N. Aurora's Oak Street project starts in April

A project to widen one of North Aurora's busiest streets still is on task and commuters can start to expect delays moving across town in early spring, officials said this week.

From mid-April until about November, Oak Street will be completely rebuilt between Randall Road and Route 31. Although the street never will completely be closed to traffic, drivers can expect the street to be reduced to one lane "numerous times," village engineer Jim Bibby said.

He said the $3 million project will not be easy for either engineering or commuters; however, he said the new Oak Street will not need another major overhaul for a generation. The asphalt will be increased from five to twelve inches and a continuous turn lane will be added.

The village will pay 20 percent of the cost, with federal and state money accounting for the difference Bibby said.

The project also will reduce the slope of a hill between Sycamore Lane and Timber Oaks Drive, which will increase sight lines and safety, Bibby said.

Village President John Hansen said the rebuild is holding to a timetable the village has set, including several table-setting measures already taken. Some power poles already have been moved and the village has acquired some necessary land.

"It's really starting to fall into place. Adding the turn lane and reducing the hill will really increase safety," Hansen said.

The next step could come next week as the village board could approve a contract with Rempe-Sharpe & Associates, a consulting firm Bibby represents. The $208,000 contract would ensure oversight of the project, including testing and other quality control Bibby said.

Although this project is scheduled to finish in November, officials said another project is scheduled to widen the Oak Street and Route 31 intersection, including adding a traffic signal. However, the projects will not be completed at the same time.

Village Administrator Sue McLaughlin said the village has no say in the intersection improvement because it is a state project, and it has been delayed.