Central Street Construction Update & Parking Alternatives

The City will begin a water main improvement project along Central Street from Broadway Avenue to Bryant Avenue starting in late April through July 17, 2026. This work is part of the City’s ongoing investment in critical infrastructure to ensure long-term reliability and service.

Construction will take place in phases and will require temporary parking restrictions and traffic shifts along Central Street. While access to businesses will be maintained at all times, on-street parking will be limited during active construction periods.

Phase 1 (Broadway Avenue to Ashland Avenue, April 27 through approximately May 22)

• Phase 1A (April 27 through approximately May 1): Saw cutting begins April 27, ahead of construction. There will be no open holes in the road until May 4. During this time, parking on the south side of Central Street will be restricted to accommodate the temporary shift of traffic, while north-side parking will be limited to construction work hours only, returning after 5 p.m. on weekdays and remaining available on weekends.

• Phase 1B (May 4 through approximately May 22): Traffic will be shifted to the south side of Central Street while the new water main is installed on the north side. During this phase, parking will be prohibited on both sides of the street within this segment. Following installation, the City will work to restore parking along this section of Central Street.

After May 22, parking will remain in place where feasible, with temporary, targeted restrictions implemented only as needed to support utility connections and related work. Any no-parking areas will be clearly posted in advance, and restrictions will be closely coordinated to minimize impacts.

Phase 2 (Ashland Avenue to Bryant Avenue, end of May through mid-July)

• Construction will move east from Ashland Avenue to Bryant Avenue. During water main work in this segment, both sides of Central Street between Ashland Avenue and Bryant Avenue will be temporarily striped as no-parking to accommodate construction activity, similar to the Phase 1B configuration between Broadway Avenue and Ashland Avenue.

To support small businesses during the project, the City has implemented several alternative parking options for employees and customers:

• Poplar Avenue (north of Central Street): 19 free 2-hour parking spaces and 4 free 30-minute spaces are available along the Metra embankment.

• Broadway Avenue (east side, from Central Street to the alley): On-street 30-minute parking. 

• Ashland Avenue (west side, Central to Isabella Streets): Parking is permitted during off-peak hours (6 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday–Friday) and all day on weekends, where conditions allow.

The City is committed to minimizing disruptions and maintaining safe access for customers, employees, and deliveries throughout construction. Wayfinding signage and “Support Local Businesses” messaging will be installed to guide visitors to available parking and support continued patronage. The City will also amplify these efforts through its digital channels as well. 

We appreciate your patience as we complete these important improvements. This project will be monitored by the City’s Capital Planning & Engineering Bureau. For questions or concerns during construction, contact Resident Engineer Angeleo Alonzo at 224-723-7487. Questions about the project in general should be directed to Senior Project Manager Bridget Nash at 847-448-8102 or bnash@cityofevanston.org.

View the full construction memo in PDF format. Stay up-to-date on other construction projects using our interactive map.