Hillcrest Village Board Advances Plans for Hemstock Road Bridge Repairs

The Hillcrest Village Board of Trustees has taken significant steps towards repairing the Hemstock Road bridge, which has been closed since mid-October 2023. During a meeting on January 14, Village Engineer Kaitlin Wright presented a report detailing both short-term repairs and plans for long-term replacement of the structurally compromised bridge.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) closed the bridge after an inspection revealed a concerning decline in its load rating, dropping from a score of 7 to just 4. Following this assessment, IDOT determined that the steel piles supporting the bridge had deteriorated, necessitating its closure for safety reasons. In early November, further investigations by Baxter & Woodman confirmed that all eight steel piles were corroded, with two severely corroded to the point of no longer providing adequate support.

Wright informed the board that a contractor has estimated the cost of short-term repairs at approximately $85,000. This would be funded by the village, with plans to potentially approve the repair project in the coming month. Wright highlighted two possible approaches for the bidding process: a typical bid process or a design-build method that could expedite repairs. The design-build option would involve Baxter & Woodman creating a design and working directly with a contractor, though it would require the village to waive competitive bidding.

If approved, construction could start as early as April or May 2024, subject to weather conditions affecting concrete pouring. IDOT will need to review and approve the repair plans before the bridge can be reopened. Wright emphasized that the bridge, which is over 50 years old, will ultimately require full-scale replacement, estimating costs between $500,000 and $700,000. Funding for this project, which would cover 80% of construction costs, is not expected to be available until 2028.

During the meeting, Village President Rick Rhoads granted Wright permission to initiate the first phase of engineering for the bridge’s long-term replacement.

In another key development, the board voted unanimously to appoint William Peska to fill an open trustee seat left vacant by the resignation of Trustee Tim Ball. Peska, a resident of Hillcrest for 11 years, expressed his commitment to assisting the village in its governance.

The board also received an update on the village’s 2026 chip seal program. Wright reported that all roads within the Windover Park subdivision, along with Hillcrest’s section of Bethel Road, will be treated with chip seal. The estimated cost for this program is $85,640, with a resolution expected for approval at the board’s February meeting.

Additionally, Trustee Dan Potter raised concerns about corroded water lines in the pump room of Hillcrest’s water well. He stated that these lines need replacement urgently and noted that a contractor will be assessing the situation to provide a cost estimate.

With these initiatives, the Hillcrest Village Board is actively addressing critical infrastructure needs while ensuring the safety and welfare of its residents.