McHenry County is poised to undergo a significant infrastructure overhaul thanks to a substantial $79 million investment from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. This ambitious initiative, part of a broader statewide effort, will focus on upgrading and improving various aspects of the county’s infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on enhancing transportation and public safety.
"Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in McHenry County and throughout the state. Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life."
Governor of Illinois | Governor JB Pritzker
Key Projects and Infrastructure Upgrades
Of these six major projects in McHenry County, four are scheduled to be completed in 2024 and the remaining two are anticipated to be completed from 2025 through 2026.
- U.S. 14 (Division Street) from Crowley Road to Illinois 173 (Diggins Road):
This project includes resurfacing and ADA improvements. The work began in the spring and is expected to be completed by the summer, with daily lane closures anticipated.
- U.S. 14 (Division Street) from U.S. 14/Illinois 173 (Division Street): Brink Street to Diggins Street and Illinois 173 (Diggins Street): Division Street to east of Garfield Street:
This project also involves resurfacing and ADA improvements. It started in the spring and is scheduled for completion by late summer, with daily lane closures expected.
- U.S. 14 from Brink Street to east of Park Lane Drive:
This section will undergo resurfacing and ADA improvements. The project began in the spring and is expected to be completed by the fall, with daily lane closures required.
- U.S. 14 (Division Street) at Rush Creek north of Illinois 23:
This project includes bridge deck resurfacing, bridge joint replacement, and repair. It is scheduled to start in the summer and be completed by the fall, maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction.
- Illinois 47 (Seminary Street) at Illinois 176 and at Pleasant Valley Road: Resurfacing and ADA improvements are planned for this area. The project is set to begin in the fall and be completed by the fall of 2026, with daily lane closures anticipated.
- Illinois 173 from Alden Road to Madison Avenue:
This project involves resurfacing, rumble strip installation, and drainage improvements. It is expected to start in the summer and be completed by the summer of 2025, with daily lane closures expected.
Future Impact
Illinois.gov reports that the $79 million investment in McHenry County’s infrastructure is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s economy and quality of life. By improving roadways, bridges, and public safety systems, the county will be better equipped to handle future growth and provide a safer, more efficient environment for residents and businesses alike.
This comprehensive upgrade is not only about addressing current infrastructure needs but also about laying the groundwork for future developments. As McHenry County continues to grow, these improvements will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable development and ensuring that the region remains a vibrant place to live and work.
This infrastructure overhaul underscores the state’s commitment to investing in local communities and ensuring that all regions, including McHenry County, have the infrastructure necessary to thrive in the coming decades.
