Route 20 construction to make Elgin commute painful

If you take Route 20 through Elgin, your commute is about to get even more annoying.

Starting Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Transportation is repairing the highway east of Weld Road to just west of Shales Parkway — weather permitting. The $8.6 million project on the 6-mile stretch of road is expected to conclude in the fall.

During that time, workers will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction.

The project involves patching up and resurfacing the roads, filling holes on the bridge, repairing its joints and adding new concrete.

If you can’t bear the thought of sitting in traffic, IDOT suggests you use the following alternate routes: I-90, Route 25, Route 58, Route 64, Route 72, and Stearns Road.

The work is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to maintain the highway.

Right now, the state is wrapping up a reconstruction project on Route 20 at McLean Boulevard and a resurfacing project at Route 20 just west of Weld. A resurfacing project west of Randall Road will follow.

“Obviously, it’ll provide a smoother ride and will provide resurfaced roadways and shoulders, plus various bridge repairs,” IDOT spokesman Josh Kauffman said. “As time progresses, maintenance and improvements are needed.”

Be on the lookout for flaggers during the daytime in the construction zone.

And unless you want to risk a $120 ticket, it’s best to stay off your cellphone while you drive through this or any other work zone — cellphone use of any kind is against the law in school and construction zones.

Authorities also advise you to drive carefully and obey posted speed limits.