Flossmoor is continuing its eight-year, $7.28 million water main replacement project, with the latest phase of construction expected to begin later this month.
Village board members Monday approved a $1,763,508 contract with Brandt Builders Inc., of Morris, to install new water mains throughout the village this year. Public Works Director John Brunke told the board that Flossmoor received three bids for the water main project; Brandt was the lowest responsible bidder, Brunke said.
Areas to be covered this year include Gardner Road, Hutchison Road, Collett Lane, the Heather Hill North neighborhood, and the block surrounded by Carroll Parkway, Evans Road, Travers Lane and Flossmoor Road.
An open house for residents regarding the water main project is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, May 5, at Flossmoor Village Hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road. Representatives of Baxter & Woodman, the village’s consulting engineering firm, will be on hand to answer any questions on work slated in residential areas.
This year’s water main project includes the installation of a total of 5,800 feet of eight-inch and 12-inch PVC pipe, 21 fire hydrants, 128 water service connections, pavement and landscaping restoration and other miscellaneous construction items.
In 2012, voters approved a referendum issue allowing the sale of general obligation bonds to finance the replacement of about six miles of water mains throughout Flossmoor. Village officials asked for the project, which they said was badly needed since the existing mains were in serious disrepair and losing an alarming amount of water.
Brunke said Flossmoor has never worked before with Brandt Builders but that the firm had done similar work in Joliet and Beecher, and that those communities recommended the company. Baxter & Woodman has worked with Brandt, he said, and that the engineering firm advised Flossmoor officials that the firm is a quality contractor with good experience and communication skills.
Village board members also approved a $555,000 increase in the budget for this year’s water main project. Brunke said some work left over from 2014 is part of this year’s water main program, pushing up the costs of the project. That could also lead to reductions in future costs as the project continues, he said.
