Solheim Cup traffic our 'biggest concern'

Police say drivers should be prepared for major traffic congestion in and around Sugar Grove this week during the Solheim Cup.

An estimated 90,000 visitors are expected for the international women's golf event, which runs through Sunday at Rich Harvest Farms at Route 30 and Dugan Road.

"The biggest concern that everybody has is traffic," said Lt. Pat Gengler of the Kane County Sheriff's Department, which is coordinating public safety.

Motorists are asked to use Routes 47 and 56 as primary access to and from the seven-day event, which opened Monday. Gengler said locals who travel those roads regularly might want to consider alternative routes.

"Traffic is going to be an issue for both the people coming here and the area residents," he said. "We're very well aware of that, and monitoring it constantly." The traffic plan, available online at kanesheriff.com, was designed by the Illinois State Police and has been in the works for about a year, Gengler said. Any changes will be publicized on the sheriff's Web site.

Motorists also can watch for signs and police officers directing traffic.

"We would really appreciate it if people stick to the primary routes," Gengler said. "The state police really did a good job devising the best (traffic) plan we could."

Solheim Cup Executive Director Kelly Hyne said traffic is expected to peak Friday morning and remain thick throughout the weekend.

"We expect a heavy volume in the early- to mid-morning on Friday through Sunday when matches commence, and also in the late afternoon as fans depart the course," Hyne said.

Kane County authorities are assisting a private security firm and private ambulance company at the event.

Visitors will find First Aid stations throughout the property, as well as volunteers trained to offer assistance in the event of an emergency, Gengler said.

Police declined to address more specific questions about security, saying it could compromise safety.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Photo Galleries</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="/story/?id=314310">Monday images from the Solheim Cup </a></li> </ul> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="/packages/2009/solheimcup/">Complete Daily Herald coverage of the Solheim Cup</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>