City planners hosted an open house in the old Gap location along Main Street on Feb. 22, 2022, to present what’s planned for Downtown Streetscape construction that began March 1. Construction, now in progress, is expected to last until late August. Signs in store windows say plans include wider sidewalks, LED light fixtures, replacement of 100-year-old water main, removal of lead water services and more.
For now, simply stay clear of driving near Main at Jackson. Sidewalks are open on both sides of the streets. One merchant suggested taking different sidewalks to and from shops and dining throughout downtown. That way, downtown visitors might discover something new off their beaten path!
We waited to take photos of the downtown project until Fri., March 4, to give workers a few days to get started with their work. At 10:30AM, we found close-by parking, sidewalks available and clear, and merchants open for business where long-awaited work to improve streets, sidewalks and utilities in portions of downtown Naperville has diverted traffic along Main Street.
The City awarded a construction contract ($4.9 million) to RW Dunteman Co. at its Feb. 15, 2022, City Council meeting. Work will be phased to minimize disruption to the downtown businesses and nearby residents.
When complete, this work is expected to improve pedestrian mobility, accessibility and safety in this area while also ensuring downtown Naperville continues to be a must-see destination for residents and visitors for years to come.
Work will take place along Jefferson Avenue between Main and Webster streets and Main Street between Jackson and Jefferson avenues and is scheduled to be complete by the end of August.
Phased work schedules will close portions of streets at various times while still allowing access to businesses.
Phases 1 and 2 / Main Street work begins in Phase 1, with Jefferson Avenue the Phase 2 focus.
Phases 3 and 4 / This work will focus on Jackson Avenue, Webster Street and water main lining along Jefferson Avenue and may be performed in conjunction with earlier phases.
Final Phase / Final roadway surface and project cleanup will take place during the fifth and final phase of the project.
Street closures may prevent on-street parking from time to time
Significant impacts to travel in the downtown area are expected during this work even with the phased approach utilized to minimize impacts. There will be no on-street parking or vehicle access on Main between Jackson and Jefferson and on Jefferson between Webster and Main during various work phases. Intermittent impacts and closures will be dependent on the work being performed.
Traffic control plans are in place to maintain pedestrian access to all buildings, and temporary traffic control variations will support truck parking and short-term deliveries. Phase-specific road and parking closure maps are now available at www.naperville.il.us/downtownprogress.
‘Downtown: Progress in Progress’
This work is part of the “Downtown: Progress in Progress” initiative that focuses on continued growth and improvements in the downtown area. Once complete, improvements will include wider sidewalks and more pedestrian space, more trees and plantings, updated street furniture and light fixtures and additional outdoor amenity areas for businesses.
For more information and project updates, visit www.naperville.il.us/downtownprogress.
Attention Spectators for the St. Patrick’s festivities Saturday morning, March 12 / Both the Naperville St. Paddy’s Day 5K and the West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade will step off in downtown Naperville with outdoor events for participants and spectators on Sat., March 12. First the charity run/walk/stroll will begin at 8AM, followed by the parade at 10AM that will take a slightly different route through downtown Naperville to avoid construction along Jefferson Avenue.
Acknowledging the beginning of the aforementioned Downtown Streetscape Project, WSI Parade Chairman Paul Santucci said the parade will be staged as usual beginning at Naperville North High School, take Mill Street south all the way to Jackson Avenue, head east and turn south (right) on Main Street to Water Street where entries will begin departing. Celebrate safely!
