Traffic Delays Expected as Western Bypass Construction Gets Underway

Village officials are encouraging motorists to find alternate routes to a portion of Algonquin Road just west of downtown Algonquin as the main portion of the Western Bypass construction project is slated to get underway in coming weeks.

The $71 million project is meant to relieve traffic congestion with a new four-lane two-mile stretch of roadway that will bypass downtown Algonquin. The new bypass is expected to open in summer 2014.

While grading and excavation work, which started in April, is expected to continue through December on the bypass, the main portion of the construction project will begin Sept. 4. During the first week of construction, crews will work mainly to remove trees, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation press release.

Starting the week of Sept. 10, motorists should expect to see delays along Algonquin Road when the busy thoroughfare will be reduced to one lane just west of Route 31 to Meyer Drive, according to the news release.

“There are no permanent lane closures anticipated on Illinois 31, however, temporary, intermittent lane closures could be required at times to accommodate construction activity,” according to the news release.

Such lane closures are expected on Main Street starting in spring 2013, according to a village of Algonquin news release.

In addition,  in Algonquin will be closed beginning Oct. 1 and is expected to remain closed through summer 2014. The closure will allow for the addition of a new 100-space parking lot, realignment of Crystal Creek, construction of a new pedestrian bridge and integration of the park with the Prairie Path recreational trail, according to the village news release.

Motorists are encouraged to be watchful for slow-moving vehicles and construction crews, expect delays and allow extra time for travel in the construction area, according to the IDOT press release.

What Will the Project Entail?

F.H. Paschen/S.N. Nielsen was awarded the $33.3 million contract for the main portion of the project, which includes construction of 2.11 miles of a four-lane divided highway, diamond interchange, four new bridges, retaining walls and noise abatement walls west of downtown Algonquin, according to a village news release.

On its northern edge, the Western Bypass will connect with Route 31 just north of Cary Road. The bypass will continue west of Route 31, will pass over Algonquin Road in the area where the post office is located and then will loop back over where the current Prairie Trail is located behind .

The bypass will connect back with Route 31 near Edgewood Drive at its southern-most edge.

LOOK: Map of Western Bypass Route

Once the project is finished, jurisdiction over the existing Illinois 31 through Algonquin will be transferred to the village, according to the IDOT news release.

In addition, portions of Huntington Drive, Algonquin Road and the existing Illinois 31 will be widened and resurfaced to accommodate the bypass, according to an IDOT news release. 

Where to Check for Construction Updates, Western Bypass News

• Illinois Department of Transportation:Find details on other construction projects on IDOT’s website.  
• Village of Algonquin: Construction information will be available throughout the project from the Illinois Department of Transportation and may be viewed on the Village of Algonquin’s website at www.algonquin.org. Individuals may also sign up for Algonquin e-News to receive monthly updates, follow us on Twitter @VlgAlgonquin or follow the village of Algonquin on Facebook.  
• Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch: Sign up for our e-mail newsletter and follow us on Facebook as we continue to cover the Western Bypass and any issues and udpates surrounding the project. 
• Travelmidwest.com: The website will provide updates on the impacts to traffic.