Street Resurfacing Questions & Answers

The Public Works Department receives a variety of questions from residents during our annual Street Resurfacing Program. Below are our most frequently asked questions with answers.

What is resurfacing?

When resurfacing a street, the top two to three inches of asphalt is removed and replaced. The base of the existing street will remain in place. Resurfacing extends the life of the street in an economical manner.

What work will be done?

First, storm sewers in the curb line will be repaired or replaced as needed. Next, concrete curb and sidewalk will be removed and replaced in certain locations. The roadway will be ground down two to three inches, followed by the new asphalt surface being placed in two layers. Finally, the disturbed landscape will be restored and pavement markings will be installed.

What is the project schedule?

Work is anticipated to begin in mid to late March and be completed by the end of June. The contractor generally starts from the north end of town and works towards the south side. Each street will have a different start date. The early signs that work will begin on your street soon is when the "Road Construction Ahead" signs have been posted.

Will the roads be closed?

At no time will the streets be closed to traffic, but you may experience delays in driving due to construction activities.

Will trucks and buses be able to use the roads?

Yes, the roads will be open to traffic. Mail, garbage, school and emergency service vehicles will not be affected by the work, though at time there may be slight delays due to the construction activities.

How do you decide what curb will be replaced?

The main reasons curb is replaced are 1) the curb has sunken resulting in excessive ponding or heaved to the point where the flow of water is obstructed; or 2) the curb has deteriorated to the point it is no longer structurally sound. As this is not a complete street reconstruction, most of the curb will remain in place. Small cracks in the curb do not warrant replacement if it is still structurally sound and provides adequate drainage.

How do you decide what sidewalk will be replaced?

Sidewalk is replaced at crosswalks to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

What is a driveway apron?

The apron is the part of a driveway between the sidewalk and the curb. If no public sidewalk is present at your house, the apron is generally considered the first 10 feet of your driveway from the back of the curb.

If the curb at the end of my driveway is being replaced, will you also replace my driveway apron?

The entire apron will not be removed and replaced. Only the bottom few feet needed to accommodate the curb replacement will be included. The portion of apron that is removed will be repaired with the same material as the existing apron (asphalt with asphalt and concrete with concrete). There is no cost to the homeowner.

What if I want my whole driveway apron replaced or the curb depressed?

The 50/50 Curb and Apron Replacement Program is available to residents that wish to replace their entire driveway apron or to replace the curb at the end of their driveway to remove the "bump". To depress the curb, most of the time the apron must also be replaced to match the grade between the existing driveway and the street. The Village pays for 50% of the cost for this work and the resident pays 50%. Applications will be mailed to residents eligible for this program. Aprons will be replaced with the same material as the existing apron (asphalt with asphalt and concrete with concrete).

Will I have access to my driveway?

If the curb adjacent to your driveway or your concrete apron are being replaced, you will not have access for several days. Residents losing driveway access will receive a hand delivered notice one to three days prior to the removal. Typically you can drive over the new concrete 72 hours after it has been placed. The contractor will remove the barricades, or "horses", when it is safe to drive on the concrete.

Can I park on the street during the project?

During weekdays, all vehicles must be moved to side streets by 7:00 a.m. to accommodate the construction equipment. Work will typically end around 5:00 p.m. and then you may park on the street in front of your home. The Police Department has been notified of the affected streets and will permit overnight street parking if you do not have access to your driveway. You do not need to submit overnight parking requests during this time.

Can I drive on the tack coat?

Yes, you can drive on the tack coat, or "oil", but drive slowly to minimize spray. If you have a brick or concrete driveway, avoid driving into your driveway while fresh tack coat is on the pavement. The tack coat typically dries after one to two hours.

When can I drive on the pavement?

While it is advisable to wait a few hours, asphalt pavement can be driven on immediately after the rollers have completed their work.

When and how will the grass be restored?

Turf restoration is done after the concrete work is completed and is weather dependent. It could be immediately after the curb placement or at any time until the end of the project. The landscape contractor will backfill the holes and apply grass seed and topsoil behind the curbs and other areas where concrete work was performed.

Why does it take so long to complete the project? Why isn't the contractor working today?

The contractor is required to complete the work by June 30 as specified in the contract. As with all construction, weather plays a role and one day of rain could mean additional days of delay. The construction will be ongoing until the project is completed. However, from time to time you will notice that there is no activity on your street. With 40 to 50 street sections being resurfaced each year, the contractor will have work in progress on multiple streets. Engineering staff monitors the construction activities on a daily basis and works with the contractor to complete the project on time and within budget.

What happens if the contractor damages my sprinkler system, invisible dog fence, sump pump outlet, or brick paver apron in the parkway?

To minimize the potential for damage, mark out with paint, stakes, or flags any irrigation systems, electric dog fences, or sump pump outlets within the parkway area and notify the Public Works Department. Your assistance in locating these underground systems will help us to avoid damaging them. Any damage to these systems within the right-of-way will be the responsibility of the owner to repair, regardless of prior notice. Any portions of brick or decorative aprons and sidewalks within the right-of-way that need to be removed due to the construction will not be re-installed by the Village. It is the homeowner's responsibility to re-install these items.

How can I check for updates?

Updates on the next day's anticipated construction activities will be posted daily on our website and on our X account (formerly Twitter) at @PalatineIL. Overall project progress will be posted weekly in the "Resurfacing Status Report" in the sidebar on our website.

What if I have more questions?

Please call the Public Works Department at (847) 705-5200. The Project Engineer is Matt Tanny.