Aurora is gearing up for a major underground overhaul. On June 23, the City Council signed off on two infrastructure contracts totaling nearly $7.8 million to upgrade sewer and water mains in the 4th and 6th wards. The projects are designed to swap out aging mains, separate parts of the storm and sanitary systems, and pull out dozens of lead service lines that have been quietly running beneath neighborhood streets. City officials say the goal is to cut down on recurring water-main breaks and reduce combined-sewer overflows that have fueled flooding and service headaches for residents.
Ward 4: Hazel CSO sewer separation and lead-line replacements
In Ward 4, Performance Construction & Engineering landed the Hazel CSO Sewer Separation, Sanitary Extension and Water Main Improvements contract for $4,618,028, according to the City of Aurora. The work includes upsizing an existing 4-inch DIP water main, replacing about 4,000 feet of main, and switching most water services over to the new line up to the meter, with homeowner approval. Many of those existing services are lead.
The city’s engineering memo notes the project will be paid for through several CIP accounts. Three companies bid on the job, with Performance Construction coming in as the lowest responsible bidder.
Timing, closures and the neighborhood impact
City staff told council members the Ward 4 project will move block by block, with daytime street closures and reopenings at night whenever possible, according to the Chicago Tribune. The work is expected to stretch through most of the summer and fall.
Residents will be notified ahead of any planned water shutdowns, officials said, and tight streets like Titsworth Court will get special access plans so crews can work without boxing in homeowners. Ald. Mike Saville credited the Public Works Department for being “very aggressive on lead mitigation,” city leaders said.
Ward 6: Richard, Robert and N. Russell water-main replacements
Over in Ward 6, Gerardi Sewer & Water Co. was awarded the Richard St., Robert St. and N. Russell Ave. Water Main Improvements contract with a low bid of $3,187,318.50, according to the City of Aurora. The contract covers replacement of 98 water services tied to the existing main, most of which are currently lead lines, and shifting them to the new pipe.
City staff said the job was bumped up the priority list after a recent spike in main breaks in the area. Unlike the Ward 4 work, officials expect this project will not require major lane closures.
Next steps and how to get information
Both contracts cleared the council as part of the consent agenda, and contractors will iron out detailed schedules before crews roll out, according to the Chicago Tribune. City engineers plan to coordinate directly with homeowners on service-line work and will post shutdown notices when water outages are necessary.
Officials said a budget transfer is in the works to ensure enough money is in the right accounts for both projects. Residents with questions can contact Aurora Public Works for up-to-date schedules and shutdown advisories.
