28-04-2025
Construction on new parking lots about to start in downtown Pontiac. Here's what to know
With the weather getting warmer, the construction season is starting to kick into gear and that means the beginning of a massive overhaul of two major parking lots in downtown Pontiac.
The two lots being done with summer with work expected to start any day now are the lots behind City Hall and the Public Safety Complex. Work is expected to wrap up by August.
So if you use those lots when you conduct business downtown or visit the stores and venues, you're going to need to come up with a plan B.
'Originally, we were hoping to get it done before winter, but the election and some other things made us decide that that really wasn't the prudent timeline,' City Engineer Brian Verdun said.
The city then hoped to start the reconstruction mid-April but discovered the project will require moving a water main under Livingston Street, which caused further delay.
More: Illinois 116 is being redone in Pontiac. Here's what you need to know
H.J. Eppel and Co. is doing the work at a cost of $615,000.
The city plans to temporarily add angle parking south of the food pantry and encouraged downtown patrons to use the Dargan lot at Water and Mill streets, the Eagle Theater on North Plum Street, as well as on-street parking.
This project includes adding concrete in some places to the new parking lot surfaces, new curb and gutter, new sidewalks and ADA ramps and new entrances
The work at City Hall will help address a drainage problem in front of the building. The plan is to take the drainage away from the front door and moving into the middle of the lot, where a new storm drain will be placed, Verdun said.
'We have this aggregate right in front of our door that also serves as moving water out,' City Administrator Jim Woolford said. 'Having that as your path for water removal right in the entrance is a bad idea.'
City Hall will remain open during this work. The reception area will be moved into City Hall Chambers and that door will become the main entrance until the drainage work is completed.
Woolford said the parking lot at City Hall serves the community and is in bad shape, which is why the city is re-doing it.
The city is asking that business owners not park in front of their businesses so those spots can be used by patrons,
The electric vehicle charging station will be out of service during construction. The four ports will be available again when the work is complete.
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Work about to begin on new parking lots in downtown Pontiac
