Road repairs, new signs get council approval

Get ready for more etch-a-sketch streets as the Wilmington City Council approved a bid that will pave some streets while bringing pavement preservation strategies for others.
The council awarded a $327,146.75 contract to Austin Tyler Construction, Inc. for the city’s 2026–2027 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) maintenance program.
Austin Tyler was lower than four other bidders including Gallagher Asphalt ($344,161), D Construction ($365,857), Iroquois Paving Corp ($368,786) and PT Ferro Construction ($380.671). City engineers originally estimated the road work would cost
The road repairs will be funded through Illinois’ motor fuel tax, The work will include patching, resurfacing and surface treatments designed to extend pavement life.
Rather than reconstructing failing roads at far greater cost, the city continues to emphasize preventative maintenance.
Gateway Sign Project
Aldermen also approved a $186,823.01 contract with Ace Sign Co. to construct two monument signs welcoming visitors to the city.
The bid includes permanent structures with masonry bases with steel and aluminum supports, along with illuminated neon lighting. The designs will have a retro look based on Wilmington’s new logo.
Ace Sign was the lone bidder for the project. The location for the two signs are on Bridge Street and on property owned by DuPont at East Kankakee River Drive and Highway 53.
Catfish Days
Rounding out the spending for the night were two smaller expenditures supporting Wilmington’s annual Catfish Days festival.
The council approved a $600 performance agreement for comedian Jason Kollum, along with $525 for Kids Party Paint to provide children’s entertainment.