Rebuilding McHenry County: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
McHENRY COUNTY – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in McHenry County, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Sixteen projects combined represent an investment of nearly $165.1 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,” said Gov. Pritzker. “This summer, IDOT will continue to build on years of progress by undertaking construction projects that will create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs across the state. Through these projects, we are demonstrating what government is supposed to do and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve.”
Of the 16 major projects in McHenry County, 14 are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining two to be completed between 2026 and 2028.
- Illinois 47 (Seminary Street) at Illinois 176 and at Pleasant Valley Road intersection reconstruction, realignment and culvert replacement began last fall, with anticipated completion in 2026. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 47 over Slough Creek north of Raycraft Road bridge deck resurfacing began this spring and is anticipated to be completed this summer. One lane is open in each direction.
- U.S. 14 from Cary/Algonquin Road to Spring Beach Way resurfacing, drainage and ADA improvements began in the spring and are anticipated to be completed this summer. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 173 corridor from the Boone County line to Lake County line the following resurfacing, rumble strip and shoulder installation, and drainage improvement projects began in the spring and are anticipated to be completed this fall. One lane is open in each direction as improvements are underway along various stretches:
- Boone County line to Flat Iron Road
- Harvard Hills Road to Righeimer Road
- Righeimer Road to Oak Grove Road
- Alden Road to Greenwood Road
- Greenwood Road to Wilmot Road
- Illinois 176 corridor the following resurfacing and ADA improvement projects began this spring and are anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place along various stretches:
- Haligus Road to U.S. 14
- U.S. 14 to U.S. 31
- Illinois 176 over the Fox River
- Nish Road to Janet Road
- Illinois 47 from U.S. 14 to Illinois 120 reconstruction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and completed in 2028. Daily lane closures are expected.
- U.S. 20 corridor the following resurfacing and ADA improvement projects began in 2025 and are anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are expected:
- Prospect Street to Union Road
- Marengo Road to Harmony Road
- Harmony Road to Getty Road
“Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, these 16 projects mean safer roads, fewer crashes and better drainage to prevent flooding in the areas that need it most,” said state Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Carpentersville). “This is state investment doing what it’s supposed to do for our communities – keeping roads reliable, creating jobs and ensuring people can get to work, school and home safely.”
“McHenry County welcomes this significant investment in our state roads,” said McHenry County Board Chair Michael Buehler. “The 14 improvements scheduled for completion this year will mean faster travel times, less congestion and more productivity for our businesses as they ship their goods to customers worldwide. The city of Woodstock has long desired the widening of Illinois 47 between U.S. 14 and Illinois 120. It’s wonderful to see that work will start next construction season.”
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
“Rebuild Illinois continues to reshape transportation, creating economic opportunity, improving mobility and enhancing quality of life in every corner of the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Remember: If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this summer, you will be traveling through work zones. When you see orange, slow down and save lives.”
Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.
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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell