Governor Quinn Announces Algonquin Bypass Will Open September 4

ALGONQUIN - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Algonquin Bypass will open, weather permitting, Thursday, Sept. 4, three years after construction started on the project. Made possible by his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, the $88.5 million Algonquin Bypass is a new, four-lane segment of Illinois Route 31 that 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. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"McHenry County residents have waited three years for this day," Governor Quinn said. "The project supported more than 1,000 jobs and will greatly improve transportation efficiency throughout the region and benefit residents and businesses for many years to come."

"The Algonquin Bypass will make the region an even better place to raise a family, work and grow a business," Acting Transportation Secretary Erica Borggren said. "This new roadway has been a long time coming, but the positive impacts will be felt immediately. 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.

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.

As part Governor Quinn's directive to expand green transportation practices, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) incorporated several environmentally-friendly components in the project, including new or upgraded sidewalks and bike paths; more than 500 trees, 480 bushes and 16,000 plants; and state-of-the-art, low-energy LED traffic signals and ornamental lighting.

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.

Since Governor Quinn worked with the General Assembly to pass the six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! in 2009, the Illinois Department of Transportation has awarded nearly 6,700 transportation projects worth more than $16 billion, creating and supporting almost 214,000 jobs.