A year ago, it was the summer of construction discontent — it seemed as if the Route 47 widening project would never end.

This summer, Huntley is celebrating the official completion of the project.

Huntley is holding a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony for Route 47 on Tuesday evening, July 17, at Deicke Park.

“Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are historical, so if (residents) are interested in being part of Huntley history, they should attend,” said Margo Griffin, business development coordinator, in an email Monday.

“The first Route 47 ribbon-cutting ceremony was done in 1936, and there are people who still live in the area who were in attendance,” Griffin said.

The $23.8 million project expands 2.5 miles on Route 47 from Kreutzer to Reed Road. Work recently was completed, just as prep work was getting under way for the Interstate 90 and Route 47 full interchange.

Both projects are expected to bring economic development to the village, which has launched several initiatives to bring businesses to town.

The Route 47 ribbon cutting coincides with Huntley Days, from July 15 to July 21. Businesses around town will have specials celebrating the completion of the Route 47 widening project.

A list of the specials is available on the Huntley Chamber of Commerce website as well as the village’s website.

The widening project has “greatly improved the traffic flow through Huntley,” Griffin said. “In the past, commuters were greeted with congestion and bottlenecks as they drove through town,” prompting many to choose alternate routes.

“Today, shoppers are much more apt to travel Route 47 on a regular basis because they can get to their destinations quickly,” Griffin said. “This is a win-win for both the shopper and the local businesses.”

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony includes brief speeches, light refreshments and dovetails into the Huntley Park District’s Summer Concert Series. The evening concert is BritBeat, a popular Beatles tribute band.

Here’s a list of the events for July 17 provided by the village:

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

5:30 p.m.

Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47

Village officials ask residents arrive at Deicke Park at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony starts at 6 p.m. followed by light refreshments at the park.

Concert in the Park

BritBeat — Beatles Tribute Band

7 p.m.

Stick around after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a great night of community fun. Take a trip back to 1964 and enjoy Brit Beat's tribute to the Beatles at Deicke Park. Pack a picnic and bring your blanket or lawn chairs and stay for this free concert sponsored by American Community Bank & Trust. The rain location is at Cosman Theater in the REC Center.

Huntley Days

July 15 through July 21st

Huntley businesses will be having specials to celebrate "Huntley Days" the entire week of the ribbon-cutting celebration and the Huntley community will reap the benefits. Visit the chamber and village websites often in the days leading up to the event as the list of specials surely will continue to grow.