Change of plans for Palatine Road expansion

Palatine officials decided this week to change strategy on the Palatine Road expansion project in order to maintain two-way traffic, lighting and pedestrian access through the winter.

Instead of scrambling to complete certain work before the cold prohibits it, crews will wait until spring to replace lighting and rip up most of the existing pavement on the roadway.

Officials hope this will allow the section from the railroad tracks east to Northwest Highway to reopen to both directions of traffic, something business owners strongly support.

The $9.5 million project, which expands Palatine Road to four lanes through downtown and widens the Plum Grove Road intersection, fell behind schedule due to a monthlong construction strike over the summer.

Last month, the village struck a deal with the Illinois Department of Transportation in which the state agreed to pay for crews to work longer days and Saturdays. However, the project has faced additional unexpected delays due to AT&T and Nicor Gas having to relocate some infrastructure.

The modified plans will cost an additional $50,000 because gaps have to be bridged to eliminate grade differences between new and old pavement. Palatine is responsible for $15,000 and the state $35,000 of the additional cost.