Utility conflicts have delayed the scheduled completion of the bridge replacements on First Street and Lucinda Avenue.
The potential of utility conflicts was anticipated, and the City’s coordination of these projects included notifying all utilities of the conflicts in early 2022. This was a full 18 months before the issues needed to be resolved so as not to interfere with the construction timeline.
However, the City does not control the response timeline of private utility companies and cannot relocate utilities itself.
A schedule has been established for resolving the remaining conflicts. The current projections are for the North First Street bridge to reopen by November 1. The Lucinda Avenue bridge could reopen as early as late fall, or could temporarily reopen mid-August if more extensive work is needed.
The utility conflicts for both projects involved overhead powerlines and natural gas lines.
Both conflicts for the North First Street project have now been resolved; however, resolution of the powerline issue came following a delay from the utility company. The natural gas conflict has been avoided through the redesign of a portion of the project, preventing a four-month delay. Following the reopening of the bridge, the opening new bike underpass is expected by the end of the year.
Relocation of several powerlines for the Lucinda Avenue bridge project is expected to be completed by mid-to-late August.
The relocation of a natural gas main may also be needed for the Lucinda Avenue project. A determination is expected in mid-July. If the relocation is not needed, the bridge would reopen in December. If the relocation is necessary, the City Engineer is recommending the bridge be temporarily reopened in mid-August with work resuming next year.
The City of DeKalb understands the frustration caused by these delays and thanks the community for its patience while crucial infrastructure projects are completed.