Annual Street Resurfacing Program Design (2020–2025)

City of Elgin

OBJECTIVE

There are over 350 lane miles of streets owned by the City of Elgin. The ongoing maintenance of these roadways as they age is a high priority for the City. The maintenance cycle includes various treatments and operations, including street resurfacing. This annual project aims to resurface over 3 miles of streets each year.

There are distinct challenges associated with resurfacing roadways in a historic city like Elgin. Some conditions encountered during these projects include brick roadway bases, concrete curb walls adjacent to sidewalks, and close proximity to important structures such as historic homes and churches.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City of Elgin’s annual resurfacing program includes pavement resurfacing, concrete improvements, and various additional work items depending on the location in a given year.

Pavement resurfacing design begins with a geotechnical investigation utilizing pavement cores. The scope of work for each roadway is determined based on the thickness and condition of the existing pavement and the desired minimum pavement cross section. Planned work items may include 3-inch resurfacing, full-depth pavement removal, pavement base patching, aggregate base repairs, and removal and replacement of unsuitable base material.

Concrete improvements begin with a detailed walking inspection of all roadways. Failed sections of curb and gutter, driveway aprons, and sidewalks are identified and included in the plan quantities. Curb and gutter are also identified for replacement to address drainage issues and around drainage structures requiring adjustment. All sidewalk ramps within the resurfacing area must be replaced to meet current PROWAG standards. Design work for sidewalk ramp replacement includes a topographic survey of all sidewalk corners and detailed design exhibits for each replacement location.

Additional work items include a pavement marking plan, detailed inspections of utility structures to determine if adjustments or reconstructions are necessary, and Clean Construction or Demolition Debris testing and certification.

Elgin’s annual resurfacing program extends the lifespan of the City’s streets, resulting in improved roadway characteristics such as structural strength, riding surface, and drainage. It also includes upgraded pedestrian facilities, pavement markings, and curb and gutter improvements.