Village of Lake in the Hills, IL -- i3 Broadband has just started work to install a fiber optic network within the Village’s rights of way. Informational materials were distributed by i3 Broadband to affected neighborhoods. This project will involve several surrounding communities, including Algonquin, McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock.
What is a fiber-optic network?
Fiber optic lines are made of strands of glass fibers that transmit data smoothly, quickly and with more power than traditional cable technology. Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding DSL or cable modem speeds.
Why has the Village approved this project?
The Village is subject to strong federal preemption regarding the ability to regulate this type of infrastructure placement in rights-of-way. Therefore, the Village does not have the ability to restrict compliant requests for such infrastructure placement; the Village has a right-of-way ordinance providing the full extent of regulation we can legally enforce, and which was adhered to in the i3 agreement. To view the entire agreement, click here.
Where is this happening?
i3 Broadband anticipates installing infrastructure throughout Lake in the Hills and surrounding communities over the next three construction seasons through 2025. The network across the region is divided into “Areas” covering approximately 7,000 addresses (residential and business). The Areas are then divided into “Sectors”, averaging 350 addresses. A Sector is the standard unit of work with which i3 Broadband will submit for permits and assign work. The planning of the overall volume and pace of Sector projects will be closely coordinated between the Village and i3 Broadband.
Sectors with permits issued have been listed below, along with the permit date and a link to a detailed map of the planned construction. While the permits expire 6 months after issuance, once started, the work in each sector is expected to take approximately 8 weeks for completion.
| Sector/Subdivision | Permit Issued | Links | Anticipated Start | Anticipated Completion |
| Spring Lake Farm | May 17, 2023 | Map | June 2023 | August 2023 |
| Rolling Hills | May 17, 2023 | Map | July 2023 | September 2023 |
What can residents/businesses expect?
In terms of notice, construction mailers are sent to all residents impacted with construction at least two weeks prior to starting construction, including direct contact information to i3 Broadband’s call center to answer any questions or concerns regarding construction activities. i3 Broadband employs Brand Ambassadors to support communications to residents, answering questions and providing an additional means of notification about the upcoming project. Once construction is in progress, they will also have Construction Inspectors present, monitoring performance of the project, above and beyond the management and monitoring presence already in place by our contractors and subcontractors.
Construction work will take place within the right-of-way and utility easements of the permitted sector. The installation of conduit will be completed by directional boring or missile boring, which reduces the overall ground disturbance required to safely place the conduit in the ground.
What is a right-of-way or an easement?
Right-of-way is considered public property, which includes the roadway itself and extends a specified distance from the center line of a roadway. This distance from the center line differs depending on the location. A common misconception is that the right-of-way ends at the sidewalk, but this is not always the case, as it can often extend beyond the sidewalk.
Easement is private property that utility companies have rights to be able to access and utilize. Easements are created prior to the construction of a home and are usually depicted on a plat of survey. They can be found in the front, rear or side-yards of a property. i3 Broadband is considered a utility company and as such, may perform construction within the utility easements of the properties within the permitted sector.
How will property be restored?
This project will require that turf will be disturbed. In addition, pavement may potentially be disturbed for crossing of existing utilities, though efforts are always made to avoid or minimize pavement disturbance where possible. Residents can be assured that any ground and/or pavement disturbed by this project must be brought back to its original condition prior to final inspection and permit closure. In some cases, re-installation of grass will continue to be addressed after permit closure.
How will traffic be controlled?
The approach to construction will attempt to minimize impact to regular flow of traffic. Subcontractors will self-perform for small scale, short duration needs. For large scale, long-term, or major routes, traffic control is typically outsourced to a third-party specializing in such work. In either case, all will comply with Illinois Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
What happens if there is damage to existing utilities?
i3 Broadband, its contractors and subcontractors, will follow required procedures and industry best practices to minimize the risk of damage to existing utilities. However, throughout the course of construction, it is likely that some existing utilities will be damaged. Should that occur, notification and emergency response procedures will be followed.
For additional questions, please contact Public Works at 847-960-7500. Stay tuned to the Village’s website for updates on this project as it progresses. Representatives from i3 Broadband will also be out to visit the affected areas to answer residents’ questions.
Source: https://www.lith.org/Home/Components/News/News/1183/16