Bridge and roadwork moves along
It's not something you have to worry about this week, but it can't hurt to plan ahead. Especially if you are a trucker.
Beginning Nov. 1, Kane County will limit what kind of vehicles can use the Keslinger Road bridge over a Mill Creek tributary 450 feet west of Bunker Road near LaFox.
Single units more than 10 tons, combinations of three or four axles more than 15 tons, and combinations of five or more axles more than 19 tons will be prohibited.
That's going to be in effect until the bridge is replaced.
When is that? No date's been set, according to Manny Gomez, assistant director for project implementation for the Kane County Department of Transportation. It might be replaced as part of road improvements for the Settlements of LaFox housing development.
"We're trying to extend the life of the bridge," Gomez said, assuring us it is safe to drive over.
Those of you driving Honda Accord LXs that weigh 3,230 pounds are in the clear.
Over in Batavia: Things are percolating along on the Batavia bridge project.
The northwest pier was poured and stressed last week, and steel was put through the western abutment on the north side in preparation for concrete pouring.
On the east side, the pilings are done and workers will start forming the northeast abutment this week.
The coffer dam will be moved from the west side of the river to the east the first week of November, said Terry Heffron, project liaison, so they can work on building the last pier of the new bridge.
Water and sewer utility work continues east of the bridge, meaning that turns onto northbound River Street from Wilson will continue to be prohibited from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday.
Workers are also pouring foundations for the landings for the stairs that will lead down to the riverside paths from the bridge.
Randall Road: The county is finishing up its project, but don't hit the accelerator just yet because St. Charles is just starting its work. It figured because you are already used to delays, you might not care about this. Like you've built up a tolerance to roadwork pain.
It is resurfacing Randall from Route 38 north to Oak Street. The project includes surface grinding, paving and striping. All resurfacing work will be completed by Nov. 1, if weather allows. Workers will shut down lanes, but the road will remain open.
As for the county project at Route 64, the contractor should finish striping early this week, if the weather permits.
Route 38 in Geneva: Workers are grinding away pavement on Route 38 (State Street) east of downtown Geneva. I didn't know there was a brick roadway underneath the asphalt!
Farther east, the contractors will finish up median work and pavement in the intersection of Route 38 and Kirk Road. Pavement marking will continue, and landscapers will put down sod and plant trees. Remember to be careful driving through, as turn lanes have been modified to allow the intersection paving. It's kind of tricky negotiating the barricades.
There will be occasional lane closures this week on Route 38 for the median work.
Along Butterfield: Crews are doing curb and gutter work on the northeast side of the project and storm sewer work on the west side of Farnsworth Avenue.
They will also start grading and base prep on both sides of the new pavement area on Farnsworth.
ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com