Freeport staff outline $6+ million 2026 street, water and sewer program; council urged to support scheduling and coordination

Public works staff presented a broad 2026 construction and maintenance plan that city leaders described as among the most ambitious in recent memory for Freeport.

The presentation detailed planned water-main replacements, street reconstructions and mill-and-overlay projects, sanitary sewer cleaning and lining, manhole repairs, airport terminal work and a Hancock Viaduct deck renovation. Staff said the program includes roughly $6 6.5 million in street and associated work (city-provided and state/federal-assisted projects), roughly $3 million in ADA ramp replacements tied to IDOT corridors, and separate allocations for wastewater-plant clarifier upgrades and stormwater basin maintenance. Staff also noted about 200 remaining lead service lines identified in the most recent inventory.

Public works described current staffing and capacities (limited street crews, dedicated lab technicians and inspection staff) and emphasized the need to coordinate with fire, police, schools and contractors to minimize impacts. Staff recommended an April/May bidding and construction start schedule where weather permits and noted that IDOT-funded corridors follow a separate timeline. Communication measures include quarterly educational inserts with utility bills and active social-media updates through the city's channels.

Council members asked about timing, contractor coordination, notifications for properties that must connect to sewer when mains are constructed, and whether public funds could pay for private connections. Staff said public dollars generally cannot be used to pay for private-property service connections unless a specific grant or program is identified; residents will receive notice when hookups will be required during a project. Bids were expected to be issued in April with construction starting in May, weather permitting.

Staff asked for council support on funding approvals and scheduling to maximize the window for construction this year.