Public Hearing to Address Changes to Randall, Algonquin Intersection

The public will get the chance to sound off on a continuous-flow intersection proposed for Algonquin and Randall roads — the first of its kind in the state.

The McHenry County Division of Transportation will host the public hearing from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 24 in the cafeteria at H.D. Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive in Algonquin. 

The continuous-flow intersection, or CFI, is a part of the county's preferred plan for a wide-scale Randall Road improvement project, which would widen the roadway to six lanes. 

The hearing will be set up in an open house format with exhibits on display showcasing the county's proposed plan. McHenry County Division of Transportation representatives and a team of consultants will be on hand to discuss the project.

Written comments can be submitted online or mailed to 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock, IL 60098.

What is a CFI?

The county’s proposed plan would widen Randall Road to six lanes between Ackman and County Line roads. It would call for a two-legged continuous-flow intersection at Algonquin and Randall roads.

"A continuous-flow intersection has traffic turning left placed to the left of oncoming traffic, opposite where it is normally. This removes the conflict between oncoming traffic and traffic turning left," according to a FAQ page on the Randall Road Improvements project website. "Vehicles turning left access the lane a few hundred feet in front of the intersection."

A graphic showing an aerial map of the proposed plan, and a video which demonstrates how a CFI works, can be found on the Randall Road project website.

The continuous-flow intersection would be to cut down on travel time and congestion along the heavily traveled Randall Road, according to county officials. 

If a conventional intersection remained at Randall and Algonquin, projections for peak travel time in 2030 showed the average motorist would face a delay of nearly 93 seconds, which received an “F” or failing level of service for a roadway.

The CFI would mean a 51.1 second delay for the average motorist and a “D” level of service.