Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Where’s the Contractor Normal?

By: Diane Benjamin

I wonder if Chris Koos or Pam Reece has anything to announce at tonight’s meeting? It looks like a 10 minute meeting: https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5523

Flashback to November 3, 2025 meeting: https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5414

Underpass project cost: $40,300,920

PDF page 136: Clark Dietz was hired to oversee construction.

PDF page 147:

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It’s now March and ZERO construction is happening. Anyone else see a problem? Where’s the contractor Normal?

I predict that question will be answered soon.

If the underpass construction isn’t started soon, what happens to all the other contracts Normal signed – like the one with Clark Dietz? How many clients didn’t Clark Dietz work for because they thought they would be working in Normal?

Some things to keep in mind:

1)

Normal has two unbuilt buildings on the northside of the tracks to complete the Circle dream. If economic development didn’t work on the northside, why would an underpass spur economic development on the southside?

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2)

If construction isn’t started, will Normal rescind these tax increases since they were only passed to fund construction?

3)

Is the HOPE of economic development worth $14,893,545?

Is throwing away $870,000 a year in interest worth it?

Is saving 50 feet worth $14,893,545?

4)

Is the federal government tired of this project yet? How many times has the project date been extended? How many times has the cost skyrocketed while Normal begged for more money? Construction is supposed o be complete by June 2027.

If the contractor is MIA, will Normal want to rebid it? How much more will it cost? Is any credible contractor not already booked for this construction season?

When will anyone say:

2 thoughts on “Where’s the Contractor Normal?”

  1. Has any person or vehicle ever been crushed by an oncoming train at the proposed spot of this underground bypass? I can’t remember any reports in my 50 years.

    Reply

  2. For years people walking and biking have crossed the railroad tracks at linden street heck there is even a crossing arm for those people when a train is approaching but 90 feet away at the constitution trail crossing those bikers and walkers are banned from crossing so let’s spend over 40 million dollars to have those walkers and bikers go under the tracks
    Sooo are walkers and bikers going to be banned from crossing the tracks at linden street?
    Just thinking!!

    Reply

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