Winnebago County cuts ribbon on Bell School Road Infrastructure Improvements

The total length of the improvements is .98 miles, including Bell School Road from Argus Drive to 500 feet north of Guilford Road, and Guilford Road, 700 feet west of the intersection. Highlights of the project include:

• Widening Bell School Road from 2 to 3 lanes
• New traffic signals & turn lanes
• New shared-use path from Argus Drive to Guilford Road
• New asphalt surface
• New curb & gutter and storm sewer

The Highway Department hired Arc Design Resources, Inc. to design the project, and the County Board awarded a construction contract to N-Trak group in November 2023. Construction started in April 2024 and it was completed in early September 2024.

Upon completion of this project also comes the transferring of jurisdiction to the City of Rockford. Winnebago County and the City of Rockford entered into an agreement in 2005 for the jurisdictional transfer of Bell School Road as the County completes improvements to different sections of the road. This also includes the traffic signals at the intersection and the new shared use path along the west side of the road.

"The average daily traffic on this stretch of Bell School Road is 11,400 vehicles, so this was identified as a high-traffic area that was in great need of improvements," said County Engineer Carlos Molina. "We are proud of the collaboration between the County, City and State to make these key enhancements to servicing our roadways in Winnebago County."

The County was able to complete this $4 million project thanks to two grants from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, secured by State Representative Joe Sosnowski ($700,000) and Senator Dave Syverson ($500,000) in 2022.

"This road project enhances safety and ensures easier access to the school, meeting an essential need for our community," said Senator Dave Syverson (R). "I am happy to have helped secure the funds for these much-needed improvements."

"I am proud to work with Senator Syverson in securing road funds to make this project possible," said Representative Joe Sosnowski (R). "Special thanks to the county for taking the lead on this project and making it happen. This is an important corridor on the east side of Rockford that improves traffic flow and pedestrian safety."

The other $2.8 million was paid for with County Highway funds and Host fees allocated to the Highway Department for capital improvements.

"We are grateful to our local legislators for securing this vital funding for the project and for their continued advocacy for our community," said Chairman Joe Chiarelli. "The longevity of our infrastructure is dependent on these types of partnerships, and I am confident these upgrades will bring increased safety and improved quality of life for residents and visitors alike."

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