The Illinois Department of Transportation has formally announced the opening of the $88.5 million Algonquin Bypass, a new, four-lane segment of Illinois Route 31.

Barricades came down and drivers started using the road Thursday, according to an article in the Northwest Herald. The new route includes bridges over Algonquin Road and Crystal Creek and allows drivers to bypass downtown Algonquin.

The completed road project “will improve mobility in and around Algonquin, enhancing the quality of life for local residents and making the entire area more attractive for economic development and job creation,” IDOT said in a press release.

Acting Transportation Secretary Erica Borggren said the new roadway has been a long time coming.

“But the positive impacts will be felt immediately,” she said. “I am thrilled that this important project is coming to a conclusion and even more proud of the outstanding cooperation with our federal and local partners that has made this day happen.”

Motorists are advised to remain alert over the next few weeks for workers finishing landscaping, cleaning up the work zone and performing other tasks to wrap up the project.

The roadway consists of a new 2.2-mile segment of Illinois Route 31, from Edgewood Drive to just south of Klasen Road. Portions of Huntington Drive, Algonquin Road and the existing Illinois 31 have been widened and resurfaced to accommodate the new alignment. A new interchange also has been built between the bypass and Illinois 62. The new bypass will significantly improve efficiency and mobility throughout the region.

While the project is in McHenry County, it’s good news for folks in the far northern part of Kane County.

An additional portion of project is the ongoing widening and reconstruction of Illinois 31 between Trinity Drive and Rakow Road. When that work is completed in the spring, Illinois 31 will be two lanes in each direction from Edgewood Drive to Illinois 176 in McHenry County.

With the bypass opening, jurisdiction of the old Illinois 31 through downtown Algonquin will be transferred to the village of Algonquin.

The entire project, including planning and engineering, was funded by a $63.5 million commitment from the state, $22.1 million in federal funding and local contributions paying for the remainder. The project created or supported nearly 1,150 construction jobs.

SOURCE: Illinois Department of Transportation press release

Read More

• Northwest Herald:  Algonquin Western Bypass opens to traffic