Gilmer and Fairfield Construction Update

Significant, long-awaited road improvement underway Work begins on Fairfield and Gilmer Road interchange improvement in southwest Lake County.

The four-way stop sign at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Gilmer Road in the Wauconda area has been the scene of long traffic back-ups during the morning and evening rush hours, and significant residential and commercial development occurring in Wauconda, Volo and McHenry County will only add to the current congestion problem.

Improvements to the intersection that will bring some relief are set to begin with the award of a $9.2 million construction contract to Berger Excavating Contractors, Inc. of Wauconda, according to the Lake County Division of Transportation.

Upon completion in late 2007, the improvement will carry traffic on Gilmer Road on an overpass crossing Fairfield Road. Traffic passing through the intersection on either Gilmer or Fairfield Road will flow freely without having to slow or stop as would be necessary with a conventional traffic signal.

"This is an innovative approach that will help motorists that are currently contending with a great deal of congestion at that location," said Diana O'Kelly, Chair of the Lake County Board Public Works and Transportation Committee. "We are very anxious to complete this improvement and make it available to our residents."

Utility relocation work has been underway for the past several months with road construction starting this fall. Temporary widening of Fairfield Road is necessary to construct a retaining wall this fall and winter on the east-side of the road.

Major traffic impacts due to a three month closure of the intersection will occur beginning in May 2007. The road closure is necessary to allow for excavation work and the construction of a bridge overpass on Gilmer Road.

Lake County structured the construction contract so that the intersection closure would occur over the summer months when school is out of session. The contractor will be required to work an accelerated schedule, including night and weekend work, and will assume the risk of weather-related impacts. Significant financial charges will be assessed daily against the contractor if the road is not opened on schedule.

"We have taken extraordinary measures on this project to ensure that we can limit the impact on motorists," said Marty Buehler, County Director of Transportation/County Engineer. "A project of this size will be a challenge for the commuters in the southwest part of Lake County during rush hour and we are doing what we can to get the project completed quickly".