Chicago Construction News staff writer
The City of Rockford’s finance and personnel committee has approved the FY 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with $322-million to improve infrastructure – the largest proposed amount in city history.
Also, the plan proposes implementing the largest single year of construction to date in 2024 on aging roadway, bridge, sidewalk, stormwater, and water facilities.
“Implementing these projects will retain and bring many jobs to the area to help make this community build back infrastructure that transforms and grows a city, as well as assures safer travelled ways and reliable drinking water,” the committee said in a news release.
Highlights in the five-year plan include:
- Capital Roadway Improvement Program will be reconstructing two large corridors: Madison Street (FY2023 encumbrance) and Whitman Street while prepping for 11″ Street and Alpine Road projects following close behind.
- Highway Structure and Bridge Repair and Replacement Program includes the replacement of multiple structures over the next five years, as well as major repairs to many others based on the recommendations of the biennial bridge inspection report.
- Stormwater and Drainage Program will finish the Alpine Dam Phase II project, while focusing on reviewing and updating the Stormwater Ordinance, as well as the Stormwater Master Plan.
- The Maintenance Program is bigger than ever, as the CIP continues to focus on simply maintaining existing infrastructure. More than ever before, the City will be using a data driven approach to implement multiple different low-cost preventative treatment options for pavements as an alternative to the expensive resurfacing option which will optimize the roadway network’s overall pavement condition score.
- Sidewalks and Active Transportation Program will once again get a boost from the Workforce Development Program which provides quality sidewalk improvements while introducing young adults to the trade, as well as engineer for the federal funds received for the Highcrest Multi-Use Path and the Rockford Riverfront Path.
- Traffic Program continues to implement blocks of streetscape from the Downtown Strategic Action Plan. The blocks in front of BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Theatre are planned for 2024.
- Community Enhancement and Economic Development Program plans for construction of the $22 million complete streets revitalization project along Chestnut Street, Walnut Street, and 1st Avenue for a separated bicycle facility and streetscape in 2025, as well as multiple other projects strategically selected to help enhance the community and support economic development.
- Water Production Capital Improvement Program includes the construction of treatment plants, treatment addition to existing facilities, reservoir and tower maintenance, building maintenance, and filter vessel maintenance.
- Water Distribution Capital Improvement Program will continue to focus on prioritizing water main replacements based on risk assessment model(s) that identify areas with the greatest replacement need as well as the continuation of the lead service line replacement program.
Projects to be implemented in 2024 include:
- Approximately 100 blocks of neighborhood street resurfacing and an additional 80 blocks of preservation
- Approximately three miles of sidewalks
- Whitman street improvements
- Winnebago/Court/Mulberry streets resurfacing
- Lee Street reconstruction
- Keith Creek hazard mitigation
