Storm Sewer and Water Main Work to Begin Today

The following is courtesy of Julia Messina, Community Relations Manager IDOT D-3:

• Weather permitting, the contractor will be on the project Monday (May 20, 2013) to begin underground-related work on the storm sewer and water main.

• Work will take place at the IL 47/Hydraulic St. intersection (NE quadrant). Work consists of boring under the RR tracks to install the sewer and will require a large excavated boring pit. As a result of this work, parking in the parking lot at this location will be eliminated. Several large junction chambers will also be installed and will require large excavations. Hydraulic St. will also be closed to traffic at various times as the work progresses.

• Temporary concrete barriers will be placed along the work area from Van Emmon St. to Hydraulic St. to protect motorists from the excavations.

• Removal of the existing retaining wall is expected to begin next week as well. Initial work will be excavating soil behind the wall.

• Due to staging and the reduction of lanes, motorists are reminded that left turns from IL 47 onto Hydraulic St are not allowed.

Reminder Regarding Cell Phone Use in Construction Zones
It is illegal for drivers to talk on a cell phone while traveling through a highway construction work zone or school zone.

Drivers are also prohibited from emailing, texting or surfing the internet while driving on all Illinois roadways. Fines start at $75 for either offense.

According to an April press release from Governor Quinn’s office, work zone speed fines are $375 for first-time offenders and $1,000 for second-time offenders, with the loss of their driver’s license for 90 days. If a motorist hits a worker, they face a $10,000 fine and up to 14 years in prison.