RYAN SPEEDS UP POTHOLE REPAIR ON THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today he is directing a speed up of the repairs of potholes on the Dan Ryan Expressway by bringing in private contractors to bolster the state workforce.

The Governor also announced plans to accelerate this spring a $12 million to $15 million nighttime resurfacing plan for permanent repairs on the Ryan from 31st Street to the Interstate 57-Bishop Ford Expressway.

"We need to get more people and equipment out on the Ryan now to ease the problems for motorists. K-5 Construction and Gallagher Asphalt Corporation will supplement the state work crews and will continue to work on the expressway, weather permitting," Ryan said.

"If we get snow and ice conditions, repairs will have to be delayed, but the work crews will be out again just as soon as possible," the Governor said.

Tuesday night, the first crews from K-5 began work along with the five IDOT crews, for a total of 70 people. The cost of the additional repair work by K-5 Construction and Gallagher Asphalt Corporation could run between $1.1 million and $1.3 million.

Both contractors will activate hot mix asphalt plants to provide a more durable material for pothole patching.

For the major resurfacing, IDOT will hold a special bid solicitation on March 5, 1999. The project calls for resurfacing all 8 lanes of the Ryan from 67th Street to the I-57 Bishop Ford junction. The work includes the resurfacing of the Ryan local lanes from 31st Street to 67th Street.

The work is expected to start in early spring and is scheduled for completion in early fall.