident about your next move.
Learn how to buy a home in Chicagoland in a relaxed, easy way.
Market
📊 Real Estate Insights
The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.
Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.
Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.
🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!
 | Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker The #1 Solo Agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties call or text @ 630.923.9535 |