$3.5 million stormwater improvement project in Wauconda nears finish

A $3.5 million project to create proper drainage for Bangs Lake in Wauconda and reduce flooding to neighborhood homes and streets is winding down and nearly complete.

Heavy equipment still is visible just north of Main Street near Phil’s Beach as the final elements of a wide-ranging project that has involved several locations since it began in spring wrap up.

Progress has gone well on the Wauconda Outfall project due to close coordination between the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, contractor V3 Companies and HMG Engineers, officials say.

“Our oversight has ensured the soil erosion and sediment control items were promptly addressed and many areas have already been restored and vegetated,” said Mea Blauer, senior civil engineer for the stormwater agency, which coordinates projects countywide.

“It has been a smooth project and should be wrapping up substantially by the end of the year,” said Jacob Mann, the village’s public works director.

Dry weather benefited work on nearly a dozen different elements stretching about a mile from the Bangs Lake outfall at Phil’s Beach to the area of Route 12 and 176.

“It’s going along remarkably well,” said Mayor Jeff Sode.

Beginning at the outfall structure, excess water flowing into Bangs Lake from the 3,000-acre surrounding area travels nearly a mile through ditches, culverts and storm sewers to Route 176 and eventually the Fox River.

Water at times floods roads and creates other issues.

The project included construction of a new overflow outlet on Phil’s Beach, installation of stormwater sewer mains and a new concrete box culvert under Main Street. The new outfall has an automated, rather than manual gate control.

A retaining wall to stabilize stream banks next to My Flavorite Place on the south side of Main Street was built and storm sewers replaced or relocated at various locations. Sheet piling was installed off Slocum Lake Road at Route 12.

Other areas were excavated, graded and shorelines stabilized. Dead trees and invasive brush were removed and replaced in various areas including around Wauconda Middle School where a walking path also was built.

Wauconda Outfall was among 16 projects funded through a $30 million state grant allocation.

Projects in Lincolnshire, Lake Zurich and Vernon Hills have been completed. In addition to Bangs Lake three others in Vernon Township, Buffalo Grove and Zion will be completed this year.

Projects in Highland park and Lake Bluff recently started construction and six others will begin in 2026. One project is in the design phase.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity appropriated $122 million to Lake County for regional stormwater improvements.

So far, two awards of $30 million each have been granted. The Wauconda project is in the second group, with those projects expected to benefit 2,000 properties and 100 roads, according to the stormwater management commission.