Algonquin eyeing roundabout at Main Street, Cary Road intersection

Frequent crashes and sightline issues are driving Algonquin's plan to transform the Cary Road and North Main Street intersection into a roundabout.

The village has been eyeing safety improvements at that intersection as part of its downtown streetscape plan, which is being completed over several years, Assistant Village Manager Michael Kumbera said. After analyzing various traffic alternatives, he said, officials determined a roundabout was the most feasible option given the area's design.

Cary-Algonquin Road, for example, approaches the crossing at an angle, Kumbera said, and a steep hill on Main Street eliminates the possibility of adding signals. The intersection also includes Arrowhead Drive, which leads into a residential subdivision.

"There's some design challenges with that location," Kumbera said. "It's not a normal intersection. You do need a solution that offers continuous flow."

According to an engineering study, a roundabout would reduce the risk of serious crashes and improve the quality of traffic flow on the two side streets. It also would slow traffic without forcing vehicles to come to a complete stop.

The project is in the early planning stages, with construction still a couple years out, Kumbera said. The village now is working to acquire three pieces of private property necessary to move the project forward.

Trustees last week approved beginning eminent domain proceedings to secure a five-year easement at 901 Cary Road. Village officials have negotiated with the property owner and offered compensation, but the parties have been unable to reach an agreement, Village Manager Tim Schloneger said in a memo.

The 1.1-acre site contains a vacant retail building that formerly housed a costume and magic store. It's listed for sale at $399,900.

With control of the property, Schloneger said, the village would install the roundabout, then resurface, reconfigure and re-stripe the parking lot. Algonquin also purchased a parcel at the northwest corner of the intersection, Kumbera said.

The village took control of the intersection after the Algonquin Western Bypass project redirected Illinois Route 31 off Main Street. "Now that we took over jurisdiction, we have a little more flexibility at that location," Kumbera said.

Algonquin is expected to seek federal funding to complete the roundabout, he said.