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1. Can I request a certain date for the replacement of the sidewalk in front of my house?

The contractor makes a natural progression through the city removing and replacing sidewalk. Since there are over a few hundred locations that need work each year, the City does not allow the contractor to schedule locations for certain dates. 

2. How long will it take to complete the work?

Although sidewalk replacement occurs throughout the construction season (April-November), work at any one location typically only takes a few weeks to complete. 

3. What are the steps involved to replace the sidewalk?

The progression of construction generally follows the steps below:

 1. The sidewalk and curb identified for replacement are removed and barricades are placed in the construction area. If any portions of the adjacent driveway need to be removed for construction, they may also be removed at this time.

 2. The contractor then installs wood forms, pours and “finishes” the new concrete.

 3. Within a day or two, when the concrete has hardened, the forms are removed.

 4. Asphalt repairs to the driveway and street are then completed. 

5. Any disturbed parkway areas are then restored with topsoil and seed.

 6. If any part of the work does not pass City inspection, the contractor must come back to correct the deficiency. 

4. Will I be able to use my driveway during construction?

If sidewalk or curb is replaced across your driveway, you will not be able to use your driveway during the process. Access to your driveway will be unavailable for at least 10 to 14 days. 

5. Why doesn’t the City replace my entire driveway apron instead of patching it?

If construction occurs to the sidewalk or curb through your driveway, the City may need to remove a small patch of the driveway adjacent to those areas in order to perform the necessary construction. The driveway apron is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain; therefore the City will only replace the portion removed to perform construction.

6. Why doesn’t the City replace the entire curb in front of my driveway?

The City will only replace curb that has been deemed substandard. Sometimes only half the curb through a driveway is substandard so that portion is replaced. 

7. Will the City keep me informed of the progress of the project?

Approximately 2 to 5 days prior to the start of construction in your neighborhood, the City will contact you by letter and/or a door tag with more detailed information. 

8. How does the City determine its contractor for the project?

The City advertises its program to concrete contractors in the area. Interested contractors are given a map showing all the locations, an estimate of quantities for the project and specifications for construction work. All qualified bidders submit sealed bids with the lowest bid being sent to City Council for approval. 

9. Does the City oversee the construction work done by the contractor?

Although only qualified contractors perform the work, the City also has its own staff to monitor construction. The city staff ensures that construction is being performed according to the contract specifications. The specifications for the project are equal to or better than industry-wide accepted standards used throughout the country. 

10. How is the work performed?

Multiple construction crews perform work in the program. Below is a basic outline of how work is performed:

• Crews use a saw to cut the sidewalk to allow for clean removal and to prevent damage to the adjacent sidewalk or driveway pavement.
• A second crew removes the sidewalk/curb/driveway apron.
• Another crew installs wood/metal framing to help form the concrete when it is poured.
• A fourth crew pours the concrete and puts the finishing touches on the surface of the concrete. A separate crew will replace the asphalt driveway apron if needed.
• Finally, the sidewalk/curb/driveway apron is backfilled with topsoil and seed by a landscaping crew.

11. Can I have my sidewalk repaired or replaced by a private contractor?

If eligible, property owners have the option of hiring a private contractor to repair their faulty sidewalks. In order for a section of sidewalk to qualify for the city’s Sidewalk Replacement Program, one of the following conditions must exist: 

• Sidewalk must be sunken or risen to a height difference of one inch or more between sections
• Sidewalk must be broken or separated into four or more pieces
• Fifty percent or more of the sidewalk surface must have deteriorated 

If eligible, property owners have the option of hiring a private contractor to repair their faulty sidewalks. To qualify for reimbursement property owner must comply with the following:

 1. Prior to beginning any work, property owners must call 630-454-2750 to schedule an inspection to confirm if one of the conditions listed above exists.

 2. The inspector will leave a door hanger stating whether or not the sidewalk meets the conditions for reimbursement.

 3. If sidewalk meets the criteria for reimbursement, the hired contractor must obtain the necessary permits to perform the work in the public right-of-way.

 4. Upon completion of the work, the property owner must submit a copy of their paid invoice to the city for reimbursement. The invoice must have a square footage amount of sidewalk work completed and a unit price of cost per square foot for the sidewalk. The invoice must be marked “PAID” or a copy of the processed check must be included. 5. When the invoice is processed, the city will conduct an inspection of the completed work to ensure that it meets city standards. The processing period typically takes 3-4 weeks. 

In general, for single family homes the property owner will be reimbursed a maximum of 50 percent of the cost that the City of Batavia would have paid for the work under the city’s program. In cases where the property owner obtains a price less than what the city would have paid, the City of Batavia will reimburse 50 percent of the lower costs.

 For questions related to the sidewalk removal and replacement program, please contact the City of Batavia engineering department at 630-454-2752.