The City monitors the conditions of its infrastructure and plans for upgrades. The project planning for Green Bay Road began in 2015. In anticipation of the need for reconstruction within the next 5-7 years, the City requested and was awarded federal grant funding through the Lake County Council of Mayors. Grant funds are expected to cover 80% of the cost of the project, and will alleviate the tax burden on property owners.
As anticipated, the Green Bay Road infrastructure, namely water main, storm sewer, and roadway, has deteriorated significantly due to normal aging. Over the years, the concrete roadway section has spalled (fragmented), and the temporary asphalt repairs performed are not maintaining the integrity of the pavement. As such, the Green Bay Road Reconstruction Project was prioritized in the City’s Capital Reconstruction Program to undertake the necessary infrastructure improvements. Projects of this nature take years to execute, and it is cost effective and reduces disruption to the public to complete as many repairs as possible at one time. Planning includes public discussion, engineering and design, bids for work, coordination with other governmental agencies, and pursuit of grant funding.
The project entails removal of the existing concrete pavement and installation of a new full-depth asphalt pavement. The new asphalt pavement will provide a smooth and much quieter riding surface. In addition, the project will also incorporate the following improvements and reconstruction elements:
- New concrete curbs will be installed on both sides of Green Bay Road.
- Existing traffic signals will be modernized with new traffic signal equipment.
- New storm sewers and water main upgrades.
- Driveway aprons will be reconstructed.
- Parkway areas disturbed by construction will be restored with topsoil and sod, and trees will be replaced.
- A bike lane is also being considered as part of this project.
This is a large project on a major road, and the City will try to minimize disruptions during construction. However, since the pavement will be reconstructed, maintaining two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) during construction on Green Bay Road is not feasible. Due to the length of the project and to minimize inconvenience as much as possible, the project will be divided into two construction contracts. Contract 1 is from Central Avenue to Croftridge Lane. During Contract 1, only northbound traffic will be allowed on Green Bay Road. A detour for southbound traffic may utilize either St. Johns Avenue or US Route 41. This will be evaluated as part of the design engineering. Construction of Contract 1 is expected to last for one construction season (April to October).
Construction Contract 2 is from Croftridge Lane to Clavey Road. During Contract 2, only northbound traffic will be allowed on Green Bay Road. A detour for southbound traffic may utilize St. Johns or US Route 41. Again, this will be evaluated as part of the design engineering. Contract 2 is expected to last for one construction season (April to October). The total construction duration for this project is expected to be two years, with most of the construction occurring from April to October.
IDOT approved the Phase II Engineering agreement. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 or 2025.
