Barrington board approves work at train station

The plan to renovate and beautify the area around the Barrington Metra station this summer was approved by the Barrington village board Monday night at a cost 14 percent higher than budgeted.

Mark Werksman, the Barrington Public Works director, said the project cost is exceeding what they budgeted because the bids from contractors came in high, which he said surprised everyone in public works.

"It reflects the market," Werskman said. "But I don't know if that is good news or bad news for the economy."

The project went out for bid on Feb. 26 and the village received six bids ranging from $284,742 to $165,685, the lowest bid from Alliance Contractors, Inc.

Because the project will have crews working near the active train line, the village will have to pay for special railroad insurance and must employ a certified flagger, two items which are expected to cost $27,000.

The project will take out the crumbling brick pavers that serve as walkways around the Barrington Metra station and replace them with colored and stamped concrete.

Werksman said the concrete will be aesthetically pleasing while also reducing the amount the village spends maintaining the walkway.

In addition, the village will install six planters around the station and do other landscape modifications.

Werksman said the tentative plan is to begin work in the second or third week in April, but the weather might delay them.

"The surface around the station is still frozen from two months ago," Werksman said.

If construction begins on time work could be completed as soon as June.

The plan was approved by the board unanimously.