Work on Fayette Avenue Next Week, But It's Not What You Think

Work is planned on a portion of Fayette Avenue this coming week.

It's not the project the community is wondering about, though.

Greg Jamerson of the Effingham IDOT office said the work next week will be some patching. The work is designed to tide us over until the big project gets underway.

Jamerson said patching is needed along both Henrietta Street near the intersection with Fayette, as well as in the area of Raney Street and Fayette.

As to the big project...the reconstruction of a large portion of Fayette Avenue through Effingham...Jamerson said the work is expected to begin in late May or early June. He said the contractor has been selected for the project...McCarthy Building Companies of the Metro East area. McCarthy is known to the area as the contractor on the reconstruction of I57/70 around Effingham in recent years.

Jamerson expects that construction of the new roadway will take place on the south side of Fayette, off the existing pavement. Demolition of buildings along the south side of Fayette will take place to make way for that portion of the new paving surface. The demolition, Jamerson said, will also make way for new utilities in the area, especially sewer lines.

The work will begin on the west end of the Fayette project, around Illini Drive. This phase of the project will extend east to the underpass. Phase Two will be undertaken once Phase One is completed. Phase Two is expected to extend east past the intersection with Willow Street. 

Jamerson said an announcement will be forthcoming when construction work is to begin.