In October 2019, the Department of Water Management’s private contractor will begin installing an underground sewer structure at the intersection of N Broadway & W Barry Ave. During the work, N Broadway will remain open to traffic, although there will be parking restrictions along the Northbound curb lane. W Barry Ave will be closed East of Broadway during the construction. DWM estimates completion of this sewer improvement project by November 2019. Following the work by the private contractor, a City of Chicago Department of Water Management In-House sewer crew will continue work along W Barry Ave in early 2020.
If you would like to receive regular email updates about the progress of the project, please go to wwww.BuildingANewChicago.org to register for project notifications. Simply enter your name, email address and the project identification number at the top of this page.
By signing up for the project notifications, you will be informed as the project enters each new construction phase – from mobilization of equipment onto the site, to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street.
When crews are working in the street, they may close it to traffic for safety reasons, but you will always be able to reach your home or business on foot. Outside of working hours, a travel lane may be left open for local traffic only.
Crews will post our work area for “No Parking” as needed during work hours (generally 7am-4pm). Parking outside of those hours is allowed, but vehicles must be moved by the start of the next workday. Crews will try to preserve as much parking as possible. We know that construction always involves inconveniences and noise. Crews will do everything possible to maintain your quality of life throughout these projects, and conducting ourselves as good and thoughtful neighbors in the course of our presence on your street.
Parkway Maintenance
Before any project, the Department of Water Management (DWM) takes photographs of the street and surrounding properties. These photographs help us restore the area to its pre-construction state. However, DWM does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds and shrubbery. New sewer construction is not complete until sidewalks, parkways and streets impacted by this work have been repaired.
Should you have any questions or concerns, you can either ask the construction foreman during the project, or call any of the following numbers:
- 24-Hour Service and Information Line: 311
- Ward 44- Office Phones: (773) 525-6034
- DWM Office of Public Affairs: 312-744-6635
This project involves replacing sewer structures that may have caused disruptions to your water service line. We recommend that as a precaution you flush your water service of any sediment, rust or metals, including any lead to maintain water quality.
Sediment, rust and metals, including any lead may collect in the aerator screen located at the tip of your faucets. These screens should be removed prior to flushing.
(1) Please find the closest available tap (an outside hose spigot, laundry sink faucet or bathtub) to where the water comes into the home that is not used for drinking water. Fully open the cold water tap and let the water run for at least 5 minutes. Next flush any other cold water faucets on that floor for at least 5 minutes.
(2) Move to the next highest floor and repeat.
(3) Move to additional floors in sequence and flush any taps or faucets for at least 5 minutes. If you have any questions or concerns about your water quality, or if you would like your water tested, please call us at 311. For additional advice and information visit http://www.epa.gov/il/advice-chicago-residents-about-lead-drinking-water .