Route 31 roadwork in Batavia expected to begin by October

Batavia motorists will see delays when traveling on Route 31 through the city next month, as roadwork reducing the route to two lanes could begin on Monday, Sept. 30.

City council members approved a road diet — also known as lane reallocation — to reduce traffic speed through the city and enhance safety in response to a fatal pedestrian collision and many near misses on Route 31 last year. The project will reduce the route from four to three lanes, with the center lane designated for left turns.

The new lane structure will be implemented from Fabyan Parkway to Mooseheart Road throughout the city, except for the portion between Houston and Elm streets.

Work on the project is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.

At least one traffic lane will remain open in each direction during construction. Still, motorists should plan for extra travel time or seek alternate routes.

Work will begin by removing existing pavement markings and reflective pavement markers. Temporary striping will then reconfigure the roadway into one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. Once completed, permanent pavement markings and new pavement markers will be installed.

The reconfiguration aims to improve traffic flow, reduce crashes and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the roadway, according to a press release from the city.

Batavia conducted a preliminary traffic and safety analysis of Route 31 last year. It found the predominant type of crashes on the route were rear-end and turning crashes and that implementing a road diet would reduce the number of crashes.

According to the city, adding a center turn lane is expected to decrease left turn, rear-end, and sideswipe collisions. TranSystems Corporation, the city's engineering consultant, estimates a 27% reduction in crashes after implementing the road diet.

Superior Road Striping Inc. of Bartlett will do the roadwork. Council members have approved a $175,172 contract for the work. The total project cost, including construction and engineering, is $220,172.

A separate study and preliminary engineering is underway for the section of Route 31 between Houston and Elm. It will address operational issues and explore all pedestrian crossings and intersection safety enhancements in that section. The city plans to present those study and engineering findings to IDOT and hold a public information meeting later this year.

For more information and project updates, visit bataviail.gov/roaddiet.