City administrator reports IDOT bridge repairs delayed, movie filming set for August and landfill open extended after storms

City Administrator Matt Oldenburg told the Galena City Council on July 14 that the Illinois Department of Transportation bridge patching and repair project received no bids and will be rebid; the agency is considering postponing construction to spring to avoid the city's peak season.

Oldenburg said the planned repair work on the Highway 20 bridge involves a three-phase schedule with complicated traffic control and could disrupt downtown traffic if done during peak summer. He said staff has requested IDOT consider delaying the work if bidders cannot commit to a schedule outside of Galena’s busiest period.

Oldenburg also said a movie production that previously requested one day to film will now be on-site for the week of Aug. 18 and that the city has received additional requests for temporary street closures; staff will present details for council approval on July 28.

Public works damage from recent storms was reported: a shifted manhole/brick installation on Green Street will require removal and replacement of about 30 bricks and inspection of the contractor who did the work last year. Oldenburg said the flood surge blew out previously installed river-outlet plugs, increasing pressure on some drainage infrastructure.

To assist residents with storm cleanup, the city landfill will be open daily through the coming weekend until 8 p.m., and public works crews will pick up large branches placed at the curb if residents notify city hall. Oldenburg asked residents not to block sidewalks when moving debris to the street and said staff posted the landfill schedule on social media.

Oldenburg also noted the city’s external audit fieldwork is complete and that staff expects the audit report in August.