By Gregory Harutunian – Correspondent
A major piece of Spring Grove arterial roadway was re-opened March 6, as barricades were removed at the Blivin Street Bridge allowing access from both directions. Closed by the McHenry County Division of Transportation more than one year ago, the denied access created a hardship for through traffic and emergency response vehicles.
“It was opened March 6, and replaced the former structure, which the state had determined to be a hazard, due to its age and level of deterioration,” said Laura Frumet, the village’s Deputy Clerk. “There were some delays in getting the work done, but overall, it’s a welcome relief to traffic issues and safety.”
The McHenry County Division of Transportation closed the bridge in August 2010 following an inspection of the structure itself, although it had been slated for replacement as part of MHCDOT’s Five Year Highway Improvement Program.
The impetus came from the state of Illinois Department of Transportation, which mandates the inspection intervals and receives the status reports.
It was discovered that several deck beam supports had lost their “structural integrity,” and encompassed a safety hazard to vehicle traffic. The bridge had originally been constructed in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration, a “New Deal” program initiated by the government during the Great Depression.
The bridge spans Nippersink Creek in Spring Grove and is situated adjacent to the Lyle C. Thomas Park and Canoe Basin. With the bridge blockage came detours along Wilmot-Johnsburg and Winn roads to reach the park, and also the old downtown area.
The Spring Grove Fire Protection District, located one-quarter mile from the bridge, also was forced into detour routes to reach emergency service calls.
“It (the opening) comes at a good time, with summer approaching, and outdoor activities expected to increase,” said Frumet. “The other notification for drivers is that the Winn Road bridge will be closed within four week for replacement of that structure. The work is expected to continue throughout the summer, and caries a tentative completion date for sometime this fall.”
In other village news
• the fire protection district is hosting its annual “all-you-can-eat” pancake breakfast March 18, from 8 a.m. until noon, in the district stationhouse located at 8214 Richardson Road. The event and all the generated proceeds will benefit the district’s Explorer Post 1800, a youth-based program for individuals interested in becoming firefighters.
“It’s open to the age group between 15 to 21, and what the event does is help pay the costs associated with attending the three-day fire school at the University of Illinois in Champaign,” said Bob Stevens, the district’s Assistant Chief.
“We’re very proud of their commitment level, when you consider this age group has outside activities like sports, school, work, and other duties…yet, they find time to attend and be involved one night a week with this program.
“The application process is very simple, and admissions are made in September. If any person would like to join, contact Lt. Kevin Young, or myself, at (815) 675-2450. The phone number can also be used for information on the breakfast.”
The breakfast menu includes pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee, milk, and second helping are encouraged. Ticket prices are $6 for adults, $5 for kids (8-12), and children under three are free.