We have bad news and good news. The bad news is that your commute is going to suck. The good news is that a state funded drainage project in the St. Catherine of Alexandria area will hopefully improve some of the flooding issues in the southeast section of Oak Lawn.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin—weather permitting—a drainage improvement project at 103^rd Street and Pulaski Road starting Wednesday.

That means anyone who takes Pulaski to get to work, go to school at Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice High School or Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School may want to add some extra time to their morning and afternoon commutes.

The project will require reducing traffic to one lane in each direction on Pulaski Road through the intersection at 103rd Street. When drainage improvements are complete, Pulaski will be resurfaced between 103^rd and 102^nd Streets.

IDOT said the tentative completion date is late October. Drivers are being asked to obey the speed limit, observe closure signs and remain alert for workers.

The prime contractor for the $671,695 project is Gallagher Asphalt, of Thorton.

Visit IDOT for more information on other construction projects in the Oak Lawn area.

To find out how late you’re going to be to work, or what time you’ll be getting home in the evening, visit Travel Midwest for the latest traffic updates.