IDOT Details Stormwater Plan for Hickory Grove Site in Rochelle

ROCHELLE — Illinois Department of Transportation officials updated the Rochelle City Council on plans to build a dry stormwater detention basin on the east half of the former Hickory Grove property as part of the Illinois Route 251 reconstruction project Monday night. The detention area, along with additional storage near the Tilton Manor Drive cul de sac, is designed to reduce flooding at the intersection of Illinois Route 38 and Route 251 by slowing runoff before it reaches Kite Creek. IDOT engineers said the basin would remain dry except during heavy rain, include a sidewalk around the site, and also provide stormwater capacity for future development along Route 251. Officials said relocating the detention area would likely delay the road project by several years because of redesign work and new environmental reviews. City officials also discussed utility changes, stormwater easements, future maintenance responsibilities, and the need to confirm drainage pipe locations so they do not interfere with potential commercial development on the property.