Pingree Grove hires Fairgram for Route 72 path (PE‑1) and approves PE‑2 for Reinking/Damish roundabout

Pingree Grove trustees approved two professional services agreements with Fairgram & Associates: one for Phase 1 (PE‑1) engineering of a multiuse path along Route 72 and another for Phase 2 (PE‑2) engineering of a roundabout at Reinking and Damish Road.

Seth described PE‑1 work as preliminary engineering—surveys, initial environmental reviews, public engagement and intersection studies—actions that improve competitiveness for IDOT grant programs (ITEP). The PE‑1 scope covers the south side of Route 72 between Reinking and Thurnau Road and will evaluate whether IDOT will allow at‑grade pedestrian crossings at major intersections. Seth warned that crossings at high‑volume intersections (for example Illinois 47 and Route 72) may require more significant structures and that such elements were not included in the current scope.

The board also approved a PE‑2 agreement for design and construction plans of a proposed roundabout in the Heritage District at Reinking and Damish, noting that construction funding (STP) is allocated in FY 2026. PE‑2 will include land‑acquisition planning and railroad coordination for pedestrian crossings; the village attorney cautioned that easement or acquisition negotiations could delay the project and suggested negotiation-first approaches to avoid eminent domain when possible.

Both resolutions passed after trustee questions about scope, IDOT coordination and potential property acquisition timelines. Staff will proceed with engineering and return to the board as the projects advance and as any required land‑acquisition steps become clearer.