PORTAGE PARK — Residents and drivers will have to contend with city crews digging up pipes along a residential strip of Portage Park for the next several months.
Here are some quick facts about where the project will affect, how long it will take and why it's happening:
What streets will be affected?
Workers will be replacing pipes on the half-mile stretch of Windsor Avenue between Lavergne Avenue and Long Avenue, according to Gary Litherland, director of public affairs for the city's Department of Water Management.
But crews will skip over Milwaukee Avenue, which bisects the stretch, in the interest of preventing a "traffic nightmare," Litherland said.
When will the project take place?
Work has already started. On Monday, Crews were cutting into the pavement in the 5100 block of West Windsor, between Lavergne and Leclaire Avenue.
If the project stays on schedule, it will be completed by January, Litherland said.
What exactly are the workers doing?
The plan is to replace about 2,600 feet of 6-inch cast-iron pipes, installed in 1905, with 8-inch ductal pipes.
The new material is "more flexible" and "holds up better to the stresses and strains of Chicago weather" than iron, Litherland said, making it less susceptible to breaks and leaks.
How will the project affect parking?
Parking will be banned along the entire stretch between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays from now until the project is finished, Litherland said. Any car left on the street during a work day could be towed.
What about traffic?
The work won't cause any lanes to close, but that doesn't mean it won't slow things down for drivers trying to pass through, Litherland said.
"There's going to be a lot of dirt and dust and stones, and you could get stopped behind a truck that's being loaded," Litherland said. "So probably best to just avoid it if you can."
Related: Here Are The Far Northwest Side Parks With High Lead Levels
Will the project affect water quality?
Not at all, Litherland said. There are still some pipes made with lead materials along service lines that connect water mains to individual homes, but not in the mains themselves.
Residents who want their home's water checked for lead can call 311 for a free test.
Water main replacement projects typically improve the pressure and capacity of water coming out of residents' faucets, but sometimes it can seem like the opposite at first, because vibrations from the work can "shake loose sediment" and cause blockages, Litherland said. But residents can remedy that, he added, by cleaning out the aerator on their faucet (the tiny screen that filters water as it comes out).
Who do I call if I have concerns, or something goes wrong?
The water department's public affairs office can be reached during business hours at 312-744-6635.
"Anyone who has any special concerns should let us know," Litherland said. "We know it's a pain, but we'll try to be out of there as soon as we can."
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