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News
Kane officials thanked for Orchard Rd. widening : News : Oswego Ledger-Sentinel : Hometown Newspaper for Oswego and Montgomery, IllinoisKane officials thanked for Orchard Rd. widening
| Michelini: Extra lanes improve traffic flow, make travel safer
| by John Etheredge
| 10/25/2012
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Montgomery Village President Marilyn Michelini and the village board took time Monday evening to thank Kane County officials for widening Orchard Road and resurfacing Montgomery Road in the village this year.
The two busy roads are owned and maintained by the county.
Michelini told the board and a capacity audience at village hall that village officials had sought for years to have Orchard Road widened to four lanes between U.S. Route 30 and Jericho Road. However, she said the high cost of the project coupled with the 2008 recession served to slow the start of the project.
But Michelini said a $9.3 million contract was awarded to Plote Construction, Inc. of Hoffman Estates and work started in July 2011.
Since that time, construction has progressed on the project as scheduled and all four lanes on the rebuilt section of road are now open to traffic.
Michelini noted the 1.2 mile four-lane road segment serves to remove a dangerous bottleneck that previously existed on the road.
In addition to the extra lanes, Michelini said contractors have installed new traffic signals and street lights at Aucutt Road and Rochester Drive, a 1.3 mile section of bike trail that extends the length of the project and 1.7 miles worth of new curbs, gutters and storm sewers to improve stormwater drainage in the area.
To pay for the improvements, Michelini said the county has used $5.3 million of its own revenues, $3.7 million in federal funds and $234,000 in state funds.
"Traffic congestion will be eased considerably along Orchard Road now," Michelini said. "This benefits not only the residents of Montgomery, but the thousands of drivers from other communities who use that road every day will have a much quicker and safer commute."
Michelini said village officials also appreciate the county resurfacing Montgomery Road on the village's east side this summer. She noted the two-lane road had been in a deteriorating condition.
"It turned out that Kane County was well aware of this issue and this summer they resurfaced all of Montgomery Road in the village limits," Michelini said. "The road is still two lanes, but now it is smooth and beautiful and much easier to drive on. We are really appreciative to Kane County for being so responsive and quick to act."
Michelini said she and the board wanted to especially thank Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay and Jesse Vazquez, the village's representative on the county board, for their efforts in persuading county officials to fund both projects.
McConnaughay told Michelini and the board that it was her distinct honor to work with her, the board and village staff on the two projects over the past few years.
"My, the changes that have taken place in this community over the past year. It is compliment to each and everyone of you and it has been my honor to work with you," McConnaughay said, adding, "Never have I seen such a great partnership or a community that is more dedicated."
However, McConnaughay said "none of it" would have been possible without the work of Vazquez.
"He calls me every day and tells me, 'Don't forget about Montgomery,'" McConnaughay said.
Vazquez said he has been committed to the Orchard Road project and others in his board district during his three years and ten months as a board member.
"I want to thank the village board for their support, too," he said. "Nothing gets done just by one person. It takes the cooperation of everyone and I happened to be the fortunate person on the county board who made a real good friend, and that was our chairman, Karen McConnaughay. She understood the issues here in Montgomery were important enough to deal with and she went to bat for me and this community as well."
Vazquez said Tuesday he also credits the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation's Business Climate Enhancement Committee for its assistance in the successful effort to secure the widening of Orchard Road.
Board honors
serviceman, resident
In other business Monday evening:
_Michelini and the board recognized Vivian Rabiola, a neighbor of Village Police Sgt. Adam Kuncl who was seriously injured last month when struck by a motorist who was later charged with driving under the influence (DUI).
Rabiola, who lives in the same subdivision as Kuncl, organized a community-wide effort to support the injured officer and his family.
Referring to Rabiola, Michelini said "When she heard about the accident she immediately created a giant-sized, neighborhood get well card for her neighbors to sign. She also created a web page for residents to volunteer to donate meals so the Kuncl family would be free to focus on Adam and his recovery.
"This initiative and prompt action are perfect examples of the community pride that we love here in Montgomery. I know Sgt. Kuncl and his family have greatly appreciated the outpouring of support they have received. We are proud to have Vivian in Montgomery and would like to thank her for the support and help she has given to the Kuncl family," Michelini said.
_The board adopted a proclamation recognizing U.S. Army Specialist Scott Carpenter, a village resident, for his patriotism and dedication to his country.
Carpenter will soon be leaving the village for a tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On behalf of the board and village, Michelini thanked Carpenter for his service and presented him with a village flag.
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