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Contractor receives approval for six Hammond street closures for rail maintenance; board hears complaints about signage
Summary
The board approved traffic closures at six intersections to allow contractor maintenance of railroad crossings related to the Westlake project; members raised concerns that signage for recent closures was inadequate.
The Hammond Board of Public Works & Safety on Sept. 18 approved requests from the contractor to close six intersections for railroad-crossing maintenance tied to the Westlake project and discussed signage shortcomings experienced during earlier closures.
City staff said F.H. Paschen (contractor) requested closures in pairs: Kenwood and Conkey starting the next day for four days; Detroit and Highland as a paired closure Sept. 23 for four days; Waltham Street Sept. 27 for three days; and Douglas Street starting Sept. 30 for three days. Staff said they reviewed and approved the contractor27s maintenance-of-traffic plan and that the work is essential to keep the Westlake project on schedule.
A board member said signage was inadequate during a recent closure on 170th Street and urged better advance notification for motorists. Staff responded that the contractor will add six more message boards2Dtwo on Homan, two on Calumet and two for the Kenwood/Conkey/Highland/Detroit closures2Dto provide improved verbiage for detours. The transcript records the board approving the requested closures after discussion.
Representatives from the contractor (identified in the transcript as Mr. Woods and Mr. Ochi) were present for questions. Staff said the Douglas Street closure will occur on the 400 block, just west of the police station.
Board members moved to approve the closures and one member "concurred"; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally. Staff said the police department is informed and that additional message boards will be deployed to clarify detours and directional guidance for motorists.
