St. Charles OKs OT for intersection work

Hoping to speed up ongoing construction at First and Illinois streets, St. Charles aldermen have agreed to pay crews for overtime.

City Administrator Brian Townsend said Friday the goal is to shave as many as six days from the construction project, which has left the Illinois Street bridge off limits to most motorists.

The work is related to the monumental First Street redevelopment project, a $105 million venture expected to revitalize six downtown blocks by the year 2012. The intersection improvements began April 28 and will encompass storm sewer work and crosswalk installations.

Townsend said it could wrap up as early as the week of June 16 as long as crews can stay ahead of schedule.

"It's impacting a lot of motorists trying to get through St. Charles," Townsend said. "I won't say we've had a lot of complaints, but we received a few. The city council has decided to try and get it open a few days earlier, so that's what we're shooting for."

The council did not allocate a specific amount of money, but Townsend said city staff can spend up to $20,000 before further approval is needed.

Public Works Director Mark Koenen said at a meeting last week that contractor crews have been allowed to work 10-hour days, including Saturdays, for $1,500 an hour per crew. Townsend said he wasn't sure exactly how much money has been spent on overtime so far.

The council "decided to leave it somewhat open and give staff the discretion to offer overtime based on what could be achieved," Townsend said. " They kind of left it up to us."

Work at the First and Illinois street intersection has been intermittent since the fall of 2006, when construction for the redevelopment project began.

Some business owners in a shopping center southeast of the intersection have complained the project made it difficult to attract customers who would rather avoid construction. In response, the city and business groups have put up signs promoting businesses in that area and posted detour routes around downtown.

According to the city, the intersection sees an estimated 11,000 vehicles a day.