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What's New
Project Overview
What's New (Updated March 5, 2012)
The Illinois Department of Transportation continues to conduct land acquisition associated with the 3-mile stretch of roadway that extends south from Interstate 88 to Aurora Avenue as part of the Illinois Route 59 expansion project. Land acquisition is a critical component of the construction process as it influences when contracts can be awarded to perform work in the area.
Construction is expected to commence sometime in summer or fall of 2012 and is anticipated to continue until the fall of 2014. However, the public can expect to see the first signs of activity associated with potential advance contracts for work related to retaining wall construction and relocation of utilities, electrical towers and a pump station. Some of the activity is expected to involve lane closure and delays in the area. More information about potential lane closures, scheduling and other impacts to motorists, businesses and residents will be posted here on this website and in the local media prior to construction when the City is informed of those details from IDOT. You can also keep up to date with the latest news on the project by signing up to our E-news.
Project Overview
Accommodating more than 50,000 vehicles per day, the Illinois Route 59 corridor through Naperville and Aurora has transformed into the economic backbone of the western suburbs due to its popularity as a key commercial destination. As a result, motorists experience heavy traffic congestion 14 hours each day of the week, including weekends, with delays approaching 30 minutes at the worst periods. In addition, the area has experienced nearly 400 traffic accidents each year.
While the benefits of growth have been great, improvements to the roadway are needed to ensure safety and efficiency for the property and business owners and the tens of thousands of individuals that use Route 59 every day. Based upon analysis of current roadway conditions and public input obtained during the past 9 years, the following key improvements will be made south from Interstate 88 to Aurora Avenue:
- Additional Through Lanes
The roadway will be widened to accommodate three through lanes in each direction for the full length of the project.
- Intersection Improvements
Additional turn lanes and through lanes at key intersections will be added and existing turn lanes will be extended to accommodate longer traffic queues.
- Realigned Roadway
A section between Paxton Drive and Diehl Road will be realigned so that widening of the roadway will occur primarily on the east side of Route 59 to minimize the impact to residential properties to the west.
- Improved Coordination of Traffic Signals
Traffic signals will be reevaluated and retimed in conjunction with the new roadway improvements to improve the traffic flow and reduce delays.
- Access Restrictions
Access from many of the smaller side streets and driveways will be restricted or eliminated to reduce congestion and improve safety.
- Improved Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Sidewalks will be installed along Route 59 wherever practical and a potential bicycle path along one side of the roadway is also being considered.
- Improvements to the Interstate 88 Interchange
An innovative diverging diamond configuration will be implemented on the Route 59 bridge over Interstate 88 that will enhance traffic flow on and off I-88. Click here to view the safety benefits of this unique interchange.
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