Politics & Government
Road Construction Related to Mariano's Will Continue Through Summer
The village board discussed the addition of two right turn lanes and a traffic light on Route 45 at Tuesday's meeting.
Frankfort residents can expect more construction on Route 45 with the opening of Mariano’s Fresh Market on March 5.
The Frankfort Village Board of Trustees voted to purchase two small plots of land from Phillips Chevrolet in order to accommodate the addition of a turn lane on La Grange Road at a meeting Tuesday evening.
“We’re very excited about Mariano’s opening up,” said Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland in an interview with Patch.
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The two plots of land total .023 acres and were purchased to allow for the relocation of a natural gas line easement and for right-of-way for the new turn lane.
The lane will be located on southbound La Grange road and will facilitate right turns onto Lincoln Highway.
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Other upcoming construction projects related to the opening of Mariano’s include the installation of a traffic light at Market Street and Route 45 and the addition of a right turn lane at northbound La Grange Road onto Market Street, which will serve as the entry roadway to Mariano’s.
The estimated cost for all road improvements related to the accommodation of the new Mariano’s and any other nearby future developments is $1.8 million.
The village is currently awaiting permit approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation on these projects. Village officials first requested state approval on the additions in December 2011.
“We certainly appreciate the public’s patience,” said Holland.
The Department of Transportation has indicated that the village can expect permits to be issued within the next 45 days, according to Village Administrator Jerry Ducay. Bids for construction on the upcoming projects are due March 19. Ducay estimates that work on the additions will begin in late April and continue through the summer and into the fall.
“We apologize for the inconvenience,” said Ducay.
Police will be directing traffic during peak hours at Market Street before signalization is installed.
“Use some extra caution and care,” Police Chief John Burica said. “We will do our best.”
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the village board authorized the purchase of four budgeted police vehicles totaling approximately $130,000.
Additionally, the board approved approximately $112,000 in repair and replacement costs for the Utility Department.
The board passed an ordinance amendment removing village restrictions on Sunday morning liquor sales at Tuesday’s meeting as well. This will allow local restaurants to serve alcohol at Sunday brunch.
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