Along with white-flowering trees and green grass, spring brings orange barrels and the start of road construction season.
Throughout Chicagoland construction is gearing up on interstates and local roads. Here’s a look at work motorist can expect to impact their commutes in Des Plaines and Park Ridge.
DES PLAINES
As construction on the southern end of River Road in Des Plaines winds down this summer, about six projects costing $5 million will hit alleys, roads, and sewers, said Tim Oakley, director of public works and engineering.
Two of those projects, which include city-wide sewer lining and street and utility improvements — estimated at $1.5 million — will be finalized later this month, he said. Some projects could begin by Memorial Day weekend.
River Road: Construction on River Road between Devon and Touhy Avenues is slated to end July 1, just weeks before the Rivers Casino opens. The $11 million project, which is funded mostly through the Illinois Department of Transportation, spans 1.5 miles and will feature new curbs and gutter systems that remove storm water and clean rain water entering the forest preserve.
The road is being heightened and widened to include a median between the northbound and southbound lanes, which will help ease traffic near the casino. A sidewalk also has been constructed along the west side of the street and new traffic signals will be installed on Touhy and Devon.
Central School: A $305,000 state grant will provide a raised crosswalk, pavement marking and curb bump outs along the District 62 school on Thacker Street. The 4-inch high crosswalk will improve visibility and slow down traffic while the extended curb will help kids crossing the street because the distance is shorter.
The city had hoped to be awarded $34,000 more to build a sidewalk along Prairie Avenue, but will continue to applying for grants, Oakley said. The work is part of the Safe Routes to School initiative.
Bike network improvements: City workers will stripe pavement and routes designated for bicyclists. They will also be installing bike route and way-finding signs for schools and parks throughout the city. The improvements cost $131,000.
Curb, sidewalk and alley replacements: The city’s annual curb and sidewalk replacements program will take place over the summer months, hitting various areas throughout the city. Three alleys will also be resurfaced, costing about $700,000, including two spots in the First Ward and one in the Second Ward.
Storm water master plan projects: Two older areas of town will see their storm sewers improved. The $1.6 million project will focus on the downtown area, near Walnut Avenue and Jeannette Street as well as a spot in the Seventh Ward, along Radcliffe Avenue between Cranbrook Drive and Wisconsin Drive and also Vassar Lane.
PARK RIDGE
Residents won’t see a flurry of summer construction projects, but a handful totaling $1.7 million with some that start at the end of this week, said Sarah Marshall, city engineer.
Pavement re-striping and sidewalk improvement plans will be underway, but will have a low-impact on residents and motorists, she added.
Annual street resurfacing: Five miles of streets will be repaved toward the end of the week, including heavily-traveled areas like Potter Road from Northwest Highway to Busse Road, Western Avenue from Northwest Highway to Oakton Street and Washington Avenue from Touhy Avenue to Elm Street. The resurfacing projects cost roughly $932,000.
Sewer improvements: The city will install two new relief sewers and one replacement combination sewer on three blocks, including Prospect Avenue from Devon to Rosemont Avenues, Grace Avenue from Granville Avenue to Frances Parkway, and Glenview Avenue from Hamlin Avenue to Dee Road. The sewers are being paid by a $475,000 state grant.
Water main replacement and improvements: A new water main will be installed on Higgins Road later this summer, from Canfield Road to Vine Avenue. During the two-month project, workers will also transfer services from an old main to a newer one a few blocks away. The project is expected to cost $600,000.
