Lake Forest drivers and pedestrians will soon face some disruptions as the city begins several construction projects this summer.
On March 16, the Lake Forest City Council approved a series of initiatives, including a water main replacement project and expanded sidewalk repairs.
The water main replacement — a nearly $1.3 million project — will cover roughly a quarter-mile stretch of Green Bay Road from Linden Avenue to Greenwood Avenue.
Byron Kutz, the city’s superintendent of engineering, told the City Council the 10-inch water pipe is more than 100 years old and has experienced several breaks in recent years.
The work, which will include street resurfacing, is scheduled from June 8 through Aug. 10 to coincide with summer vacation for local schools. Kutz said after the meeting, there are no current plans to close the road during construction, though crews will be on site to direct traffic.
The City Council also approved sidewalk repairs at several locations, including within the Conway Park housing complex and along Old Elm Road. Kutz said the city receives calls from residents about damaged sidewalks and is aiming to reduce trip hazards and improve accessibility.
The city typically spends about $85,000 annually on sidewalk repairs, but this year that amount will increase to nearly $300,000.
“It is a liability,” Kutz said. “It is something the city wants to focus on.”
In addition, approximately 2.7 miles of streets across 10 sections are scheduled for resurfacing beginning in early May and continuing into early August under a contract not to exceed nearly $1.6 million. Kutz said the city will use motor fuel tax funds to pay for the project, which is typically undertaken every three years.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation of the Lake Road and Spruce Road bridges is expected to begin in early April, Kutz said. That project follows the ongoing replacement of the nearby Lake Road and Woodbine Lane bridge, which began earlier this year.
Through traffic is being detoured to Sheridan Road via Deerpath Road and Spruce Road during construction. The work is expected to be completed by mid- to late September, Kutz said.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
