Another traffic switch ahead, crossing closure imminent

In the words of Trustee Dave Spesia: “Broadway construction is moving.”
As chairman of the village of Coal City’s Streets and Alleys Committee, Spesia sits in on the scheduled construction meetings and reports the latest news on the $4.5 million reconstruction project back to the Village Board.
What he learned at the most recent meeting he said, “was mind boggling, to say the least.”
As the construction season begins to wind down, village officials estimated another 60 days or so remained in the schedule, however they were informed it’s actually about 30 days.
But, as Spesia and village administrator Matt Fritz reported, they’ve been assured the majority of the work can be completed this construction season.
“Long story short is they believe they are going to still get it done, meet the schedule from a calendar purpose by essentially working extra days that are outside of the IDOT regulated working days. So it’s a difference of less control for the investor who wants the improvement and more for the contractor to have safe working conditions,” Fritz explained.
After a rained out weekend, the contractor was back at work on Monday. Improvements were being completed in the first block of South Broadway. Once that work is complete, a traffic shift will occur.
The project engineer announced late last week the contractor is scheduled to shift traffic this week moving northbound Broadway traffic to the west side on the new pavement. The change will allow construction of the east side of the roadway to begin.
Crews will begin pavement removal on the east side of Broadway followed by underground storm sewer installation.
Sidewalks on the east side will remain in place at this time, and side streets and driveways will have stone access and remain open except for short periods of time when the contractor is working in the area.
Street parking on the east side of Broadway will be closed during this stage, so parking will be limited to side streets and the west side of Broadway.
At the Village Board’s meeting last week, Fritz further reported the closure of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail crossing is imminent.
“According to the latest schedule that came out, it looks like its going to be Oct. 2 when that happens,” Fritz told the board.
When the crossing closure occurs there will be a 30-day window where all of the work must be completed. The closure will impact South Broadway traffic from Center Street south to Park Street.
“We kind of knew when the railroad tracks were going to be closed it would be a tougher moment in time,” the administrator said. While the tracks are closed, motorists will be required to utilize the Kankakee and Mazon street crossings.
The reconstruction project is slated for substantial completion this calendar year.