W. Chicagoans weary of work on key roadway

West Chicago officials originally said the first phase of the reconstruction of Hawthorne Lane, the main entrance and exit to two north-side neighborhoods, would be completed in August.

But then the anticipated completion date got pushed back to September. Then city officials said it would be this month. Now they are saying next month.

"One problem seems to lead to another," said Walter Hushion, vice president of the Willow Creek Single Family Homeowners Association. "I think a lot of people are starting to get aggravated with the situation."

Service to hundreds of residents has been knocked out as crews broke water, gas and phone lines.

And trips out of the subdivision are taking longer.

Officials say they're doing all they can, but many residents are fed up.

"To me, it seems totally disorganized," resident Kris Campagna said. "I can't believe it has taken them this long to do this little stretch of work. Do they not know what they're doing?"

Robert E. Flatter, the city's public works director, said problems often arise with this kind of work.

"It's a long process. Unfortunately, it's a situation where people need to be patient," he said. "You have to understand that when you open up a road and go underground, you don't know what you're going to encounter.

"Sometimes those utilities get marked accurately, sometimes they don't," Flatter added. "They're not out there trying to hit them on purpose. It's the nature of the business."

Many factors have delayed the work, officials said, including weather, soil conditions, contractor performance and scheduling conflicts with utility companies.

Meanwhile, residents, city officials and police confirm that motorists regularly speed the wrong way down Hawthorne, which has been made a one-way during the reconstruction.

Hushion said he's almost been hit while riding his motorcycle.

"It's a big mess, and it seems like nobody cares," said Kim Evans, a resident of the area. "If there's an emergency, there might be a big problem."

Despite the delays, Flatter said the first phase of the project will be done early next month. The road will reopen by the end of the year, he said.

In all, the project consists of six planned stages. When it's done, Hawthorne, from Arbor Avenue to Powis Road, will be wider and easier to navigate, with three lanes illuminated by street lights.

"It's going to be a very nice road," Flatter said. "I'm hoping people like it."