North Grace Street Utility Improvements

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this project necessary?

Some of the underground utility infrastructure has reached the end of its service life.
How does this benefit the Village? 
The benefits of the project will be an improved and more resilient water distribution and sewer collection network.
Will this impact traffic and parking? 
North Grace Street will be southbound during the installation of water and sewer services that cross the roadway and during the installation of the new water main. Lane reductions may occur in conjunction with one-way traffic. There will be periods when residents will not be able to access their driveways due to underground utility construction, driveway apron reconstruction, and roadway paving. Overnight parking passes will be distributed before residents are out of their driveways overnight or for extended periods.
Why are the trees being removed? The tree removal process involves removing the portions of the trees that may be chipped and then cutting down the trunks and finally grinding the stumps.

Trees on the west side of North Grace between East Prairie and East View and from the mid-300 block to East Pleasant Lane are located directly above two individual sanitary sewer lines that are being replaced. The existing sanitary sewers have severe sags that affect the efficient conveyance of sewage. The Village will replant trees at those locations per the Village’s minimum spacing requirements. Three runs of sanitary sewer on the west side and one on the east side are being rehabilitated by “trenchless technology” which does not require excavating the sewer line and thus does not require the removal of any trees.

The trees that are scheduled for removal on the east side of Grace were assessed as to their overall health and the impact that any necessary underground utility construction (primarily water and sanitary sewer services) will have on their condition. Trees to be removed were evaluated to be either in decline, diseased, or structurally compromised.

The trees along North Grace Street are not being trimmed due to power line clearance. The Village will plant low-statured trees under the power lines to minimize any clearance pruning performed by ComEd.

For additional information about the Village's Forestry Department and Forestry Management Plan, please visit our Forestry Page.