This vital infrastructure improvement project will enhance traffic flow and safety in our community. Below are the latest updates:
- Grading Work: Topsoil removal and grading for the temporary U.S. 14 roadway between Elm Road and U.S. 14 is planned to start this week. While we have worked with the contractor to delay roadway impacts to this point, to ensure a safe construction zone for all, this work necessitates the closure of Willow Road starting on Monday, April 21.
- Fence Relocation and Tree Removals: Over the past month, crews have been working to complete fence removals and relocations throughout the project area. Tree removals are complete and removal of these downed trees from the project area is scheduled for completion over the next week.
- Demolition and Excavation: Interior demolition of the strip mall at 557 N. Hough St., is underway, and exterior building demolition and excavation for the new pump station at 117 E. Northwest Hwy. (just east of Jiffy Lube) will begin. These are key steps in moving the project forward.
- Utility Relocations: AT&T and Comcast have coordinated substantial utility relocation work on Hough Street just south of Route 14. Nicor has now initiated their relocations in this area, and ComEd has initiated relocation work along Route 14. Relocation schedules continue to be coordinated between various utilities within the project area. In addition to this private utility work, the project contractor is scheduled to initiate Village watermain relocation work in the vicinity of Willow Road within the next few weeks.
- Culvert Installation: Crews will also begin installing a culvert on the south side of the bridge on Elm Road, which will allow for the creation of a temporary roadway over Flint Creek. This installation will require minimal work on the north side of Elm Road to temporarily reroute water around the construction zone, while the majority of work will take place from Route 14. The project team will target dry weather conditions to keep the installation process efficient.
- Hough Street Culvert: A significant milestone in the project will be the installation of a new culvert to carry Flint Creek under Hough Street. While the start date for this work is still dependent on the completion of utility relocations, utility designs and permits are in progress. ComEd is working to coordinate the scope and schedule of their work in this area and, following the solidification of that work, the project team will begin scheduling this culvert installation work.
As the project progresses, the Village will continue to share monthly project update emails to provide information and timelines on completed and anticipated work. Updates will be utilized to convey special construction or traffic alert information. You are always encouraged to stay informed throughout the project by visiting the website.