Drivers should brace for traffic snarls this summer when South Elgin’s State Street bridge over the Fox River is reduced to one lane for road resurfacing work.
Depending on the weather, the project is scheduled to begin Monday and be completed by the end of July, officials said.
“To minimize the need for frequent repairs and to keep the bridge fully functional and safe for as many years as possible, the contractor will use latex-modified concrete for the bridge decking,” said Craig Pierce, the village’s manager of communications and community engagement. “It has a projected lifespan of 25 years and is considered nearly impermeable to road salt and other corrosive materials.”
Martam Construction Inc. is the contractor for the $686,900 job, which will require lane closures throughout the course of the work. A temporary signal at each end of the bridge will control traffic, Pierce said.
The stretch affected will be from the intersection of State and Center streets to the State and Water streets intersection, he said.
One side of the pedestrian crossing will remain available during the work’s duration, Pierce said. The walkway below each side of the bridge also should be open for all but a few days and accessible every day once that day’s construction ends, he said.
“The village recognizes this project will cause an inconvenience and delays, especially during peak driving periods,” Pierce said.
Drivers should consider crossing the Fox River at alternative locations, which include Stearns Road, Red Gate Road, U.S. 20 or “even further north depending upon where the travels take drivers to or from.”
Village officials know there will be backups at heavy travel times, he said.
“This project was originally planned for summer 2025, but the rebuilds of both McLean Boulevard and the Route 20/Illinois 31 interchange would’ve added more havoc than necessary. This summer, please have patience and consider using alternative routes.”
Pierce also advised people traveling from the east to South Elgin’s village center for events like concerts, cruise nights and other activities to consider whether it’s best to park and walk over the bridge or use the underpass than to drive.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
