Which streets are included in the 2024 Street Improvements & Reconstruction Project?

  • TBD

What is being improved? Along with fresh asphalt, select curb and gutter, sidewalks and driveway aprons will be replaced and new street signs will be placed. The street signs will be the newly Board approved white with black lettering design.

How long will this project take? This project will begin early July and should take most of the summer. It is expected to wrap up by early September, barring any unforeseen delays. 

What is the order that work is completed? The project will begin with concrete work. Marked sections of sidewalks, driveway aprons, and curb and gutter will be cut, pulled and re-poured. This will be followed by asphalt grinding, an application of oil and finally fresh pavement. The project will end with the placement of new street signs and landscape restoration.

What are the hours of construction? Construction hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Construction may take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, when pre-approved by the Director of Public Works. Contractors are normally onsite first thing in the morning to start work. Construction hours may be altered by authority of the Director of Public Works on an emergency, temporary basis, when needed.

How do you decide which streets will be repaired each summer? Several years ago, a firm was hired by the Village to evaluate all Village maintained streets. Each street was scored based on its condition at that time and the study presented to the Village Board. Beginning with that report, our Director of Public Works/Village Engineer inspects streets each year and chooses the project zone based on overall condition of the streets and budget dollars available for the next year’s project.

Why are some driveway aprons and sidewalks replaced and not others? Before the project construction starts, all sidewalks and driveway aprons are reviewed and marked by Baxter & Woodman’s Resident Engineer. Those that meet IDOT specifications for replacement due to sinking and/or trip hazards are replaced as part of the project.

How is this project funded? The Village uses Motor Fuel Tax dollars to fund much of the project each year. MFT funds are combined with funds received from the retail sales tax collected in the Village to develop the total project budget. The Annual Street Improvements & Reconstruction Projects do not impact your home’s individual real estate taxes.  

How will I be informed of work taking place on my street and updates on the overall project? You may obtain information several ways. If you will temporarily lose access to your driveway, notices will be delivered to your front door approximately 48 hours prior to construction beginning. A webpage dedicated to the Road Program is available here. There we will post regular updates about the project, including the projected timeline and zones of upcoming work. The Village also shares project updates on Facebook. The Village’s NEW Facebook page can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/SouthElginIllinois/

Where do I park when construction is blocking my driveway or street? The contractor will do their best to keep interruptions to the access of your property to a minimum. There are times that it may be necessary to park on a neighboring street. Or, at other times, you may be able to park across the street from your home. When it is necessary for the contractor to block your street or driveway, please follow the posted “No Parking” signs and/or the directions of the crew onsite.

How long do I have to wait before I drive on the new concrete? The fresh asphalt? The contractor will remove barriers from the end of your driveway when it is safe for you to drive over the new concrete. Depending on weather conditions, it takes approximately 3-4 days for the concrete to cure enough to be able to drive over it with a standard passenger vehicle.

Fresh asphalt can be driven on almost immediately after it is laid, but please follow the directions of the flaggers in the work zone. However, to avoid marring freshly laid asphalt DON’T turn the car wheels sharply on the street while the asphalt is fresh and in its curing phase of up to one year. Also, do not turn the wheels while the car is stationary – always ensure that the car is in motion while turning the wheels. Otherwise, power steering gouges will result. These are bruises or lacerations to the surface caused by the kneading, grinding action of the tires moving on the bias against the asphalt.

Will the contractor come back and repair the damage done to the parkway grass? Yes. A subcontractor will come back at the end of the project and restore the parkway and grass next to the sidewalk. Restoration includes backfilling of dirt, seeding and blanketing the area. If you notice any particularly dangerous situations that can’t wait to be addressed, please contact the Resident Engineer, Tony Bianchin at 847-921-7255. He will review those situations on an as needed basis.

How do I report damage to my personal property? For property damage reports, please call Resident Engineer, Tony Bianchin at 847-921-7255 or Colleen Chase at Public Works at (847)695-2742.

Who do I contact if I have further questions? Your best and first contact for project questions or concerns should be Resident Engineer, Tony Bianchin at 847-921-7255. Tony is at the job site on a daily basis supervising the project and communicating with both the Village and the General Contractor. If Mike is unable to assist or you have further questions, please contact Mike Millette, Director of Public Works, Scott Fish, Superintendent of Streets & Forestry, or Colleen Chase, Administrative Assistant, at (847)695-2742.