Reconstruction of Lake Cook Road is proceeding two weeks ahead of schedule in part because more of the work is being done at night, according to Deerfield’s Project Manager John Guccione.
Paving of a portion of Lake Cook Road was set for late Monday night into early Tuesday morning but was postponed until today because of storms. Guccione hopes the work will be done tonight.
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“The project is at least two weeks ahead of schedule,” Guccione said. “The night work is planned (in part) because the (construction) trucks are getting stuck in traffic. The contractor is keeping the cement factories open at night,” he added describing the builder’s commitment.
Work is being done at night to ease the burden not only for the contractor, but to reduce the impact on rush hour traffic and businesses in the area. The Village is paying close attention to how much is late night construction is approved, according to Andrew Lichterman, assistant to Village Manager Kent Street.
“We are approving more night work as long as there is no major impact on the residents (in the area),” Lichterman said. “It will also be less impactful on rush hour,” he added echoing Guccione’s reasoning.
Another reason the work is moving along at a brisk pace is a potential $525,000 bonus for the contractor for completing the project 30 days early. If the road builder is 30 days late, it will face a penalty in the same amount.
The scheduled completion date is Oct. 26. The amount of the bonus or penalty is $17,500 per day but cannot exceed 30 days in either direction. “The contractor wants to be done by Sept. 26,” Guccione said. “They’re looking to make the 30-day incentive.”