As of this past week, People’s Gas has started construction on Phase 6 of their Budlong Woods Safety Modernization Program. This work is the most recent phase of a long-running Safety Modernization Program, which has been in progress for the past several years in Budlong Woods.
In our recent Capital Improvement Program Briefing, we brought up the need for accountability in meeting construction timelines. As a result of those discussions, we are now asking that they provide weekly construction updates to our office so we can share them with neighbors in the affected areas, and hold them accountable to the projected end dates they provide our office.
We are also advocating that People’s Gas revisit its gas pipe replacement program to replace only those lines that have a high likelihood of failure, rather than digging up entire neighborhoods without adequate purpose, coordination with other city improvement projects, or coordination with neighbors. For more, read Alderperson Vasquez’s and Alderman Hall’s joint op-ed in the Chicago Tribune.
Read on for more information about the project, including boundaries and construction timelines for each phase:
Budlong Woods Safety Modernization Program
Phase 6: New Construction
California Avenue (Carmen to Gunnison):
- In progress until April 15th: Transferring of meters by Peoples Gas Crew
- April 15th – May 15th: Replacement of concrete and sidewalks
- May 15th – June 15th: Retirement opening in street and paving
Ainslie Street (California to Talman) + Gunnison Street (California to Rockwell):
- In progress until March 15th: Excavation and install of new gas main in sidewalk
- March 15th to April 1st: Excavation and install of new gas services
- March 20th to May 1st: Transferring of meters by Peoples Gas Crew
- April 15th – May 15th: Replacement of concrete and sidewalks
- May 15th – June 15th: Retirement opening in street and paving
Please note that, as with any construction project, safe and ADA-accessible pedestrian access is required to be maintained. If you notice any area where this is not the case, please take a photo and submit it to our office at 40thward.org/contact so we can contact the contractors.
Phases 2, 4, 5, 10, 11A, and 15: Restoration
Phase 6 is only the latest phase of the Budlong Woods Safety Modernization Program. The majority of the service for the remaining phases of this project have been installed, but asphalt and concrete has yet to be restored. Here’s the timeline for that restoration:
- Concrete restoration will begin on March 18th until April 15th, 2024.
- Asphalt paving will begin on April 15th until May 15th, 2024.
You can see a map of each project and its status below:
Phases 2, 4, and 5:
Phases 10, 11A, and 5:
