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Streets Division

Major Work Activities:

Signage

There are 950+ intersections throughout the City all requiring some type of signage. In addition there are speed limit, no parking, neighborhood watch,
load limit and a variety of other signs. One person will enerally be working on signage throughout the year. This person is also responsible for traffic control equipment and execution for road maintenance projects and other
required activities.

Electrical

This position is responsible for 54 signalized intersections, 525+ street/night lights and all other electrical work associated with the City. That includes 43+ buildings and structures, as well as, all distribution systems and components for lift stations, field lighting, scoreboards  and other improvements. Over 525 Street lights are maintained by City, all other street lights are responsibility of Illinois Power.

Alley Maintenance

City has approximately 80+miles of alley's requiring some level of attention. Grading is done spring - fall as weather and availability of personnel & materials allow. Program resources are currently not capable of meeting community demands.

Striping

Performed over summer months with 2 -3 personnel. Requires some evening work to avoid traffic.

Asphalt Work

Generally consists of small patches and intersection improvements. Insufficient resources to keep pace with needs. Need to develop more annual capacity.

Crack Sealing

Critical for long term maintenance. Crew of 5 –7 personnel as traffic warrants. Limited annual program at present time.

Patching

Performed on an as needed basis. During winter months it is based on weather conditions and is performed more frequently. Deteriorating conditions on existing roads are resulting in continually increasing quantities of materials and labor hours. Lack of adequate annual resurfacing program continues to compound the problem.  We are trying some new concrete patching materials for concrete streets.

Plowing and Hauling

Performed as necessary during seasonal conditions.

Tree Removal

Typically performed in fall and early winter unless condition is urgent.

What about that pothole?

During the winter, more staff are assigned for patching and can get to them a little quicker. Don't hesitate to call us, we maintain a list and try to respond as quick as possible. We can't always get to every street during the summer operational season, so extra eyes help us out. Unfortunately, problem areas continue to multiply.

My sidewalk and gutters are in bad shape when will they be fixed?

Most of these require participating in the 50/50 program administered by the Engineering Department. City pays 1/2 and resident pays 1/2. Street Dept focuses on storm sewer structures. Concrete program is under review for modifications/changes.

When can you grade or pave my alley?

At present, we currently we can only cover about 20% of the alley's each year. Some need it much more frequently. Paving needs to be evaluated/implemented in high traffic alley's to reduce wasted maintenance activities.

Will the City cut down that tree, it must be City property?

Actually most of these abandoned lots are not City owned and must be handled individually. As for the platted alley or street that is unimproved, If the City has not officially accepted it for maintenance, it is not City property or right-of-way. Historically, the City has not assumed maintenance these areas. Only the Mayor can direct the removal of a tree for health & safety purposes.

When will the snow plow get here?

This is partially a function of how much snow is falling and how fast. It also has a direct relationship to how many trucks we deploy and how quickly. We must keep all main roads clear first and then attack secondary and residential areas. If the snow keeps falling, we can't leave the main roads with our 12 trucks. We hope to increase these capabilities over time and shorten the wait, but for now, if it's a big snow event, it could be 24 - 48 hours after the snow stops. With lesser quantities it is more likely to be 16 - 24 hours after it stops.

Who do I call about a street light?

Over 525 street lights belong to the City, everything else is the responsibility of Ameren IP. Residents should call their customer service line at 1-800-755-5000 or the City at 217-431-2288 for repair.