Long Grove excited about Old McHenry Road project

Long Grove's elected officials this week celebrated Old McHenry Road reconstruction that's expected to benefit the downtown business district.

Up first will be a public water main extension through downtown that's projected to be finished by the end of May. That'll be followed by the rebuilding of Old McHenry Road and other work to include a new traffic signal at Robert Parker Coffin Road, handicapped-accessible sidewalks, lighting, benches and installation of new fire hydrants downtown.

Village President Bill Jacob was among the elected officials who participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony downtown this week.

"This marks the start of a reconstruction project that will provide excellent enhancements for our downtown area, with new sidewalks, a streetscape and lighting," Jacob said.

"Further extending our municipal water system into the downtown is an amenity that will help us attract new businesses to the village."

The $3.8 million project calls for reconstruction of Old McHenry Road from the Long Grove Fire Protection District station north of Route 53 to the shared entrance drive to the village hall and Kildeer Countryside School south of Cuba Road. The work should be done in November.

Officials said traffic will remain open during construction, but the potential disruption is sensitive enough that this year's festival lineup was plugged into the contract so work is wrapped up Wednesday of a given week in advance of the fun. Chocolate Fest will be first from May 18-20.