28-05-2025
Rockford's Madison Street reconstruction worries businesses
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Major construction on Madison Street has not only impacted traffic, but some business owners on the corridor say they're worried they will suffer financial losses if the construction deters customers.
The City of Rockford announced the Madison Street corridor would receive a of its streetscape, along with water main upgrades, beginning May 12th through October 31st. The road will be closed to through traffic, with access to businesses remaining open.
'It's a little bit more of a struggle if you're not planning the day ahead, considering the construction,' said Ramiro Camacho, manager of Disco Chicken, 212 E State Street.
The $6.6 million project was first introduced to the city in 2017.
In Phase 1 of the project, the city is looking to completely resurface the northern end of the street from State Street to Prairie Street and improve the sidewalk, bike paths and railroad tracks.
Toni Arbisi, the owner of Arbisi's City Body Shop, said he has heard complaints about a lack of communication from the city, but that hasn't been his experience.
'The project manager has been here, Fehr Graham (the engineering contractor) has been down here to explain everything that's going to happen, showed us the blueprints and how it's all going to work out,' Arbisi said. 'Plus, with the City we've had several meetings that we've been part of, in preparation for all this to happen.'
Interim Public Works director Tim Hinkens said some of the complaints stem from unexpected construction projects nearby, including utility work along E. State Street.
'Both of those were unanticipated by us before the construction started. So I totally understand if people feel frustrated with the lack of knowledge of exactly what was going to be happening in front of their business and what the timelines are,' Hinkens said. 'We're doing our best to make sure that we continue to knock on those doors and be available to answer any questions.'
Arbisi said business owners can agree that they're excited to see the project completed.
'It is definitely something that needs to be done, especially with the railroad coming through here and the trolley that goes back and forth,' he said. 'So it's also nice for that. It's good for the city because people wrap around here to get to State Street, Market, Lafayette, Olivem Prairie Street. So it's got a lot of things that it touches and it needs to be done.'
Construction will be paused on Fridays to accommodate Rockford City Market events.
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