Explosives to be used in sewer system improvement in Jefferson Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- City crews will use explosives as part of a project to improve the sewer system on Chicago's Northwest Side.

Explosives will be used to blast through the deep underground rock in the Jefferson Park neighborhood near the crossing of Lavergne and Lawrence.

Crews will be linking the neighborhood's sewer system to the "Deep Tunnel" network, a massive regional flood and pollution control project. It will help improve drainage and prevent basement flooding.

The underground blasts will begin as early as December.