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Algonquin Bypass construction to start in September

Road construction for the long-awaited Western Bypass of Route 31 in Algonquin is scheduled to start Sept. 10, weather permitting, officials said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation awarded the $33.3 million contract for the project F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates of Chicago. The project includes the construction of just more than two miles of a four-lane highway that will alleviate congestion by allowing traffic to bypass the downtown area at Routes 31 and 62. There will be a diamond interchange including four new bridges, retaining walls and noise abatement walls west of Route 31, village officials said in a new release.

Wisconsin-based Ryan Incorporated Central, which has offices in Elgin, was previously awarded the $4.9 million excavation contract; that work began in May and is expected to be completed in December.

Beginning Sept. 10, Algonquin Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Route 31 and Meyer Drive, and lane closures are expected through fall 2013; lane closures on Route 31 downtown are planned beginning in spring 2013, the news release said.

As part of the construction, Towne Park will be closed to the public beginning Oct. 1 for the construction of the bypass along with a new 100-space parking lot, realignment of Crystal Creek, construction of a new pedestrian bridge, and connection to the Prairie Path recreational trail, officials said. Towne Park is expected to be closed until summer 2014.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the bypass will be hosted by the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Algonquin public works building, 110 Meyer Drive.

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