Sidewalk Improvements Planned Near Isaac Fox Elementary and Middle School South

Crosswalks and sidewalks around two Lake Zurich schools will be seeing some improvements resulting from a Safe Routes to School grant program through the state.  

The Village of Lake Zurich and District 95 worked together to apply for the grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in 2008. The sidewalk and crosswalk enhancements will be made near Isaac Fox Elementary School and Lake Zurich Middle School South.

In late 2009 the village was informed that it was approved for a $237,537 grant, and can now begin to move forward with the initial phases of the project, said David Heyden, director of public works.

Heyden says improvements off of Cuba Road will include three areas of sidewalk upgrades and crosswalk changes. 

There will be a widening of the existing sidewalk between Sparrow Ridge Subdivision and Chasewood North Subdivision, as well as the sidewalk between Countryside West subdivision and Isaac Fox. 

In addition, a new sidewalk will be constructed from the adjacent Deer Park subdivision to the west of the school and directly leading to the school.

"The major improvement will be upgrades to the pedestrian crossing on Cuba Road near the schools," said Heyden. "Enhancements will include new solar energy push button activated flashing signs and flashing school speed limit signs."

"No impacts to traffic are expected once the project begins," said Heyden.

The village board approved consultant engineer Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. at the November 15 meeting to begin preliminary design work to move forward with the project.

Heyden says it would be preferable to get construction started this coming summer, but it will realistically take until the summer of 2012 before it can begin.