Title/Name/Summary
151st Street from West Avenue to Ravinia - Overhead Utility Lines Burial Discussion
History
During the preliminary design of the 151st Street (West Avenue to Ravinia) project, the Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) voiced their concerns regarding the height of the existing utility lines attached to the Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) poles along the north side of 151st Street. The OFPD is requesting additional clearance for their fire engines when they pass under the lowest of these utility lines. There are three options available to address these issues with varying costs to the Village:
1. The Village could pay ComEd (and other utilities on these poles) to relocate their existing lines to underground facilities along the entire stretch of the construction project. The estimated cost for this option is approximately $1,600,000.
2. The Village could pay ComEd (and other utilities on these poles) to underground their facilities across the fire station driveway only (approximately 100' in length). The estimated cost for this option is approximately $400,000.
3. Continue as designed, with ComEd aerial relocation. Information received from ComEd states that the proposed design will install 50' poles with the power lines at a 40' height and the lower utility lines at 25' to 30' feet high. All the proposed design heights are much greater than the minimum 16' height required by engineering standards and meet the OPFD needs.
In previous Village Board review for this project, the Board gave inclinations that the Village should direct ComEd to increase the pole height in order to raise the utility lines to meet the required clearance.
Financial Impact
The costs to Village range from approximately $400,000 to $1,600,000 for the different burial options. The proposed ComEd aerial relocation would not have any additional financial impact as compared to the approved project.
Recommended Action/Motion
Village staff is seeking consensus for one of...
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