Construction on North Harrison Street in Algonquin to start Monday

Crews are set to break ground Monday on construction along North Harrison Street in Algonquin as part of the village's Around and About Main Street project.

The project will begin with the placement of new roadway pavement and the addition of streetscape elements, including brick paver sidewalks, crosswalks, planter areas and street furniture up to Edwards Street, the village said in a news release.

Through the Around and About Main Street project, Algonquin aims to address the condition of the pavement, add streetscape elements, a new bicycle path connection and roundabout, all funded through federal and state grants, according to the release.

Pavement from Edwards Street north to Park Street will be rehabilitated, according to the release. On-street "sharrows" - or road markings that indicate a shared lane for bicycles and cars - will be painted on the pavement.

A detour will be placed for Harrison Street on Monday, according to the release, as Martam Construction begins removing pavement in the area. Nicor and AT&T also will be on-site to install new infrastructure and eliminate outdated equipment.

The second stage of construction, set for this fall, will include "traffic calming features," such as the installation of a roundabout at Main Street and Cary-Algonquin Road; access at Riverview Drive and Main Street with a switchback roadway; and roadway improvements along North Main Street.

As previously reported by the Northwest Herald, village employees said the roundabout at Main Street and Cary-Algonquin Road will allow traffic to flow smoothly, while creating a safer intersection. It will also reduce conflict points and potentially eliminate head-on or T-bone accidents, village staff said.

"The village has invested in the underground infrastructure in this area and is now preparing to complete construction on this project by creating a corridor residents can enjoy with smooth driving surfaces and amenities that will create a beautiful atmosphere," Public Works Director Robert Mitchard said in the release. "This project is also another important step in providing additional access and connection to our downtown and regional trails by creating on-street space for bicyclists that connect to trails south of Harrison Street."

To learn more about the project, those interested can sign up for weekly updates and view detour maps on tinyurl.com/AroundAndAboutAlgonquin.