FAQs • Cary, IL • CivicEngage

Can I rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into the street?: No. Village Code prohibits placing debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, into Village streets. These materials clog the stormwater inlets, thereby, restricting rainwater to properly drain and increase the possibility for flooding. They also reduce the efficiency of the Village's street sweeping program.

▼
Public Works - Streets & Signs

1. How do I report a pothole?: The Village of Cary maintains over 150 lane miles of roadway. Potholes develop from imperfections in the roadway that worsen over time due to freeze/thaw cycles. Potholes left untreated reduce ride-ability and can have a negative impact on the road's base. To help keep Cary's roadway conditions in good condition, you can report a pothole to the Public Works Department by calling (847) 639-0003 or send an e-mail to the department.

2. Who do I call to report a traffic signal or traffic sign issue?: Several different agencies maintain traffic signals within the Village. If you see a traffic signal or other sign related issue, call or e-mail the Public Works Department so staff can notify the correct agency. If the signal or sign issue is an emergency and it is after regular business hours, contact SEECOM at (815) 356-2087.

3. Who do I call to report a street light out?: Village street lights are maintained by either the Village or ComEd, depending on location. Should you notice a defective light, please notify the Public Works Department at 847-639-0003 or click on the CRT icon on the Village's home page and provide the specific location (nearest street address) and a description of the malfunctioning street light so that repairs can be made.

4. Am I allowed to block sidewalk for construction?: No. Sidewalks cannot be blocked for any reason. It is a violation of the Cary Municipal Code to block a sidewalk and any sidewalk obstruction should be reported to the Public Works Department.

5. Is there a temporary street closure policy?: Residents can request a temporary street closure for block parties. Temporary street closures for parades or other community events must be requested and approved by the Village Board prior to the day of the event. Information on block parties can be obtained by contacting the Public Works Department. For all other temporary street closure requests, contact Village Hall. Click here for more information on Block Parties.

6. Whose responsibility is it to repair the sidewalk in front of my home or business?: It is the responsibility of the Village to ensure reasonably safe conditions on Village sidewalks, bike trails and pedestrian paths. At the request of a citizen or business owner, any sidewalk that poses a tripping hazard (as defined by evaluation criteria) will be repaired for safety purposes. Contact the Public Works Department if you notice a sidewalk that needs attention. Click here for more information.

7. Who do I contact to request service from the Public Works Department?: To make a service request, click on the CRT icon on the Village's home page.

8. Does Public Works maintain all of the streets in the Village?: The Village maintains the majority of roadways within the incorporated boundaries of Cary. Roadways in the Village, but maintained by another government jurisdiction, are listed below:
Route 14 and Route 31 - Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Cary-Algonquin Road - McHenry County
Cold Springs Road and Klasen Road - Algonquin Township

9. How are streets selected to be paved?: The Village utilizes an Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) software to determine the inventory and condition of Village streets. The IMS is mounted on a vehicle that is equipped with GPS, cameras and lasers and it measures pavement roughness, rutting and general surface distress. A sensor is also installed on the vehicle and it measures roadway deflection and response as weight passes over the road. The information obtained by IMS is an instantaneous assessment of Village roadways and is used to determine the roadway's base condition. In addition to the IMS data, the Village also includes current roadway conditions and utility information to develop both a short-term and long-term roadway replacement program.

10. When is street sweeping done?: Street sweeping is conducted during the months of May through November. The Village utilizes both a private contractor and in-house staff to sweep Village streets and parking lots.

11. Can I rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into the street?: No. Village Code prohibits placing debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, into Village streets. These materials clog the stormwater inlets, thereby, restricting rainwater to properly drain and increase the possibility for flooding. They also reduce the efficiency of the Village's street sweeping program.