Tree impact may delay Libertyville road project
After nearly two decades on the books, a landscape changing plan to widen Milwaukee Avenue north of Route 137 in Libertyville is about to begin.
Trees have been marked for removal and motorists alerted to the start of the project, which had been scheduled for Thursday. But a delay of at least one day and likely longer already is expected as the Lake County Forest Preserve District awaits a $944,000 tree impact fee from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“We were anticipating starting Thursday with the tree clearing and we were told to hold off,” said Mike DeNinno, project manager for Lake County Grading Co.
The North Chicago firm was awarded a contract of more than $2.3 million for prep work in advance of the major construction scheduled to begin next spring.
Lake County Grading’s contract calls for: the removal of about 2,100 trees on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue in the Independence Grove Forest Preserve; more than two miles of temporary pavement; more than a mile and a half of temporary fence; storm sewers and other work.
The forest preserve district and IDOT had lengthy discussions regarding the design of detention areas and a tunnel beneath Milwaukee Avenue near Casey Road for a future bike path connection.
Talks also focused on compensation for land rights and easements, as well as more than 700 trees. The fee paid to the forest preserve district applies to all native hardwood trees, such as oak, hickory or sugar maple, that are 2 inches or more in diameter. IDOT also will remove trees in the right of way the agency already owned. District officials Wednesday said they were told the check is being processed but are uncertain when it will arrive and will not allow for tree removal until it is received.
The district received $941,000 for the land and easements but not the tree impact fee.
“We needed the funds in hand before they take down any trees,” said Tom Hahn, the district’s executive director.
The state and forest preserve district will try to finalize details in anticipation of work beginning after the Labor Day holiday, according to IDOT spokesman Guy Tridgell.
DeNinno said the scheduled completion date is Oct. 31. But motorists will know when the work begins.
“The trees disappearing will be the first thing they see,” he said.
While temporary pavement will be in place, businesses and motorists will be spared a winter of construction hassle as the meat of the construction begins next spring.
That aspect of the $25 million project, which is expected to be put out to bid in late September, will involve the reconstruction and widening of the intersection at Route 137 and the widening of Milwaukee Avenue north about two miles to four lanes. Left-turn lanes will be installed at dedicated streets and a landscaped median will be built north of Route 137.
Related work includes: curb and gutter on both sides of Milwaukee Avenue; sidewalk on the east side of Milwaukee from Route 120 to Casey Road and on the west side from the Merit Club to Route 137; an underpass to connect bike trail systems; drainage improvements; four detention ponds; and, a traffic signal at Casey Road.
IDOT also will build a trail along Route 137 east to within 500 feet of the Des Plaines River bridge.