Algonquin Road Two-Lane Advanced To Friday, Flaggers Coming

Commuter woes for Algonquin's Western Bypass will begin earlier than expected, according to the latest report from Illinois Department of Transportation and construction officials.  They'll be worse than anyone knew, too, said Algonquin Public Works Director Bob Mitchard, Tuesday.

Closing two lanes of Algonquin Road at the Bypass construction site had been scheduled to begin next Monday but Algonquin Village Manager Bill Ganek told the Algonquin Board Tuesday the neckdown had been moved up to this Friday. "When?" was the concern of Village President John Schmitt.  "Nine to three," said Mitchard. "They're trying to avoid the rush hours."

However, the two-lane stretch apparently will extend further than originally expected.  After a pre-construction meeting three weeks ago village officials thought it would only run from the top of Algonquin's S-curve to Meyer drive, but an IDOT update Friday listed it all the way from Route 31 to Meyer.

Complicating traffic even more, Mitchard said flaggers will periodically stop motorists so giant trucks full of fill can move it from the north (high) side of the construction site to the (low) south.  "It's going to be a struggle," said Mitchard. "Every three or four minutes they'll be crossing the roadway."

Only one warning sign was in operation on Algonquin Road Tuesday and it only advised drivers to "Expect Delays."  Mitchard said, "Warning signs are broken at both ends of the job," but reported IDOT expected them to be fixed today.

The Groundbreaking ceremony for the project was also reset, according to officials.  Originally scheduled for Sept. 19, it's been moved up to Sept. 17 starting at 9 am at the Algonquin Public Works facility.