Hoffman Estates to start construction on intersection

Drivers will soon see construction for new turn lanes and traffic signals at the intersection of Beverly and Higgins roads in Hoffman Estates.

The Hoffman Estates village board approved a joint agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation on Monday that sets the village’s estimated share of a $786,000 intersection improvement project at $18,400.

The project, which is meant to improve safety and capacity, qualified for funding from the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

When the project is completed, westbound Higgins Road will have dual left turn lanes with a left-on-arrow-only signal, while northbound Beverly Road will have two left turn and two right turn lanes.

There will also be a bicycle and pedestrian crossing across the south end of the intersection.

Federal funds will cover 90 percent of the cost of modernizing the traffic signals. The village will split the balance with the state and cover the $6,900 cost to replace equipment on the traffic signals used by emergency responders. It will also be responsible for 33 percent of the signals’ maintenance cost and 15 percent of the project’s engineering fee.

Smaller portions of the project that accumulate additional costs include traffic lights upgrades at Rock and Higgins roads, relocation of existing lighting on Beverly Road and engineering fees.

No funds were budgeted in 2012 for the village’s share of the work, but traffic improvement funds, not general funds, are proposed to be used on the project.

Monday’s approval of the agreement means the village must now pay the state 80 percent of its obligation. The remainder will be paid upon completion of the project, when exact costs are known.

Construction is expected to begin next month.