Dixon devotes $3.1 million to street repairs

DIXON - The city plans to resurface 5.2 miles of streets and roads across 92 blocks this summer. In all, the work totals about $3.1 million.

Including the upcoming construction expected to begin in early July, the city has committed $10 million to street resurfacing in the last 4 years. Dixon is catching up on road work by strategically bundling projects, which also saves on costs.

“As people build up their lives, homes, and businesses, it is important that their community build up the surrounding infrastructure that supports them,” Mayor Li Arellano Jr. said. “This record-setting investment in our annual street work sends a clear message that Dixon understands that and has the team in place to make it happen.”

Public Works Director Matt Heckman said street resurfacing is a top priority for the city, which is working hard to address residents’ concerns about street conditions.

The city budgeted $600,000 in motor fuel tax dollars, $490,000 from the city’s half-percent infrastructure tax, and $345,000 in state Rebuild Illinois funds. It was able to address other problem spots after receiving a $1.7 million fast-track grant from the state.

The city is also projected to save more than $100,000 by using staff to bring sidewalk ramps into compliance with standards set by Americans with Disabilities Act.

“We look for every opportunity to maximize each dollar, and we aggressively pursue grant funding and utilize in-house talent whenever possible,” Heckman said. “We’re fortunate to have a highly-skilled and dedicated Public Works team.”

The project is split in two phases. General maintenance resurfacing is underway, with staff doing cement work throughout town, and general contractor street resurfacing is expected to begin in early July. The second phase will include work funded by the fast-track grant.

The council approved Martin and Co. Excavating to do the first round of resurfacing for about $1.1 million, and Heckman said Public Works will solicit bids shortly for the phase 2 work.

“The street work completed over the past 3 years is nothing short of phenomenal,” City Manager Danny Langloss said. “We are seeing real, positive change happening all over Dixon. It is a very exciting time.”

Here are the following streets that will be resurfaced this construction season:

Phase One:

Devonshire Street from Brinton Avenue to North Jefferson Street

Squires Avenue from Everett to Swiss streets

Swiss Street and Anglo Street

Upham Place from West Morgan to West Chamberlin streets

North Dixon Avenue from East Chamberlin Street to Bradshaw Avenue

East Morgan Street from North Dixon Street to Assembly Place

West Morgan Street from North Galena Avenue to Upham Place

Van Epps Avenue

Fox Trot from Northridge to the cul de sac

Fieldstone from Deer Chase to Northridge

Deer Chase from Trail Drive to Northridge

Spruce Street from Fargo to Ottawa avenues

West Ninth Street from South Galena to Madison avenues

West Ninth Street from Monroe east to the dead end

West Tenth from Highland to Madison avenues

Madison Avenue from West Seventh to West Tenth streets

Monroe Avenue from West Eighth Street south to dead end

Broadway Street

Total 3.5 miles, 62 blocks

Phase 2:

Nachusa Avenue from West Fifth to Ninth streets

Douglas Avenue from River to West Fourth streets

Martin Street from Fourth to Carroll avenues

Carroll Avenue from Martin to Long streets

Center Street from Carroll Avenue west to dead end

South Ottawa Avenue from East Third to East Seventh streets

Highland Avenue from West Seventh street south to dead end

West Ninth Street from Depot to Jackson avenues

Total: 1.7 miles, 30 blocks

Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers joined Sauk Valley Media in 2016 covering local government in Dixon and Lee County.