West Frankfort road project needs right-of-ways

Franklin County Board members did not object to a proposal from Franklin County Highway Engineer Mike Rolla this week that would improve roadways and sewer drainage on the east side of West Frankfort.
Rolla said he has met with officials from Brown and Roberts Engineering, based in Harrisburg, about the $1.5 million project. Rolla said preliminary engineering costs for the project will run between $70,000 and $100,000. Once construction starts, federal funds of 80 percent will be available.
"The project consists of going down Ninth Street to the road just north of Illinois 149," Rolla said. "Then you go to east from East St. Louis Street all the way to Illinois 149. This is going to be a storm sewer job which consists of right of ways. There are 49 parcels. There are 49 people that we may possibly have to buy right of way from. The city has went through to the west and right-of-ways approved to the west with success."
Rolla said the road is not currently asphalted and would tie into other asphalt surfaces.
Rolla said most of the residences within the right-of-way boundaries are far enough off the road that it shouldn't affect their properties.
Rolla said he expects some objection from property owners.
"There is public domain and we could say it is required by the public but that will be up to you guys (to determine). Hopefully, it doesn't come to that," Rolla said. "It's going to be a good project."
Road and Bridge Committee Chairman Danny Melvin said the project will include raising up the hill coming off Illinois 149, near the gun shop.
"It's going to be a gradual slope off 149," he said. "You won't be coming up a steep hill."
Rolla said engineering is the first step in the process, followed by the right-of-way issue.
Board members did not raise any objection to Rolla proceeding with engineering, although a formal request is expect to be presented at the full board meeting later this month.
In other committee news, Rolla reported a rock and oil bid letting will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday; and the Almond Road bridge project has been completed.