Fleming Road Alliance Offers County Board More Advice

Another letter from to the McHenry County Board from the Flemming Road Alliance:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road.

Dear County Board Representatives:

Here is the Fleming Road Alliance information on Pavement and Lane and Shoulder Width

Pavement: Initially, some of us felt that the road should be simply resurfaced.

Some felt that a partial rebuild of the base would be necessary.

McHenry County Highway Department employees patch Fleming Road.

At CAG #2, a presentation of the pavement condition and causes of existing problems was followed by a group discussion that resulted in a general understanding that much of the base of the road needs to be replaced.

The use of modern technology and better materials available today will help extend the life of the road.  We anticipate that MCDOT will use the best possible materials.

Lane Width and Shoulders:  The striped driving lane is currently 10’ with the pavement varying between 10.5’ and 11’. The shoulder varies between 0’ and 2’ along the road depending on surface conditions.  This is the existing footprint. We request that it not be widened..

The width of the pavement is the key element to a) achieving the project and community goals or b) starting a destructive and expensive ripple effect on the roadway and community.

Consultant TranSystem’s design plans show at minimum an 11’ lane and a 4’ paved shoulder.  Even in design option 4, entitled “Reconstruction Maintaining Same Profile” the lane is 11’.  That is not the same footprint.

Widening the lane width by even a foot increases the need for grading and filling to stabilize the edge, creates drainage problems where none exist, (See Curb and Gutter, Ditching, Drainage), requires more extensive work to correct cross-sections, and creates access problems at driveway entrances. It also endangers more trees.

We ask what we have asked all along, that the road remain in the same footprint. We have requested that if required for funding, MCDOT seek a variance from IDOT standards to allow a varied shoulder width. MCDOT has also indicated that the shoulder must be paved. We have asked that the shoulders remain grass with 1-foot gravel drain channels where absolutely necessary. Changing the current lane and shoulder width will create drainage problems. (See Curb and Gutter, Ditching, Drainage).

We also have brought information to MCDOT on a new, highly recommended edging technique called the Safety Edge that reduces accidents while supporting the pavement edge (increased stability increases life of pavement which increases return on investment).  MCDOT has not indicated an interest in this new design feature.  We would like to know that this technology is being considered and the reasons for or against its applicability to Fleming Road.

Fleming Road Alliance Organizing Committee

Ed Bennett, Mary Moltman. Lisa Rhoades, Marti Jadd, Linda Ramsey, Stanley Jarosz, Phyllis Keinz, Kevin Keesee,Emily Berendt, Deb  Staley, Bjorn Mattsson


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