$133M In Road Projects Underway Across McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — More than $133 million in road and infrastructure projects are underway or planned in McHenry County as part of the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program, with four of seven major projects expected to be completed this year.

The Illinois Department of Transportation said the projects are designed to improve safety, mobility and infrastructure throughout the county while supporting construction jobs.

Here are the seven major projects:

• Illinois 31 over Nippersink Creek: Resurfacing began this spring and is expected to be completed later this summer. A temporary bridge signal is in place.
• Illinois 47 from U.S. 14 to Illinois 120: Reconstruction and additional lanes are planned, with work expected to continue through late 2029. Daily lane closures are in place.
• Illinois 47 (Seminary Street) at Illinois 176 and Pleasant Valley Road: Intersection reconstruction, road realignment and culvert replacement began in 2024 and are expected to be completed in early 2027. Daily lane closures are in place.
• Richmond weigh station: Drainage and landscaping improvements began earlier this summer and are expected to be completed in late summer. The weigh station is closed during construction.
• Illinois 120 from Martin Street to Green Street: Pavement patching and ADA improvements are expected to begin later this summer and be completed this fall. Daily lane closures will be in place.
• U.S. 14 from State Line Road to Oak Grove Road: Drainage and landscaping improvements are expected to begin later this summer and be completed this fall. Daily lane closures will be in place.
• Illinois 31 from Illinois 176 to Illinois 120: Reconstruction, additional lanes, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, drainage improvements, traffic signal modernization and ADA improvements are planned. Work is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2029. One lane will remain open in each direction.

The projects are part of Rebuild Illinois, a $33.2 billion capital program approved in 2019 to improve the state's transportation infrastructure, according to IDOT.

“Rebuild Illinois is continuing to transform our infrastructure and enhance key economic corridors across the state,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “Our ambitious capital program is putting Illinoisans to work as we improve regional transportation systems, encourage new economic activity and build a better future for all of Illinois.”

State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-McHenry, said the investments are needed to address aging infrastructure.

“These investments will make our roads and bridges safer, improve reliability for commuters and businesses, and help ensure the next generation inherits a stronger transportation system than the one we have today,” Wilcox said.