Construction delays on Elk Grove flood control project
Completion of Elk Grove Village's long-awaited $4.6 million flood mitigation project in Busse Woods is being delayed at least a month due to problems opening and closing a large gate meant to control water levels.
Construction of modifications to the Busse Woods dam near Cosman Road began in August and was expected to be complete by Thanksgiving.
But that timeline has been extended to the end of the year, while engineers try to fix a 500-foot hydraulic line that's supposed to deliver enough pressure to operate two hinged crest gates.
One of the two gates has been installed, with the other expected to be delivered Tuesday. But early tests showed there was only 2.5 to 3 pounds of pressure running through the hydraulic line, when 5 pounds is needed to open and close the gates, according to Mayor Craig Johnson.
Once operational, the gates are supposed to open and close, allowing water to come in or go out, depending on the upstream water level.
Plans to modify the dam in Busse Woods have been in the works since 2008. Officials say the changes will make it less likely for Salt Creek to flood during a major storm.
Elk Grove would pay the price difference for any upgraded pumps or equipment.
The village has already spent $3.38 million in design, study and construction costs, DuPage County paid $100,000, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District added $1.12 million.