Village of Jackson panel recommends $2.7 million street improvement contract, debates Eagle Drive design

The Village of Jackson Board of Public Works on Feb. 24 recommended awarding construction of the 2026 street improvement projects — Eagle Drive, Hawthorne Drive, Aspen Drive and Linden Drive — to Benton Construction for the base bid plus Alternative 2, with the packet listing an award figure of approximately $2,717,324. The recommendation came after staff said bids were competitive and noted two alternatives for Eagle Drive: asphalt or concrete from State Highway 60’s roundabout to the wastewater treatment plant.

The most consequential decision for Eagle Drive is pavement type. Jack, Director of Public Works, told the committee that concrete is being considered for the segment serving the wastewater plant and nearby commercial deliveries because ‘‘concrete is going to hold up better over time’’ under heavy truck traffic. He also said the project will include concrete curb and gutter and a sidewalk that switches sides at Spruce Street to accommodate right-of-way limits and stormwater swales.

Board members pressed staff on pedestrian access and maintenance. One member asked whether sidewalks could be installed on both sides; Jack said placing sidewalks on both sides would reduce stormwater capacity in the design and require land acquisition from adjacent businesses (identified in discussion as Tennys hardware and Piggly Wiggly). He said the Village will maintain sidewalks adjacent to Village-owned property, while commercial properties would likely handle snow removal through their contractors.

Jack also said staff is pursuing a cost proposal from We Energies to bury overhead electrical lines ahead of construction, and that a hardwired flashing beacon will be included at the Spruce–Eagle intersection to mark a crosswalk after consultation with fire and police leadership.

Public Works recommended the award after reviewing bid tabs. The committee made a motion and approved the recommendation by voice vote.

The Village still must present the recommendation to Budget & Finance and the Village Board for final approval. Staff also said they will coordinate driveway and mailbox access during construction to keep businesses and residents able to enter and exit properties.