title
PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Department: Department of Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”)
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Forest Preserves") to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) regarding infrastructure repairs
Goods or Services: The Forest Preserves and IDOT would like to cooperate in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of emergency repair of a culvert headwall and other infrastructure in the Harlem Avenue right-of-way (“ROW”) at Tinley Creek.
Agreement Number(s): #26-0375
Agreement Period: 10/20/2026 - 10/19/2031
Fiscal Impact: Not to Exceed $300,000.00 ($250,000.00 estimate plus 20% contingency) to be fully reimbursed by IDOT
Accounts: Land Improvements 51010.560060 Grant Accounts
District(s): 17
Summary: While inspecting portions of the Forest Preserves’ Tinley Creek Trail at Harlem Avenue, Forest Preserves staff discovered a severely deteriorated culvert headwall in the Harlem Avenue ROW. Forest Preserves staff have requested that IDOT financially participate in the culvert headwall replacement and other work including, but not limited to, concrete repairs in the trail tunnel under Harlem Avenue, streambank stabilization, catch basin replacement, landscaping and pedestrian resurfacing and related repairs within the Harlem Ave (IL 43) ROW at Tinley Creek (south of 143rd Street). IDOT has agreed to participate in the construction costs associated with these improvements as outlined in a letter between the parties dated July 31, 2026, which will be attached as an exhibit to the IGA.
The Forest Preserves will agree to act as the lead agency in performing the engineering and construction work and will obtain all applicable permits associated with the improvements. The improvements will be included as part of the Forest Preserves’ trail resurfacing and streambank stabilization project. Upon completion of the improvements, the Forest Preserves will agree to maintain a new manhole and RCP culvert going southward at the bend that was constructed west of the ROW boundary line on Harlem Avenue and all related appurtenances. IDOT will agree to maintain approximately 40 feet of culvert pipe beyond the existing west ROW boundary line on Harlem Avenue to the newly constructed manhole at the bend. The Forest Preserves also will propose to donate a Permanent Easement at no cost to IDOT for the purpose of maintaining the IDOT improvements under a separate future board request. Further, the IGA’s terms include a non-standard provision for the Forest Preserves to indemnify IDOT from certain third-party claims. Final Intergovernmental Agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
end