Aurora Business Owner: 'We Were Blindsided' by Sudden Route 59 Construction Timeline
AURORA — Ray Czaplewski stood in the doorway of Czaplewski’s European Deli & Bakery on Route 59 last Tuesday, watching orange barrels multiply along the shoulder like mushrooms after rain. The IDOT resurfacing project wasn’t news — the delays were.
“We were blindsided by it,” Czaplewski said, wiping flour from his hands. “They told us spring 2025. Then last Friday, we get a notice: mobilization starts Monday. No final walkthrough, no updated traffic plan, just cones and a ‘good luck.’”
The stretch between New York Street and Galena Boulevard carries 28,000 vehicles daily — many turning into the strip mall housing Czaplewski’s, the Polish Bookstore, and Euro Mart. With left turns now blocked and the right lane swallowed by equipment, foot traffic has evaporated.
“Friday lunch usually brings the Rush-Copley shift change crowd,” said Maria Kowalski, who’s run the bookstore next door since 2003. “Yesterday? Four customers. Total.”
Ward 7 Alderman Jenni Garza confirmed her office received the revised schedule just 72 hours before mobilization. “IDOT cited ‘contractor availability’ and ‘weather windows,’” Garza said. “But that doesn’t help a bakery that pre-orders rye flour by the pallet.”
Czaplewski’s adapted — launching online pierogi orders with curbside pickup at the rear lot off Sullivan Road. “My babcia didn’t survive the war to have her recipes stop for orange cones,” he said. “We’ll feed people. Just… differently for a while.”
Know before you go: Access Czaplewski’s rear lot via Sullivan Road (west of Route 59). Open 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon–Sat. Online orders at czaplewskisdeli.com.
Has construction impacted your Route 59 commute or favorite stop? Share your detour tips in the comments.
