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Machesney Park committee authorizes bid for Phase 1 of Forest Hills Road improvements
Summary
The Public Improvement Safety Committee approved Resolution 09R26 authorizing advertisement for bids for Phase 1 of the Forest Hills Road improvements, which will include two through lanes, turn lanes, 8‑foot shoulders and storm‑sewer work; staff said Phase 1 could be built in a three‑month window and a grant could fund up to 80% of Phase 2.
The Machesney Park Public Improvement Safety Committee voted to authorize bidding for Phase 1 of the Forest Hills Road improvements under Resolution 09R26, the chair announced after a staff report on project scope and schedule.
Engineer Hopkins told the committee the first phase will cover Forest Hills Road between Hutchins and the planned tie‑in point near the 'astrophysics' driveway and Willow Creek Road between Burton Road and Forest Hills. "Forest Hills Road is going to have two new through lanes, bidirectional turn lanes, right turn lanes into the neighborhood," Hopkins said, adding the project will include "8‑foot shoulders" and concrete pavement for Forest Hills while Willow Creek will receive hot‑mix asphalt.
The nut graf: the two‑phase approach is intended to manage village finances and traffic impacts while enabling coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on needed intersection improvements at IL‑251. Hopkins said the village has pursued a pay‑as‑you‑go funding approach for years and breaking the work into two segments is fiscally prudent and reduces detour times for residents.
Hopkins described additional elements: new storm sewer to tie into improvements built in recent years, and that the village will construct Willow Creek Road under local traffic while Forest Hills is expected to be closed between Willow Creek and Hutchins during work. He said two currently unoccupied buildings within the project limits reduce daily access disruptions. On timing, Hopkins said the village is considering a June–August construction window and expects Phase 1 to require roughly three months of work.
The committee also learned of a recent funding opportunity that could cover most of Phase 2. "We may be able to get 80% of the Phase 2 cost paid for," Hopkins said, and recommended using the extra time to coordinate with IDOT and pursue the grant.
Chair moved the resolution; Mister Nelson made the motion and Mister James seconded. With no questions from members the chair called the vote and "the motion carries." The committee authorized staff to proceed with the bidding process for Phase 1 under Resolution 09R26.
Next steps: staff will prepare bid documents and pursue coordination with IDOT on the IL‑251 intersection; construction is expected to be scheduled in summer months subject to bid timing and funding availability.
