Oak Park targets resurfacing, streetscape and bridge readiness; staff urges strategic PCI goal setting

Transportation and streets projects dominated the second half of the finance committee’s Sept. 25 session. Public Works staff presented recommended funding levels for resurfacing, alleys, neighborhood greenways, traffic calming, lighting and bridge design work.

Key recommendations and figures

- Local street resurfacing: staff proposed $3.5 million for the 2026 local resurfacing construction contract and explained that $5.4 million annually is the model‑recommended funding level to maintain the village’s current pavement condition index (PCI) status quo. Staff said Oak Park’s PCI is about 70 and that the program as proposed preserves that level; the village could raise funding to target a higher PCI (for example 75) but staff said the board would need to set a specific funding goal and time horizon. - Oak Park Avenue streetscape: the project is out to bid with construction bids due late October and staff will present a construction contract to the village board Nov. 11. Costs in the sheet reflect board direction to move away from bluestone materials; staff included lines for village procurement of specialty furniture and a $575,000 placeholder to resolve sidewalk vault conditions that remain in negotiation with private property owners. - Neighborhood Greenway: staff proposed roughly $2.5 million to finish the village‑wide neighborhood greenway work, with Cook County and other grants offsetting part of the cost. - Alleys: staff proposed an alley replacement program of about $2.0 million for 2026 and said the village has completed roughly two‑thirds of alley segments (about 660 segments total) with approximately 260 remaining; CDBG funds support work in low‑ and moderate‑income areas but those funds will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis going forward. - Home Avenue bridge: staff are starting preliminary design and concept options for a replacement tied to the I‑290 corridor work; they applied to the state for $10 million in construction assistance and said the village’s design work will improve competitiveness for grants. The state’s I‑290 program will replace the bridge as part of corridor work, and the village’s supplemental design could fund enhancements beyond an in‑kind replacement. - Traffic signals and detection upgrades: staff proposed a multi‑year program to modernize detection from inductive loops to video detection, upgrade signal communications (single‑mode fiber and cabinet gear) and implement accessible pedestrian signals (audible push‑button guidance) and leading pedestrian intervals where appropriate.

Committee requests and next steps

Trustees asked staff to schedule a study session that would present PCI trends, maps of pavement condition over time, and scenarios showing what different funding targets (for example 75 PCI) would require on a multi‑year basis. Staff agreed and said they will incorporate CMAP‑sponsored pavement assessments, equity mapping and projected water‑main replacement impacts into the study session.

Why it matters: the transportation recommendations shape resident experience for years: resurfacing, alleys, and streetscape projects are visible public investments that intersect with equity, sustainability and operations. The committee asked for clearer benchmarks and equity lenses to guide long‑term funding decisions.

Sources: Public Works presentation and committee Q&A on Sept. 25.