David Smith from Oak Park

Posted: Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 12:16 AM

There's plenty of paving/surfacing technologies that could make this road last for 30-50 years ... they just cost an arm, leg and ear to build that way. I hate wasting money on re-work, but it does keep people employed also. That doesn't mean to let them do a crap job, just to balance the cost with the quality and make sure that they deliver what you specify. Also, as much as I'd like to blame it on Budrick, you have to do the work when the state can provide some funding.

Southsider

Posted: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 2:30 PM

There is a curtain alley in south Oak Park that is used for both an exit from Jewel (even though there is a do not enter sign) as well as an entrance that all the Jewel trucks use on a daily basis - This need to be repaved. I also agree Garfield is in horrible shape!

Jim Coughlin Facebook Verified

Posted: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 2:11 PM

Garfield does need to be resurfaced along with a significant number of streets in south Oak Park. It's unclear how much the Village has budgeted for repairs in 2012 and we still don't know which areas have been selected. The conditions of the streets,alleys, curbing and sidewalks in many Oak Park neighborhoods have been deteriorating. While I understand the reasons for focusing on rehabbing the business districts; we're reaching a critical stage of overall disrepair throughout the community.

Broken axel is right

Posted: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 12:23 PM

Right on! Yes, Garfield Ave is TERRIBLE, especially right near Home. I've been waiting forever for them to repair this stretch.

Brad from Oak Park

Posted: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 9:53 AM

Dan hit the nail right on the head. The right-lane, both on the northbound and southbound sides, is absolutely horrid. There are eight inch potholes and dips that will absolutely destroy the suspension system of your car. Driving home, northbound from Lake towards Division, we regularly have to shift from the right lane to the left lane to avoid these giant craters.

Broken axel

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 11:19 PM

Garfield Ave. from Ridgeland to Home Ave. please!!

Observer

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 9:33 PM

Two blocks of Marion cost almost $10 million and six miles on Harlem will cost about $4 million. Granted there are brick pavers and heated sidewalks, but still. It Oak Park paid way too much for two small blocks.

matt

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 5:50 PM

Pedant, you said it best!

M on Ridgeland from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 5:33 PM

If I am mistaken, I thought I heard that Austin Blvd is being redone also this spring? What a mess it will be if these are both being done. Great planning!

$$<>$$

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 5:12 PM

Its called planned obsolescence.

Dan Lauber from River Forest

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 4:54 PM

For those who question the need for a resurfacing ... Harlem is in terrible condition. I can't count the number of dips and collapsing areas between North Avenue and Lake Street alone. And then there's the sewer just north of Quick on the west side of Harlem that has been backing up for years. The lake it produces when it rains has resulted in many pedestrians getting drenched when cars speed through it. Yes, the roadway needs repair, badly.

Dan Lauber from River Forest

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 4:51 PM

I never thought Harlem would be resurfaced or rebuilt more than once while I live 80 feet from it. I am pretty darned sure that the last time, in 1996, it was a rebuilt of the roadway, not a simple resurfacing. It sure took a whole lot longer than 2 months. What I don't understand is how these contractors get away with doing such a lousy job. The roadway started collapsing in spots within just as few years. Have there been no advances in paving technology?

John from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 4:43 PM

The last time they resurfaced Harlem was maybe 6 years ago. I remember it well. It was a mess. Right after they finished it was great for about 2 weeks and then they started doing some other work that required cutting patches out of the brand spanking new road surface. Suddenly there were big dips and bumps everywhere, especially northbound from Lake in the right lane. Let`s not do that again this time around.

Jim Coughlin Facebook Verified

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:54 PM

Has the Village determined which neighborhood streets and alleys will be resurfaced this year? I couldn't find any information or schedule on the VOP website.

Mike from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:46 PM

Info is right - I was just wondering the other day how Harlem could be so beat up (in the right hand lanes going both ways between Chicago and Division) when the road was just redone - what seems like just a few years ago. (definately more recent than '96). And Harlem does actually move pretty well - most of the time.

Jeff Schroeder from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:46 PM

Now that both North and South Marion are open, they can be used as a detour. Non-locals can discover all of the shopping and dining delights available along the Bricknificant mile.

Confused Taxpayer from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:39 PM

Are they doing this work because it is really needed? Or because they want to spend the money? I keep reading that the State is in serious debt. They certainly have been slow paying their bills to area not-for-profit service providers. There are certainly roads in a lot worse shape than Harlem.

John Butch Murtagh from Oak Park, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:36 PM

Somehow I doubt Harlem drivers are going to choice 1st Ave as the detour from the roadwork because 1st is a state road. Oak Park ,particularly Oak Park Ave., will catch the bulk of the detouring vehicles, including trucks.

Pedant from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:31 PM

It's not gridlocked! It's just busy!

Steve from Oak Park

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:29 PM

Heated brick pavers.

Info

Posted: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 3:25 PM

Check your records. I know its been more recent than 1996. Come on Jim Buderick. Maybe 2004. Both Austin and Harlem were resurfaced around the same time. The more important question should be how come we cant figure out how to make a road that doesnt decay after 3 yrs?????