County hears SRF grade‑crossing study, approves several road contracts and a $523,915 planning grant

County roads staff and an SRF consultant briefed the Stephenson County Public Works Committee July 9 on a multi‑phase study of 26 public at‑grade rail crossings and on several construction contracts and a planning grant.

The SRF representative described the study as being in a public‑involvement and existing‑conditions phase: three temporary sensors have been deployed at crossings to collect vehicle and delay data, staff will post an online survey accessible by a QR code and hold public and stakeholder meetings, and the consultant will develop alternatives and a benefit‑cost analysis to support funding requests. Staff said potential alternatives and preliminary recommendations will be developed late summer and fall, with final study recommendations expected later this year or early next spring (SRF representative/Director, S3).

Separately, the committee approved a construction contract for Cedarville Road with Helm Simple for $436,501.06 after a motion and voice vote. Staff noted the Cedarville bid came in about 22% under the engineer’s estimate, which the director described as a favorable outcome for budgeting. The committee also approved a $118,983 contract for the 405 Ordon Road at the Canadian National grade crossing with Fisher Escobating.

Staff announced the county received a Rural Bridge Assistance grant of $523,915 to fund 100% of engineering, planning and design for a roundabout project; staff emphasized the grant covers pre‑construction work only and that construction funding would be a separate step in future years.

The director also reported on other projects and construction management matters: the 5 Corners River project came in about 41% over estimate but, staff said, the extra cost is expected to be covered by grant funds or partners (no county cost anticipated for that item). The committee approved forwarding the planning grant and signing agreements as required; motions were carried by voice votes and recorded as approved in the meeting transcript.