Lincoln Heights seeks $539,946 MetroTransit grant to repave Shepard Lane; 10% local match required

Village staff told the Finance Committee on May 4 that Lincoln Heights has an agreement for MetroTransit infrastructure funds to repair Shepard Lane and Shepard Drive, with an eligible project cost of $539,946 and up to 90% in grant reimbursement.

"The eligible project cost is for $539,946 and the grant funding is up to that amount with 90% reimbursement," Village Manager Gains Brown said. The grant is reimbursement-based: the village must pay upfront, submit pay requests to the regional agency for reimbursement and provide a 10% local match plus cover any cost overruns.

Scope of work described in the agreement includes milling and repaving asphalt, full-depth pavement repairs, curb and sidewalk replacement where needed, catch-basin reconstruction, ADA-compliant curb ramps, driveway aprons and concrete repairs. The timeline states construction should begin within 18 months and the expected completion date is roughly August 2027, with quarterly and annual reports and a 60-day closeout report required.

Council members asked about traffic management during construction, the effect of heavy truck traffic on the roadway and whether the contract should specify more durable pavement for streets that receive commercial vehicle loads. Vice Mayor Duron Staniels and other members urged staff to include durability requirements and to coordinate detours, enforcement and contractor traffic plans.

Brown said staff will require contractor plans for traffic control and include specifications for durability in the contract documents. No contractor was selected at the time of the meeting; the grant acceptance and project design precede the bidding process.