Fairchild Subway engineering up for vote

Local News

Discussion

May 9, 2009

BY JENNIFER BAILEY The Commercial-News Sat May 09, 2009, 02:22 PM CDT

DANVILLE — The city council¡¦s public works committee on Tuesday will consider approving a Phase I engineering contract as part of the Fairchild Subway replacement project.

City and Illinois Department of Transportation officials worked with consultant Alfred Benesch Co. of Chicago to arrive at 5,773 hours of work at a cost of $899,727.

Aldermen approved a $4.75 million bond issue partly for engineering to replace the subway and take Fairchild Street over the Norfolk Southern and CSX railroad tracks with an overpass.

Studies have confirmed the subway walls were not designed properly and had structurally failed, with pressure exceeding their theoretical capacity.

Replacement of the walls was recommended, but traffic projections also called for four traffic lanes in 20 years through the subway. URS Consultants of Decatur confirmed that the railroad tunnels couldn¡¦t be modified to four lanes of traffic, and substandard vertical clearance through the subway also exists.

The corridor study found that the most economical way, and with the least impacts, to improve the corridor is by replacing the subway.

¡§This is the initial engineering design phase,¡¨ Public Works Director Doug Ahrens said.

Ahrens said the Phase 1 engineering would identify the type of structure that would be constructed as an overpass, such as the width and number of lanes; in addition to environmental impacts to the homes, businesses (and those facing relocation) and adjoining streets; and construction phases and staging needed especially with its ¡§touchdown¡¨ point at Bowman Avenue.

The city is seeking funding through the Illinois Commerce Commission and federal funding for construction.

Also Tuesday, the committee will consider:

ƒÞ Approving an agreement for Espenshied Park off Voorhees Street to be used for FETCH (Family of Espenshied Totally Canine and Hounds) Park.

An adhoc group has met about the park. Attorney Darrel Jacobs and Dr. John Mason have been spearheading the effort to set aside 5 acres at the 65-acre park for the dog park.

The park is located at the end of North Kimball Street west of Bowman Avenue.

The city is supplying the space and labor assistance.

ƒÞ Approving the sale of the Central Vehicle Maintenance garage, 800 South St., to Glesco Electric.

ƒÞ Authorizing an environmental right of entry agreement for the South Street sewer improvement.

ƒÞ Appropriating $1.4 million in Motor Fuel Tax funds for the 2009 overlay program.

ƒÞ Authorizing auditing services with Clifton Gunderson and authorizing actuarial services with Timothy W. Sharpe.

COMING UP

The city council¡¦s Public Works Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W. Main St.

Text Only

Local News

Community Briefs
February 13, 2012
Community Calendar
February 13, 2012
Quinn defends Ill. after Caterpillar CEO blasts jobs climate
Gov. Pat Quinn defended the state’s business climate Sunday after the head of Caterpillar Inc. blasted state political leaders in a published column for not doing enough to grow business and jobs in Illinois.

February 12, 2012
Seed-starting tips provided
February 12, 2012
Veteran to discuss history
February 12, 2012
Schools to compete in bee
February 12, 2012
County sees increase in sexually transmitted diseases
The Vermilion County Health Department took a hit in the summer of 2010 when a large number of programs offered through state grants were eliminated because of slow-moving funding.

February 12, 2012
Health officials seek public’s opinion
Determining the health issues local residents deem important will be the focus of an upcoming meeting in Danville.

February 12, 2012
Goldendoodles, family a perfect match
Chris and Kelli Pinkerton have always liked the friendly, personable golden retrievers, except for the shedding.

February 12, 2012 3 Photos
Songwriter: Time to slow down
After nearly a lifetime in the country-music business, Bob Payne has earned plenty of awards and rewards — but not the monetary kind.

February 12, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Fairchild Subway engineering up for vote

Site Map

Contact Us