Grayslake may spend more to reduce roadwork time

Grayslake may spend additional money to expedite a resurfacing project set for a north-south thoroughfare in an effort to ease commuting headaches.

Under the proposal, crews would work longer hours on the Atkinson Road project between Washington Street and Sheffield Lane. Officials expect the workers’ extra time on the job would cut the time required for the Atkinson project, which calls for part of the road to be closed.

Mayor Rhett Taylor, at an informal committee meeting earlier this week, recommended paying about $30,000 in overtime costs so the resurfacing can be reduced from an estimated eight weeks to five weeks. A 400-foot stretch of street then would reopen to drivers faster.

All six village trustees agreed with Taylor and will hold a formal vote on the matter, possibly at their next meeting July 19.

Crews originally were to work on the $1.3 million resurfacing project eight hours a day, five days a week. If the idea gains formal board approval, the work will go 12 hours daily and up to six days per week.

Taylor said residents in subdivisions around Atkinson will be able to navigate in and out during the construction period. Work is to start this month.

“Part of Atkinson Road that is going to be under repair passes by wetlands,” Taylor said. “In order to do the repair in an efficient manner — but also in an environmentally safe manner — a portion of the road will have to be closed.”

Of the roughly $1.3 million total construction cost for Atkinson, the federal government will cover $893,200. The village will pay about $382,800.

Separately, the village board Tuesday night formally approved spending not more than $149,000 with Rosemont-based Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. on work related to potential improvements for Highland Road, which meets Route 83 just south of Washington Street.

For the consulting fee, Burke will do engineering for two phases of the proposed Highland Road project that may include pavement rehabilitation and upgraded storm sewers, curbs and gutters. Burke also is to work on a design study for the Highland-Route 83 intersection.

Grayslake officials said a decision on the Highland Road proposal won’t be made until the engineering process is finished.