Highway Department

Emergency Contact

If you would like to contact the Highway Department with after hour emergency information, please call the office number 847-634-4600 and follow the prompts to the Vernon Township Highway Department Emergency Voicemail.

Overview

Vernon Township Highway Department maintains the residential streets including the right of way for unincorporated Vernon Township.

The department provides services and programs that focus on repair and construction of streets, storm sewers, sidewalks, curbs, street signs, street lighting, street cleaning, snow removal and more

Services, Programs & Responsibilities

The services provided by the Vernon Township Highway Department are extensive and are under the direction of Highway Commissioner Michael Lofstrom. The services and programs administered by the Highway Department include, but are not limited to:

Road Construction


The department rebuilds, resurfaces, and provides general maintenance for all streets in the unincorporated area.

PERMITS

To ensure the quality of work and protect township residents from liability for damage to township property, a Vernon Township Highway Department Right of Way permit is needed for any construction in the unincorporated area that might affect the public right of way. The township may require a cash bond from the homeowner prior to issuance of the permit. This permit may be in addition to a permit required by Lake County Building and Planning Department.

Learn more about permits.

SNOW REMOVAL

The department will be aware of the weather conditions 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This includes watching the weather radar and forecasts throughout the day and night.

The department will determine when to pre-treat, salt, or salt and plow the roads, to ensure that the roads are clean and safe for all that travel on them.

Fleet and Equipment Maintenance

The department prepares specifications for the purchase of all trucks and equipment. Maintain on these vehicles equipment, building, and grounds will be performed in house to minimize the outsourcing of the work, which would be at a much higher cost.

Sidewalks, Curbs & Sewers

The department replaces, upgrades to ADA standards, and provides general maintenance for all sidewalks, curbs and storm sewers in the unincorporated area.

Flood Mitigation

The department has in place emergency procedures to assist residents of high-level flooding areas as well as a clean-up and recovery program after major storms if necessary.

Street Cleaning

The department administers a regular street cleaning program from early spring to late fall throughout the unincorporated area. The department utilizes an intergovernmental agreement with the Lake County Division of Transportation.

Street Lighting

The department maintains responsibility for providing street lighting along the public right of way in the unincorporated area. The unincorporated area has 65 street lights

Street Signage

The department is responsible for providing proper street signage along the unincorporated right of way. Signs ranging from stop signs, speed limit, no parking, snow route, school zones and others.

Grass Cutting

The department crews will cut grass along specific areas on the public right of way in the unincorporated area

Tree Maintenance

Throughout the year, the department crews trim those trees interfering with streetlights, street signs or the vision of motorists on public right of way in the unincorporated area. This program also includes the removal of dead trees as warranted.

Yearly Reporting to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 

Vernon Township prioritizes compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution standards and procedures.