Unfortunately, work beyond this point has been delayed due to problems getting the final construction permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the labor strike currently affecting many construction projects. In this case, the crews that would remove trees will not work. We are hopeful these labor difficulties will be resolved shortly and the work can begin soon.
UPDATE (7/22/10):
In our last update we noted that a Village contractor staked out the easement areas around the Creek and the trees that are going to be removed have been marked. We also noted that work beyond this point has been delayed due to problems getting the final construction permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the labor strike currently affecting many construction projects. It now appears that the labor strike has been settled. The contractor has informed the Village that work should commence the week of July 26. Work should begin with removal of trees, foot bridges and other debris. Separate notification will be given to residents affected directly by removal of foot bridges.
UPDATE (7/30/10):
In our last update the Village reported that the labor strike involving workers on construction projects has been settled and work would commence the week of July 26th. The contractor has begun removing foot bridges and building access points to the Creek itself. Tree removal crews are now scheduled to begin work the week of August 2nd. There is a planned power outtage scheduled for most of the day Wednesday (August 4th) for about 38 homes adjacent to and near the Creek. This is required to allow tree removal near the power lines running along the Creek. The homes affected by this planned power outtage will be notified directly.
The severe storms that hit the area on July 23rd and 24th were yet another reminder of why this project is so important. We should all keep this in mind as we deal with the inconveniences caused by this project.
UPDATE (8/4/10):
In our last update we reported that work was to begin the week of August 2nd and that a planned power outage was scheduled for August 4th in order to pull down trees near the power lines. Work has begun, primarily building access routes, though the planned outage has been delayed until Thursday August 5th because of bad weather. This begins the process of removing trees and other debris from the Creek area.
As of this writing signs have been placed on Irving Park Road advising of lane closures starting the week of August 9th. The plan is to reduce Irving Park to one-lane in each direction for the installation of a new culvert under the roadway. Work, and the resulting closed lanes, is expected to last approximately 6-8 weeks. As always, these plans are subject to change based on conditions. Also due to this work Wehrman Avenue will be closed to traffic south of Irving Park Road. Wehrman traffic will be diverted to Judd Avenue. Other local street closures will occur in the future as bridges (and culverts) along the Creek route are replaced. Detour signage will be in place at these locations.
UPDATE (8/26/10):
In our last update we reported that work had just begun. As can be seen, work is now proceeding with great progress being made.
All of the expected road closures, including Wehrman and Montrose Avenue have been put in place, as well as the lane closures on Irving Park Road. There was a short delay on Irving as soil tests were conducted, but the work is now moving forward again. Lane configurations will be changed as they move from one side of the street to the other. We still anticipate at least 8 weeks for this phase of the project.
Most of the trees have been removed from the Creek area. This required two (2) planed power outages as workers removed trees near the power lines. We thank our residents for putting up with this and the other inconveniences of this project. Once the Creek area is cleaned up, crews will begin excavation for installation of the new block walls for the Creek. Culverts will also be installed under the streets and alleys that have been closed.
The Village will continue to provide updates on this website as further progress is made. If you have further questions regarding this project please contact the Village Hall at (847) 678-2550.
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