Crescent and Park Boulevards Slated for Improvements

Trustees approved the first step for improving traffic flow and stretches of roadway that are in need of repair. These projects come with large pricetags but a major portion of the improvements will be funded by federal dollars.    

Phase one engineering services will analyze, determine the best designs to improve these corridors, which could take 12-18 months. This means breaking ground to actually start construction would likely begin in 2015, said Bob Minix, professional engineer.

One reconstruction project is targeted for the stretch of Crescent Boulevard in front of . These roadway improvements will focus on improving traffic flow and safety improvements from Park Boulevard east to Riford Road about one-third mile. 

At this beginning stage few details are completed and have yet to be conceived, however; Trustee Peter Cooper raised concerns about the potential for a median strip along Crescent, an idea he first heard proposed by Glenbard Township High School District 87. Cooper questions whether this median strip is to help traffic flow or aesthetics for the school's benefit. 

Minix confirmed plans are in place to divide the east and westbound lanes, mainly to deter U-turn traffic but he said the height of the divider would not obscure vision, a concern among trustees.

"I think it's important to remember it's a complex area. The commuters have to get along with the pedestrians and the pedestrians have to get along with the commuters," said Trustee Phil Hartweg.

The Crescent boulevard reconstruction is estimated to cost $1.9 million, the village secured $1.3 million from the federal government to fund a major portion of the project. Trustees waived competitive bidding and awarded phase one engineering services to Burns and and McDonnell Engineering for an amount not to exceed $130,000.    

The second project will reconstruct Park Boulevard between Roosevelt and Fairview Roads and resurface the roadway north up until the railroad tracks. The entire project is estimated to cost $2.5 million, the village will receive about $1.1 million in federal funding. Trustees also waived competitive bidding for this second project and awarded phase one engineering services to Engineering Enterprises in an amount not to exceed $125,000.  

Village President Mark Pfefferman said this improvement will help enhance a key artery into town.

"This is a huge entrance to our community and anything we can do would be great," said Pfefferman.