March 28, 2024
Local News

Algonquin considers road project to increase downtown parking on Main Street

ALGONQUIN – Village Board members considered two separate projects Tuesday, one moving to create easier access to a particular cul-de-sac and one that would increase the amount of parking on Main Street.

A special Village Board meeting addressed a restriping project on Main Street between Algonquin Road and Railroad Street, which would create an additional 32 parking spots for a total of 65 spots within the three-block stretch, Assistant Village Manager Michael Kumbera said.

The project would not require any physical construction, but rather realign the street marks, Kumbera said, adding it likely would add some angled parking spots on Main Street between Algonquin Road and Washington Street.

The work would not involve widening roads or changing the pedestrian environment, according to village documents.

Kumbera said the board did not take any formal action but instead asked for another look at the plan after some considerations, such as parking time limitations and possible bike lane striping.

The village is expecting more in-depth work in the future to improve the Main Street streetscape. A concept design engineering agreement was authorized last month with Christopher Burke Engineering Ltd., the village’s consultant.

That project, which still is in preliminary design phases, would consist of more physical construction work, Kumbera said.

“[The restriping project] is more of an interim measure – something we could do relatively quick until then,” he added.

The restriping work, expected to take about a week, is targeted for the end of summer or beginning of fall.

Another project, which was discussed later during the Committee of the Whole meeting, would involve making improvements to Harper Drive and adding multiuse paths, including a connector path from Harper Drive to Harnish Drive.

The cost of the work will be shared, as the village recently was notified of a grant award from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, Kumbera said.

“We probably began this process last year to apply for the grant,” he said.

The project’s price tag is about $693,000, and the village will be responsible for about $100,000. Village documents indicate the village intends to use motor fuel tax money for its cost share, which requires a resolution to be passed by the Village Board.

The committee moved the item to the next full board meeting, which will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Work for the Harper Drive project is slated for the fall, Kumbera said.