70 projects on drawing board next year in Kane

As many as 70 transportation improvement projects could be in the offing for 2015, according to a draft budget plan the Kane County Division of Transportation released Wednesday.

The proposed budget builds off the division's current $82 million budget with an ambitious list of capital projects.

All told, there are 28 bridge repair/replacement projects, 20 intersection improvements, seven sections of roads and highways targeted for maintenance, and another seven roadways that will see new construction and/or lane additions. There are also six traffic signal and safety improvements and two bike/pedestrian path upgrades envisioned in the draft.

The most visible of the projects include:

• Ongoing construction on Anderson Road from Route 38 to Keslinger Road.

• Additional widening of Route 25 through the Stearns Road corridor.

• Intersection improvements at Silver Glen Road and Route 31.

• Plank Road realignment at Burlington Road.

• Implementation of the countywide bike rack program.

• Bridge work on Fabyan Parkway over the Fox River.

• Installation of wayside horns at La Fox and Brundige Road crossings.

All of the projects are part of a five-year planning document the division updates yearly. Projects are mainly funded through the transportation sales tax, three property tax levies and the state and local motor fuel taxes.

This time of year, following an especially harsh winter, county transportation staff members typically turn their attention to pavement repair work. Deputy Transportation Director Tom Rickert said the highways and roadways under the county's jurisdiction fared better than many other road systems in the area. Staff members will continue to perform inspections, but only about $100,000 of pavement work is scheduled.