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Council approves $3.24 million Washington–Keller repaving; officials say corridor study will aim for larger redesign
Summary
City council approved a $3,239,481.67 contract to repave the worst stretch of Washington Street between Frolic and Park Avenue, while staff said a larger $25 million corridor redesign is being pursued separately through the Lake County Council of Mayors.
Waukegan — The City Council approved on Sept. 2 an award of $3,239,481.67 to Peter Baker & Son to repave the Washington and Keller repaving project after councilors emphasized the need to fix a badly deteriorated roadway even as staff pursue a larger corridor redesign.
What the council approved The vote authorizes the city to contract with Peter Baker & Son to repave the identified Washington Street segment for a not-to-exceed amount of $3,239,481.67. The item was carried on the consent agenda and approved by roll call.
Why the work is happening now Alderman Florian asked whether the repaving would be torn up if a larger corridor project advanced; city staff and Director of Public Works Chris Garland said the city had already funded engineering work for a comprehensive corridor study and is pursuing a roughly $25 million corridor project through the Lake County Council of Mayors. Garland told the council the Washington Street pavement is in “unrepairable condition” and that waiting three to five years for higher-level funding would leave a key corridor in poor condition in the meantime; staff said the immediate repave is intended to restore safe travel while the larger corridor planning and grant-seeking continues.
Scope and location When asked for extents, staff said the repave covers the stretch from the Frolic area (near Frolic Lounge) east to Park Avenue; the work will include new asphalt and associated patching and surface repairs. Council members said they expect further details from staff about how the repave will be coordinated with future corridor-level work and whether portions can be preserved or modified to reduce rework when the larger project proceeds.
Decision and next steps Council approved the contract and staff indicated they will return with coordination details as engineering and grant applications for the larger corridor effort progress. The project will be funded from municipal capital funds; staff said they are reviewing financing options for other city obligations and long-term commitments in parallel.
Sources: Council roll call and questions during the Sept. 2 council meeting; comments by Director Chris Garland during council Q&A.
