Prepare for next stage of work to begin; major delays expected due to lane closures.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced a major traffic stage change for the Route 59 Expansion Project beginning this Wednesday, April 29, weather permitting. This phase of work along the three-mile stretch of road will require reducing traffic to one lane in the northbound direction underneath the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway from Jefferson Avenue/Liberty Street to North Aurora Road until this fall. Lane reductions will also be implemented in May at intersections along the corridor, resulting in significant delays to east-west travel along impacted local streets, including Aurora Avenue/New York Street and North Aurora Road.
Those traveling along Route 59 or through any of the adjacent intersections slated for improvement can expect long delays, and motorists should allow more time for traveling in the area or adjust their routes if possible to avoid high-congestion areas.
The project also includes the implementation of an innovative diverging diamond configuration on the bridge over Interstate 88 that will enhance safety and traffic flow. During the summer, the contractor will construct the crossover bridges requiring the closure of the interchange ramps for approximately one to two weeks. Currently IDOT is targeting the first week in August for this work.
Roadway construction on the Route 59 Expansion Project began in August 2013. As a vital transportation link to the entire region, the Illinois Route 59 corridor is being expanded so that safety and traffic flow can be improved for Naperville’s residents, visitors and commuters. Improvements include widening the road to three lanes in each direction, adding new turn lanes and extending existing turn lanes, restricting or eliminating access from smaller side streets and driveways to improve traffic flow and installing sidewalks and bike paths wherever practical.
The project limits include Ferry Road to Aurora Avenue/New York Street as well as improvements to the major intersections within that three-mile corridor, including Diehl Road, North Aurora Road and Aurora Avenue/New York Street. Construction is expected to be complete in 2015. For additional information, visit the project webpage at www.naperville.il.us/route59expansion.aspx.
Editor’s Note & Reminder: Streets leading to Route 59 also are under construction. Expect delays there, too, as drivers search for alternate routes on Naperville’s west side. Thanks for patience that must come with progress. Safety first.
PN Photos / 11:15AM Tues., April 28, 2015
