Route 47 Interchange Project Groundbreaking Planned

Updated: Gov. Pat Quinn will be attending the groundbreaking. Officials said Quinn's speech will touch on the full interchange and Huntley's economic development gains, including the Centegra Hospital-Huntley.

While the construction on the full interchange at Route 47 and Interstate 90 may just seem like a big headache right now, it is a major step for Huntley, which plans a celebratory groundbreaking Monday.

“This is the single largest public capital improvement in the history of the Village,” said Margo Griffin, business development coordinator.

Huntley joined with Kane County, McHenry County, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway to build a $69 million full interchange_ a project that has been discussed for decades. It became a reality last year when the Tollway passed its $12 billion capital program.

Construction actually got underway a few months ago, but the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27 at 13951 Quality Drive (take Route 47 to Jim Dhamer Drive and go west, then go south on Quality Drive).

Representatives from Huntley, the State of Illinois, Kane County and McHenry County will be at the ceremony as the village recognizes “the unique partnership” between the four agencies, Griffin said.

“In addition, the economic development benefits of the project will be highlighted,” she said.

The project is moving along at a rapid pace, Griffin said. Pavements removal on Route 47, north of I90, is wrapping up and reconstruction work is beginning, she said. Additionally, construction of support structures for the new bridge carrying Route 47 over I90 continues as does excavation and grading work for the interchange ramps, she said.