Village Plans Trip To Investigate Street Conditions

Mayor Terry Weppler said the village cannot afford to let Libertyville roads in need of maintenance go unfixed for much longer.

In fact, during the May 24 Streets Committee meeting, the mayor had a suggestion.

"Let's do a road trip with the board to [hard-hit] subdivisions like Winebury, and other areas [to see firsthand]," Weppler said. 

Commissioner and Trustee Donna Johnson concurred.

"I have no problem with that," Johnson said.

The mayor told commissioners that one resident actually brought a huge chunk of crumbled asphalt from one of the streets to his attention, which made him take further notice of how serious the issue has become in some areas of town.

Commissioners also said that many residents have complained about roads causing flat tires, or worse, to their vehicles.

"Unfortunately, because of the economy, we've deferred street repairs," Weppler said. "I don't think we can afford to keep putting it off too much longer."

According to village staff members, the current estimated cost to repair or conduct maintenance on Libertyville-maintained streets is approximately $32 million. That number includes the cost of roads that need to be rehabilitated, or repaired.

It's also a number officials fear could grow to $35 million or $40 million as soon as next year if something isn't done.

"That's the problem, the list [of roads needing repair or replacing] keeps getting longer and longer," Weppler said.

Although Weppler did not give a specific time of the investigative road trip, as he must coordinate schedules with other trustees, he did make additional mention of the taxpayers.

"We could even make this [repair work] a possible referendum," Weppler suggested.

Corrections: The sub-headline previously stated that it costs the village $32 million to maintain and repair roads in Libertyville. It has been updated to reflect that it could cost an estimated $32 million if the village decides to maintain and repair all roads in Libertyville.