Downtown Construction

The Downtown Construction Project at IL Route 171 (State Street) and IL Route 7 (9th Street), overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), is intended to alleviate traffic congestion through downtown and heading toward and over the IL Route 7 (9th Street) high level-bridge and through downtown along State Street. IDOT reports that segments of IL Route 7 and both sides of IL Route 171 have pressing safety improvement needs. As part of this project, the City is replacing water mains and water service laterals and installing new streetscaping.

If you have questions about the project, please contact: 
Dan Hansen, City Engineer at (815) 838-0549, option 8 or email Dan Hansen

Project Improvements

• Traffic signal replacement
• Adding left turn lanes on IL 171 (State Street)
• Reconstructing on-street parking
• Providing new ADA compliant sidewalks and crossings within the project area
• Utility relocations, water main replacement, and all water service lateral replacement between our main and plumbed into the buildings (water main replacement and water service lateral replacement are funded by the City)
• Filling the old coal vaults that currently reside under the sidewalks as a safety measure for both pedestrians and building owners
• Adding various streetscape improvements

Project Updates

April 15, 2019 - D construction has installed storm sewer and begun back filling the retaining wall on the north side of 9th Street. This week they will finish back filling, frame the staircase, and begin curb and sidewalk framing/grading. The landscaper has begun installation of outcropping at the corners of state and 10th and continued working on the limestone piers on state street.

April 1, 2019 - D Construction is continuing to frame the barrier wall on the north side of 9^th and will have it poured by the end of the week. Water service installations and retirement of the old Commerce Street watermain between 9^th and 10^th will also be completed by the end of the week. Electricians have completed re-installation of the refurbished lighting units on the east side of State Street. The mason has begun installation of the masonry on the piers along State Street and will continue through the beginning of this week. Hoppy’s Landscaping will also continue installation of the outcropping along State Street. D Construction will follow with concrete base course installation and the Hoppy’s with paver installation.

March 28, 2019, April 2-3, 2019 - A temporary one-day closure of 10th Street at the railroad crossing. Access to the South Public Landing/Commerce Street Parking Lot will be maintained via the north entrance from 9th Street. The closure will be in effect until 3 PM today.

March 25, 2019 - D Construction has completed installation of the barrier wall footings on the North Side of 9^th Street. They will continue this week by framing the barrier wall, moving from east to west. Watermain installation is on hold until chlorination tests are passed. At that point, services will be installed and the old water main on Commerce Street will be cut out of commission while the new main is looped into service. D Construction has also begun preparing corners at 10^th Street and 8^th Street for sidewalk and paver installation. The electricians have begun installation of lighting on the east side of State Street and will continue through the week.

March 18, 2019 - D Construction has completed removal of the existing sidewalk, barrier wall, and staircase on the north side of 9th Street and finished installation of the temporary wood walkway along the building entrances. Excavation to tie in the watermain installed on 9th street last year to the existing water main on Commerce between 8th and 9th is ongoing and will be followed up by watermain installation, testing, and service installations. Excavation and framing for the proposed barrier wall footing will continue through the week as well.

March 11, 2019 - D Construction has began removal of existing sidewalk along the North side of 9th Street from Commerce St to State St. Upon completion of the North side of 9th, Removal and replacement will begin on the South side of 9th. Final landscaping will be performed throughout project limits concurrently with 9th Street work. Access to all residences and businesses will be maintained at all times.

2018 Project Updates