Route 31-72 intersection work finished

On time and after six months of congestion-causing construction, the widening of the intersection at Routes 31 and 72 in West Dundee was declared finished Wednesday.

Some minor work remains: temporary light poles must be removed and parkways need tidying up, but new traffic signals were installed, and "Everything's wide open," said Rich Babica, West Dundee public works director.

The $2.96 million job by the Illinois Department of Transportation job resulted in new turning lanes to accommodate more cars. Daily traffic volumes were projected to increase to 61,200 vehicles this year, state records showed.

During construction, portions of Route 72 and Route 31 were reduced to one lane, resulting in backups that stretched for at least a half-mile.

The project had been projected for completion by June 28.