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What's New
Project Overview
Naperville's Role in the Project
Stay Informed
What's New (Updated May 6, 2013)
The Illinois Department of Transportation is expected to bid the main work associated with the project in May and kick-off construction later this summer. Advance contracts were started last fall, including tree removals and construction of the new pump station that is located just south of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad underpass. Crews have been performing work there for a few months and have implemented intermittent lane closures when necessary. Overall project completion is expected by fall 2015.
The expansion project will include reconstruction and widening of Route 59 from Ferry Road to Aurora Avenue/New York Street as well as improvements to the major intersections within that 3-mile corridor, including Diehl Road, North Aurora Road and Aurora Avenue/New York Street. In addition, an innovative diverging diamond configuration will be implemented at the Route 59 interchange with Interstate 88 that will enhance traffic flow on and off I-88.
To view how the DDI will work, access this video link to view an example of a DDI that currently exists in Missouri.
A link to the project limit area is listed below:
For additional questions regarding Illinois Route 59, visit the FAQ page.
Project OverviewAccommodating 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. There are many safety benefits (PDF) to this unique interchange. Click here to watch the video of a DDI that currently exists in Missouri.
More information:
Naperville's Role in the Project
While the Illinois Route 59 Expansion Project is a state-led initiative, the City of Naperville has been very involved in the project since its conception and is taking proactive approaches to keep residents, motorists and others informed about how the project will affect them. The City is working closely with IDOT and surrounding townships and cities affected by the project to ensure the City of Naperville is informed and the project is successful.
The City has an active Work Group assigned to monitor progress of the project, communicate with IDOT officials, and relay vital project information to the community. Because the project will span over a number of years, the City is already identifying opportunities to emphasize safety in adjacent neighborhoods along the corridor that can expect to see an increase in traffic as motorists search for alternative routes to Route 59. The City team has recently reviewed traffic control in various neighborhoods adjacent to Route 59 and identified opportunities to enhance the existing street signage and pavement markings to remind motorists to follow posted speed limits and obey traffic control. The new temporary ’25 MPH’ pavement markings that were recently installed at various entrances to Brookdale and Kingspointe subdivisions are just one of the enhancements the City is implementing in preparation of the start of construction on Illinois Route 59.
Stay Informed
Got a question or wondering about the status of something related to the project? You can get the most updated information on the Illinois Route 59 Expansion Project in a variety of ways:
- Check this webpage often. As mainline work begins this year, this site will be linked with IDOT's information source that will have all the latest schedules, traffic impacts and more.
- Sign up for our Enews.
- Have a specific question? Email us at Route59@naperville.il.us
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