W. Dundee grows plan to protect riverbank

West Dundee trustees have expanded a plan to stabilize the bank of the Fox River by 90 feet using bigger boulders, a move that raises the project’s price tag by more than $10,500, officials said.

Years of flooding on the Fox River and ice floes have eroded the soil that protects the vegetation and the depth of the water bank. It has also left the roots attached to three trees exposed.

“This is probably the most visible and highly used area we have,” Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said.

The original phase one plan was to tackle 180 feet of the riverbank with smaller boulders of 18 to 24 inches.

But based on a site review and input from the contractor last week, village officials recommended that they start the project from the first dip in the riverwalk to the riverwalk plaza, which adds 90 feet.

The evaluation also determined that larger boulders measuring between two and three feet and weighing at least a ton each would best protect the riverbank.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Village President Larry Keller said. “We can’t get it back.”

The boulders would bury the tree roots, protecting them from water and future erosion. Cavallaro said the trees are in good shape.

Those boulders already in the river will stay put, although some may be rearranged where needed, Public Works Director Rich Babica said.

The extra part of the project costs $10,525, raising its total price to $32,525.

A grant from Kane County is paying $15,000 toward the project, and the village board initially approved the $22,000 contract for the original version of the plan in May.

Work is slated to begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday and should be finished by Sept. 9. Lincoln Avenue will be closed while the work is in progress.