Carol Stream to spend on roads and plant upgrades, public works outlines $11 million wastewater project

Public Works Director Brad Fink told the chamber the village manages more than 220 lane miles of roadway and uses a mix of maintenance techniques to avoid costly full reconstruction.

Routine maintenance and costs: "Each year we spend roughly, 3 and a half million dollars," Fink said, explaining that capital and Motor Fuel Tax funds cover annual pavement maintenance to prevent catastrophic failures. He said condition ratings determine whether a street needs resurfacing or full reconstruction.

Recent and upcoming projects: Fink described a recently completed North Avenue and Schmel water-main project (cost about $750,000) that supported a new Chipotle and improved conditions for nearby development. Looking ahead, he outlined a phase-1 feasibility study for a Saint Charles Road sidewalk project intended to piggyback on a county reconstruction schedule.

Wastewater and meters: Fink said the village will rehabilitate the wastewater treatment plant headworks in an approximately $11,000,000 project; design is underway with an expected bid opening in November and construction beginning in December as a two-year program. He also described a multi-year water-meter replacement to modern, remotely read meters — enabled by a new antenna on the Fullerton water tower — with completion aimed for 2031 to allow more frequent reads and earlier leak detection.

What residents should expect: Officials said they aim to minimize service interruptions while protecting infrastructure and will provide details as bids and schedules firm up.