Elgin to smooth out Kimball Street bridge bumps
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The city of Elgin has politely asked drivers for forgiveness since creating bumps in the Kimball Street bridge early in 2011 to keep the pavement together. But the “Pardon Our Bumps” street sign may soon be obsolete.
City council members will consider funding a host of infrastructure projects Wednesday, including one to resurface the bridge.
Joe Evers, the city engineer, said the project was originally planned for 2011 but got pushed back for funding reasons. About half the cost of the bridge improvements will be covered by $500,000 in federal funds. The council is considering $93,600 for an engineering services agreement Wednesday.
Evers said actual construction should start in May and last a couple months.
Another project holdover from 2011 is the rehabilitation and water main work on Seneca and Center streets. Evers said if the bid is approved Wednesday, work will likely start next week with completion set for June 1.
Council members will also consider allocating almost $591,000 for the last phase of the original Central Business District Streetscape and Water main project. This phase will focus on Spring Street between Kimball and Division streets and on Dexter Street between Douglas and Center streets.
Evers said if council members approve the engineering work it will start right away with construction getting under way in June. The hope is to finish by November.
“A well-designed and constructed streetscape project will enhance the business atmosphere, encourage retail visits and alleviate the typical maintenance effort provided by public works … for years to come,” said Evers in a memo to council members about the project.
Lights for the business district will also be converted to LED as part of this phase.
Evers said the flurry of street projects being considered during Wednesday's council meeting is leading up to the start of work on the Riverside Drive promenade, which is set to get under way this year after several years of planning. The committee of the whole meeting starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday in City Hall, 150 Dexter Court and the City Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the same location.
