To help you follow the progress of the Willow Road redevelopment project, we want to explain in detail IDOT’s plan. Construction will proceed in phases with the goals of maximizing efficiency and safety for pedestrians and motorists, alike. Throughout the two-year construction period, IDOT’s plan is to keep at least one lane of traffic open in each direction throughout the corridor. The following is a brief overview of how IDOT plans to phase the improvements:
• Pre-Phase I – Preparation Work
This work is currently underway and includes relocating the underground and overhead utilities that are in conflict with the project; installing temporary traffic signals at each intersection; removing trees, medians or other conflicts along the corridor; installing erosion control measures and other fencing to protect the work zone and adjacent properties; and finally, installing a temporary lane/pavement on the south side of the roadway to allow one lane of traffic to remain open both east and west bound. Once completed, Phase I work begins.
• Phase I – North Side Construction
During this initial construction phase, temporary traffic controls and barricades will be installed to shift all of the traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, to the south side of the corridor. The contractor will then work on the north side of the project to install the utilities, curbs and gutter, storm water system, roadway and sidewalks. Once completed, Phase II work begins.
• Phase II – South Side Construction
During this next phase of work, the temporary traffic controls and barricades will be relocated and the traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, will be shifted to the newly constructed north side of the corridor. The contractor will then work on the south side of the project to install the utilities, curbs and gutter, storm water system, roadway and sidewalks. Once completed, Phase III work begins.
• Phase III – Center Construction
During this final phase of roadway work, the temporary traffic controls and barricades will be relocated, and the vehicular traffic will be shifted so that the westbound traffic is on the far north side of the corridor and the eastbound traffic is on the far south side of the corridor. During this phase, the pedestrian sidewalks will be open on both sides of the street. The contractor will then install the center medians and the curbs, gutter and roadway in the center portion of the corridor. Once completed, Phase IV final restoration work begins.
• Phase IV – Restoration
During this final phase of work, the contractor will complete the final grading; place new top soil and seed; install 569 new trees, 848 shrubs, and about 11,000 perennials in the parkway and medians; and complete all of the final finishes including the decorative bridge and lighting details in the Village Center.
This multi-phase process is expected to take about two years to complete. The roadway and sidewalk work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014, and then the planting and restoration work will take place immediately following in the spring of 2015. Regular updates will be available throughout the construction process. To follow the progress and monitor traffic conditions please check in at http://northfieldwillowroad.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook at Willow Road Construction Project or Twitter @willowroadcp.
