Annual Streets Program

City of Elgin

OBJECTIVE

The City of Elgin understands the importance of maintaining their infrastructure to protect the taxpayers’ investment. They contract with Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) to provide design and construction engineering services for their Annual Streets Program to provide rehabilitation measures and reduce long-term liabilities in areas in need of maintenance.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

For over six years, HLR has partnered with the City of Elgin to manage its annual street programs, helping to maximize the impact of limited budgets while improving roadway infrastructure. These programs include a range of improvements, such as resurfacing, reconstruction, full-depth reclamation, patching, sidewalk and curb repairs, drainage enhancements, and upgrading sidewalk ramps to meet ADA/PROWAG standards.

HLR’s role includes design coordination, contract document preparation, bidding assistance, and construction observation. Our team works closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), utility companies, and emergency services to ensure smooth project execution. With tight schedules driven by seasonal weather constraints, preliminary engineering begins in late winter or early spring, and construction typically wraps up by late summer.

Each year, HLR customizes solutions based on site-specific needs. In 2019, improvements covered 3.5 miles of roadway, including resurfacing, sidewalk and curb repairs, ADA/PROWAG upgrades, and intersection modifications at South Street and Walnut Street to enhance safety. In 2020, the program included 2.4 miles of roadway improvements with similar upgrades, as well as the full reconstruction of Price Drive due to failing subgrade. The 2024 Elgin Streets Program included five streets with over three miles of roadway and sidewalk improvements, 2,750 feet of curb and gutter replacement, 82 accessible curb ramps, and other appurtenant work.

HLR’s approach involves detailed analysis to customize solutions for each location. Services include design coordination, contract document preparation, bidding assistance, and construction observation. This project required coordination with various entities such as IDOT and utility companies. An aggressive schedule was required to meet seasonal weather constraints, with preliminary engineering beginning in late winter and construction wrapping up by late summer.

Engineering services for these programs include preliminary site assessments, cost estimates, topographic surveys, soil boring coordination, plan and bid document preparation, permit acquisition, bid assistance, construction observation, project documentation, and pay estimate coordination. HLR also provides CCDD permitting for material removal and serves as an extension of the City’s staff, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Our team continues to assist the City with its annual streets program, providing ongoing guidance and expertise to address evolving infrastructure needs.