The City will be replacing a 70-year-old water main on Route 31 from North Street to the Geneva’s northern boundary limit starting Monday, Nov. 2.
Bolder Contractors, Inc. anticipates construction will last about three weeks followed by another three weeks to test and connect residential water services to the new water main, weather permitting. A majority of the work will take place on the eastern edge of Wheeler Park, 822 N. First St. When necessary, flaggers will be present to direct motorists on Route 31 during construction. One lane of traffic in each direction is expected to remain open throughout the project.
If the work schedule has to be adjusted, the City expects all homes will be hooked up to the new water main by year’s end.
Built in the 1940s, the existing water main is being replaced due to its age and limited size. The new, larger main will be better able to meet increasing demands and provide improved fire protection in case of an emergency.
The City is notifying area residents this week of the upcoming operations. Residents will receive another notification by the contractor when their water service will be switched over to the new water main. The connections, which typically require 30 minutes of water service down time per household, will be done between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Driveways that have water shut off valves located underneath will need to be dug up to reconnect the new service line. These driveways will be repaired following the connection.
Homes located on Route 31 between Stevens and North streets will continue to be served by the existing water main and will not be impacted by the project.
Wheeler Park will remain open with only limited interference from the construction operations. Initial parkway restoration work will begin this fall, but crews will return to finish the job in March 2016.
Residents who have questions or concerns can call the City’s Civil Engineer C. Elton Orozco at 630-232-1501. People may stop by the Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St., between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday to look at the project plans. The plans and weekly updates also will be posted on the City's website at the link below.