This project consists of reconstructing the pavement of Washington Boulevard. Also included is full replacement of concrete curb and gutter, driveway aprons, ADA sidewalk crossings, new lighting improvements, traffic signal improvements at 19th Avenue and 9th Avenue, storm sewer drainage improvements, certain water main improvements, combined sewer repairs, the installation of a marked bicycle lane and landscape restoration.

The project will begin with underground improvements. Underground improvements will include intermittent repairs to the existing sanitary sewer, new curb line drainage structures, new storm sewer laterals pipes and manholes and water main/ service replacement work. Once underground improvements are completed on each street, the roadway will be constructed with intermittent curb and gutter replacement, ADA sidewalk compliant roadway crossings improvements, roadway base reconstruction, hot-mix asphalt roadway paving and landscape restoration.

Washington Boulevard is to be fully reconstructed with a geo-grid base stabilizer, twelve-inch (12”) aggregate base course and a seven-inch (7”) hot-mix asphalt pavement section. All intersections are to be fully reconstructed as well.

The intersections of 19th Avenue and 9th Avenue along Washington Boulevard will have the entire traffic signal system replaced to current modern standards.  All of the existing light poles will be replaced with new LED lights and modern poles.  Landscape restoration will include new topsoil and sod as well as new trees to be planted.  The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-November 2023, based on anticipated “working days” as defined by IDOT. However, generally the project will be broken down into four (4) stages. Once each stage begins, the general order of work begins with underground/utility improvements, followed by concrete removal and replacement, followed by pavement reconstruction.

 

Stage 1- Washington Boulevard from 19th Avenue to 13th Avenue.

Stage 2- Washington Boulevard from 13th Avenue to 10th Avenue. This work near the school is scheduled to be performed between June 1st and August 15th.

Stage 3- Washington Boulevard from 21st Avenue to 19th Avenue. 19th Avenue to be constructed half at a time to allow for one way traffic southbound at all times.

Stage 4- Washington Boulevard from 10th Avenue to 9th Avenue. 9th Avenue to be constructed half at a time to allow for one-way traffic southbound at all times.

Certain work items will occur widespread throughout the project over the month of March. These work items include tree removal, light pole removal, saw cutting of pavement, traffic signal removal, and installation of temporary traffic signals. Nicor will be relocating certain gas mains as well. Throughout the course of the project, Washington Boulevard will be closed to through traffic (eastbound and westbound) from 9th Avenue to 21st Avenue. Through traffic will be directed to follow the detour along 9th Avenue, St. Charles Road, and 25th Avenue. See attached map for more information. Local use of Washington Boulevard for residents with Washington Boulevard addresses will be permitted whenever possible through the use of temporary access methods.

 

The project will include water main improvements at both 19th and 9th Avenues. The work will include new water mains, water service replacement and fire hydrant replacement. Various water services are to be replaced along Washington Boulevard as part of the project.

This work will necessitate a shut-down of the water main and corresponding water supply to residents.

Residents will be notified 24-48 hours in advance of the water system shut down.

It's one thing to talk about getting a project, it's quite another to make sure all aspects are funded! We would like to thank Governor JB Pritzker, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Hancock Engineering, and KTJ.