Lake Bluff approves $3.87 million construction contract for West Scranton viaduct drainage phase 1

The Village of Lake Bluff on July 14 awarded a $3,869,271 construction contract to DeMeo Brothers Inc. and approved a construction‑engineering services agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. not to exceed $398,795 to start phase 1 of the West Scranton Avenue viaduct drainage improvement project. The project aims to reduce frequent flooding that closes the viaduct and affects schools, private property and local businesses by installing a larger storm sewer trunk and connecting smaller feeder lines. Village Administrator Drew said, “The viaduct floods at less than a 1‑year storm right now.” Under the contract the village will pay the contractor directly and be reimbursed from a $2,441,077 grant administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC). The village’s draft fiscal 2026 budget includes $3,900,000 for this phase; staff estimated the village’s net cost for this phase at about $1,700,000. Phase 1 work will place a larger trunk from near Lake Michigan in Lillie/Liliente west along East North Avenue to just west of Norfolk Road, with work in Lillie/Liliente beginning this fall. The project schedule presented to the board states Lillie/Liliente work will be completed in 2025 and work on East North Avenue by Oct. 31, 2026. The presenter said the overall project to reach the viaduct is estimated at about $22 million. Officials described funding gaps and stepped phasing. Drew said the village is about $5 million short of the total estimated remaining cost and is pursuing additional DCEO rounds, Lake County funding, IDOT participation and US Army Corps grants. He said the village’s stormwater utility and potential bonding are tools to cover remaining phases. Board members and engineering staff discussed technical details and risks: tunneling depth near Sheridan Road (tens of feet), a 72‑inch trunk tying into an existing 48‑inch pipe, an overflow structure and a rip‑rap channel seeded to appear natural. Staff warned of typical construction contingencies: unmarked utilities, lead service lines that must be replaced if disturbed and likely change orders. The presenter said change orders are probable and estimated a 5–10% contingency is possible on projects of this size. The board approved both items by roll call. Trustee Hatch, Trustee Ryder, Trustee Fried and President Charlo voted aye on the construction contract and the construction‑engineering agreement. Staff said construction could begin in one to two months after contract finalization and bonding; the contractor was described as likely to “soft start” with smaller work this summer and main construction this fall.