Illinois 47 construction in Woodstock begins this week

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a project to improve Illinois 47 (Eastwood Drive) from south of U.S. 14 to north of Illinois 120 (McHenry Avenue) in Woodstock will begin, weather permitting, the week of April 6, another major investment in McHenry County made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. To celebrate the start of construction, a groundbreaking ceremony was held today in Woodstock. ​

"We are proud to partner with Woodstock to build a safer, more modern Illinois 47," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. "These improvements will enhance local quality of life by replacing aging infrastructure, adding amenities and connecting people in new ways with the places they live, work and play."

The $78 million project consists of reconstructing and widening Illinois 47 from U.S. 14 to Illinois 120 to provide two through lanes in each direction separated by a raised median. New LED lights and modernized traffic signals will be installed, along with retaining walls. A sidewalk will be constructed on the southbound side of the road and a 10-foot shared-use path on the northbound side, as well as streetscape enhancements and landscaping. To improve safety and traffic flow, roundabouts will be constructed at Lake Street, McConnell Road and Judd Street/Irving Avenue. Additionally, a new storm sewer system will be installed, with municipal water mains and sanitary sewers replaced. ​

The project is scheduled to be completed in several stages. Throughout construction at least one lane in both directions will remain open. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. The public should expect various lane shifts and occasional weekend lane closures throughout construction. ​

The overall project is anticipated to be completed in late 2028, with landscaping in spring 2029.

"We're excited to see the Route 47 project moving into active construction. This milestone reflects the tremendous effort of our city staff, council and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life," said Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner. "We're especially grateful for the funding support secured through persistent advocacy and collaboration at the state and federal levels. As construction begins, I urge all Woodstock residents to focus on supporting our local Route 47 businesses throughout this process. The city and IDOT will do what we can to minimize impacts wherever possible."

The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternate routes are encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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