Category: Progress Update

Week in Review

This past week, the contractor was unable to perform work due to high water levels. The recent rain events have caused the river water level to rise to an unsafe level for work to continue on the bridge demolition.

Looking Ahead: Planned Activities

In the upcoming week, the contractor plans to resume bridge demolition as soon as the water levels recede to safe working conditions. Monitoring of the water levels will continue to ensure the safety of the crew and the effectiveness of the erosion control measures in place.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

The contractor began preparations for bridge demolition on Monday. The crew successfully removed the rails and started breaking the deck, initiating the removal of the south side of the bridge deck. However, the work was halted due to high water levels, strong river currents, and the displacement of the in-stream turbidity curtain caused by the weekend’s rain event. Continuous rain throughout the week further deterred the crews from proceeding with the demolition.

Looking Ahead: Planned Activities

The contractor plans to continue the bridge demolition as soon as the water level returns to safe working conditions.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This past week, progress was made on the Oak Spring Road Bridge Replacement project. The contractor successfully set up the detour and closed Oak Spring Road to through traffic. Essential preparatory activities included the removal of guardrail, fencing, and access gate. Additionally, tree stumps were removed, and brush clearing and grubbing were completed, ensuring a clear site for further construction. Erosion and sediment control devices such as silt fences, ditch checks, and inlet protections were installed to manage runoff and protect the environment. Temporary fencing was also erected for site security. The contractor performed saw cutting of the bridge and installed a turbidity curtain in the Des Plaines River to mitigate water pollution during demolition.

Looking Ahead: Planned Activities

In the upcoming week, the contractor will focus on preparing for the bridge demolition. This phase is crucial for clearing the old structure and making way for the new bridge.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

The Oak Spring Road Bridge Replacement project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Due to the scope and nature of the bridge replacement project, Oak Spring Road will be closed for the duration of construction from the Des Plaines River Trail to the west and the private driveway at 15463 Oak Spring Road to the east. Local traffic will be permitted from Appley Avenue/2nd Street to the full closure, and from St. Mary’s Road to the full closure. While Lake Minear parking, Des Plaines River Trail path, and all residential driveways and side streets will remain accessible throughout the construction period, the Des Plaines River Trail path spur and LCFPD Canoe Launch parking lot will be closed. The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025.

The project involves the full removal and replacement of the existing bridge, originally constructed in 1967, along with pavement reconstruction on the east and west approaches. The new structure will feature a single 12-foot travel lane in each direction, a 3-foot shoulder, and an 8-foot pathway on both sides of the traveled way.

In accordance with the Libertyville Township Road District policies, daily working hours for the construction project are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. There is currently no work anticipated on Sundays or legal, observed holidays.

On behalf of Libertyville Township Road District, we would like to welcome you to the project website for the Oak Spring Road Bridge Replacement project. This bridge replacement project will utilize Surface Transportation Program Bridge (STP-BR), Township Bridge Program (TBP) local funds for the bridge replacement and reconstruction of the east and west bridge approaches.  The project is being administered and has been awarded through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). 

This bridge replacement will be completed on Oak Spring Road, over the Des Plaines River., in Libertyville Township, Lake County for a total distance of 643 feet (0.13 miles).

The project is scheduled to begin July 8th, 2024, weather permitting, and we anticipate the project being substantially completed by Summer 2025. Weather and unforeseen circumstances may adversely affect the proposed schedule.

In accordance with the Libertyville Township Road District policies, daily working hours for the construction project are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. There is currently no work anticipated on Sundays or legal, observed holidays.

Oak Spring Road will be closed at the bridge, over the Des Plaines River, during construction.  Oak Spring Road will be closed to through traffic.  A detour route will be in place throughout the project duration.  See included map for more detail.  The detour route will use Second Street, Church Street, Fourth Avenue, IL. Route 176, and Saint Mary’s Road.

It is anticipated that the Lake Minear parking, Des Plaines River Trail path, and all residential driveways and streets will be accessible throughout the duration of the construction. Conversely, the Des Plaines River Trail spur to the LCFPD Canoe Launch and the Canoe Launch parking lot will be closed.

The project team thanks you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this project. Motorists and pedestrians approaching the work zone are urged to pay close attention to orange signs and flaggers in work zones, obey posted speed limits, avoid cell phone use, be alert for construction workers and equipment, and obey closures and safety measures.