Rt. 25 water main replacement project completion delayed
Earlier this year, the city of St. Charles launched a large-scale project to replace the water main on North Fifth Avenue (Route 25). Original project completion was slated for September.
Due to the scope and complexity of this project, weather delays, and some unforeseen circumstances, the project completion has been pushed back to later this fall.
Project scope
The project includes replacement of 5,400 feet of water main, along with auxiliary items such as fire hydrants, valves and vault boxes. Also being replaced are water mains on Iroquois Avenue between North Fifth and Third avenues, and on Allen Lane between North Fifth Avenue east to the dead end. These sections have a history of water main breaks, therefore this project will significantly improve reliability in all of these areas.
Water main installation
The water main is being installed by a process call directional boring and fusing which greatly reduces the amount of open trenching and excavation. This process also enables the contractor to keep both lanes of traffic open while construction was not being performed, with minimal lane closures during the work day.
Road patching
Although there is minimal excavation, there are areas that can only be accessed by excavating the road. Because some of these areas need to be opened more than once throughout the course of the project, they are covered with temporary patches. Some of these temporary patches have deteriorated over time. The contractor will examine the roads and fix any patches in need of maintenance.
Site cleanup
The contractor also will clean up the right of way and other work areas, removing debris and construction materials that will are not needed for future work.
"This project is vital to maintaining safe and reliable service to residents," said Peter Suhr, director of public works. "We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your continued patience."
Visit www.stcharlesil.gov, and click on the City Projects tab on the front page for weekly project updates. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at pw@stcharlesil.gov or (630) 377-4405.
About the City of St. Charles
Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the "150 Great Places in Illinois," by the AIA Illinois; and one of the "Top 10 Towns To Live In" by West Suburban Living magazine. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.