Wheels Begin Turning for Shabbona Drive Makeover

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The wheels are turning for a Shabbona Drive makeover from Sauk Trail to Indianwood Boulevard. In November, the Village Board approved a resolution to appropriate $233,170 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for preliminary/design engineering costs associated with improvements for Shabbona Drive.

This phase of the project will largely be grant-funded, with 80%, or $186,536, coming from the federal government. The remaining 20%, or $46,634, will come from Motor Fuel Tax [MFT] funds.

“Roadway improvements to Shabbona Drive are eligible for federal aid funding through the Surface Transportation Program Urban (STP-U),” Asst. Director of Public Works/Village Engineer Nicholas Christie said in a memo to the Village Board. “The STP funds for the South Suburbs are distributed through the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA).”

The entire project calls for the milling, or grinding down and removal of the pavement. Other proposed improvements for the project include, “pavement patching, remove and replace curb and gutter, driveway replacement, sidewalk improvements at intersections, structure adjustments, pavement markings, traffic control, restoration, and any other necessary items,” Mr. Christie said in his memo.

Mr. Christie said the targeted “Letting Date,” or date when construction bids are opened, is September 20, 2019. The first day of fall in 2019 is three days later, September 23. Depending on when bids come in, final construction in the spring or summer of 2020 appears likely.

This phase of the project was approved by the Village Board at its November 19, 2018 meeting.