Phase II of ‘Alpine Road Project’ near completion

By Margaret Downing

REPORTER

At the Aug. 22 Loves Park City Council meeting, aldermen heard the good news that the Alpine Road reconstruction project is nearly finished.

In the absence of Mayor Darryl Lindberg, Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem, John Pruitt, stated that this was good news.

Dan Jacobson, Director of Public Works and Development said, “The second phase of the project should be complete by the beginning of September. The third phase will also include redoing Harlem Road in front of Schnucks. In April or May of 2017 we will start on work up to Juniper Lane to the boundary with Machesney Park.”

The reconstruction of the heavily traveled area began last spring and it is noted on the city’s website Alpine Road “was constructed in the 1970s and the pavement has deteriorated to the point that a full removal and replacement” was needed. The road had to be completely rebuilt as “a brand new asphalt pavement.”

Three phases of reconstruction were listed:

–First phase began in the spring from Riverside Blvd. to Rivington Road. Part of Windsor Road was also reconstructed, along with ramps to Forest Hills Road. The bridge over Forest Hills Road was to be repaired by Winnebago County but not replaced.

— Second phase included a rebuilding of Croyden Ave. from Rivington Road.

— Third and final phase will be reconstruction of the Harlem/N. Alpine Roads intersection scheduled for 2017.

The approximate $12-million project was one of such endeavors being funded through the city’s one percent sales tax that was approved by referendum in 2014.

In other business:

Alderman Clint Little gave the weekly police activity report for the week of Aug. 14-20. There were 633 calls for service, 281 arrests, which includes warnings and tickets, and nine accidents reported.

On the weekly fire department report dated Aug. 21, one false fire alarm call, one mutual aid call, two carbon monoxide or gas leak calls, one assist police call, and one smoke or odor investigation call reported.

Aldermen approved payment of $23,138.87 in water department bills, and $339,301.64 in general fund and all other bills, as presented Aug. 15.