2012-Fall
Bridge Replacement cont’d:
Existing Proposed
We are in the midst of resubmitting plans for the replacement of the Briarwood Lane Bridge within the Plum Grove Estates Subdivision which crosses Salt Creek; and have had many successful meetings with the community to discuss options and designs. The original was built in the 1950’s and has lasted longer than it was originally designed for. The bridge is continually monitored by Cook County Highway Department (CCHD) and reports are filed to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Based on these reports, items of sub-standard design were noted for repair or replacement. In order to get the most beneficial design, a free span bridge was automatically considered to duplicate the efficiency of similar bridges in the area. This type of bridge would allow the creek to flow freely and would eliminate debris and sediment collection which occurs due to the center piers. Some of the other improvements include a reinforced parapet wall, proper steel guardrails and a wider travel path with a roadway radius increased to the correct design speed. In keeping with the natural aesthetics of the subdivision, the existing stone or a similar veneer will be placed over the parapet wall to preserve the character of the area. As we drafted this newsletter, we are awaiting historic preservation determination in order to proceed with the improvements.
Weather of 2012:
US Drought Monitor Summer Storms
It seems that this past summer we either experienced a lengthy drought or intense rainfalls that caused flooding or downed trees. After the storm passes and roadways have been cleared, clean-up crews are scheduled to receive storm damage from private properties. If you live in the incorporated areas, call your municipality as they will schedule a pick up based on extent of damage. If you experience a downed tree due to a storm event and live in the unincorporated area, please call to schedule a pickup. We will only collect storm damage if the debris has been placed with branch or cut side facing the edge of the street. If you have small brush or branches, please tie them with twine in bundles 4 ft. or less in length and 2 ft. or less in diameter. By doing so, they will be more manageable for disposal and we will be able to assist your neighbors more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, for your gardening use, we will continue to have compost (aged ground up yard waste) available for pick-up at the Road District facility, located at: 530 N. Smith Street, Palatine. Please call 847-358-6336 for availability, directions and hours.
Asphalt Paving 2012:
Please visit our website, www.palhwy.com to view a map for upcoming paving projects. This summer, we scheduled to grind, repave and stripe Hillside Road which runs east and west along Cook County Forest Preserve in the northwest section of Palatine Township. Other roads that were improved in late August, early September were Grove, Francis, Knoxboro and Beaumont Lanes. We installed and replaced storm sewers and made sure new landscaping was well adjusted, before they were repaved. After the paving, we shouldered and seeded the edge of pavement to ensure a smooth transition to the existing right of way. We also installed new high intensity prismatic signs which will provide for better retro-reflectivity of sight.
Water Quality:
Taken from a Soil & Water Conservation District letter…”Salt Creek serves many purposes. One of the most important is the conveyance of runoff water. This is particularly important during rain storms. Any obstruction can reduce the streams capacity to convey runoff. Dumping lawn clippings, leaves, branches, debris and other unwanted material in Slat Creek, on its bank or in the floodway is not only illegal, but it can cause your neighborhood to flood. Streams need to be free and clear of restrictions to function properly. Debris dumped onto the banks or floodway can be carried by storms into the stream.” If you spot a downed tree in the stream please notify us and we will coordinate removal with the Metropolitan Water Conservation District Small Streams Division. For more information please visit our website www.palhwy.com under WATER QUALITY.
