Rt. 31/120 choke point gets some first aid
For anyone who’s fumed in traffic at the junction of Routes 31 and 120 in McHenry, relief is in sight.
Gov. Pat Quinn’s office Thursday announced a $7.2 million contract with Woodstock-based Alliance Contractors to improve the congested intersection.
The Route 31 work involves widening, resurfacing, synchronizing traffic signals, new lights and bridge replacement between Route 120 and McCullom Lake Road.
The Route 120 portion stretches between Front and Green streets. The project encompasses a troublesome section of Route 31 that meanders through a busy part of McHenry.
Another project announced Thursday is a $363,000 contract for an ornate fence on the Mannheim Road bridge over the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) in Hillside.
The existing nondescript fence on the Mannheim bridge over I-290 will be replaced by one featuring decorative panels that make the drive more pleasant for the thousands of motorists who travel under it every day, officials said.
“This work will improve the look of the Mannheim Road Bridge over I-290,” Quinn said in a statement. “The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”
IDOT spokeswoman Jae Miller said via email “the existing bridge fence is in poor condition and needs to be replaced for safety reasons. This project will do that, while also making the area more aesthetically pleasing. However, safety is the No. 1 reason for the project.”
The fence contract went to Kujo Inc. of McHenry.