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Hazel Avenue reconstruction 11% complete, village says; water main, storm sewer and directional drilling work underway
Summary
Village public works reported that Hazel Avenue reconstruction is approximately 11% complete, with about $5 million in federal/county funds offsetting a roughly $10 million project; contractors are installing a 42-inch storm sewer, new water main and preparing directional drills under the creek and railroad.
Village public works staff gave trustees a detailed update April 7 on the Hazel Avenue reconstruction project, saying the federally supported infrastructure overhaul is underway and tracking toward a fall completion for major construction work.
Public works staff said design work began in 2020 and construction began in early March 2025. The project, which staff described as carrying an overall construction price in the vicinity of $10,000,000 plus engineering, includes relocation of utilities, a 42-inch storm sewer, new water main installation, and work to run water main under railroad tracks via directional drilling. "The project right now is approximately 11% complete," a project lead told the board. Staff said roughly $5,000,000 in federal and county funds helps offset the project's cost.
Work underway includes utility pole removals and replacements coordinated among Commonwealth Edison, AT&T and Comcast; two underground crews are installing water main and large-diameter storm sewer in separate sections of the corridor. Directional drilling is planned to connect eastern and western sections and to bore under the creek and the railroad tracks. The new water main has been tested and chlorinated and crews are switching services from the old main to the new main prior to abandoning the old main in place.
Staff also addressed lead service lines within the project area, saying "we know, for a fact that there are 16 or so lead services within the Hazel Avenue infrastructure project," and that those services have been replaced under a homeowner cost-share the board previously approved. Public works noted that some landscaping and punch-list items could extend into the next year after major construction finishes.
Trustees praised staff for the communication and coordination work and asked about minimizing impacts to the pool season and July Fourth parade routing. Staff said they are attempting to limit disruptions, particularly near Mitchell Park, and urged residents to sign up for the project blog and use village communications for up-to-date information. No board vote was required for the update; staff invited residents to contact the office or on-site staff for questions.
