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Work begins on expansion of Plainfield's stretch of U.S. Route 30
By Alicia Fabbre
Work has begun on a plan to expand and renovate U.S. Route 30 in Plainfield. (Geoff Ziezulewicz, Chicago Tribune)
As state construction crews begin utility work on Route 30 east of Route 59, Plainfield officials have a bit of advice for motorists. Stay on Route 59.
The two-year construction project will eventually mean more lanes and less congestion, but until then, motorists looking to just get through town are encouraged to find alternate routes.
"There's some great businesses on Route 30, and people should continue to visit those businesses," said Allen Persons, Plainfield's director of public works. "But for the motoring public that's just planning on trying to get through town, the quickest way from point A to point B is to stay on Route 59."
Route 59 will be the preferred detour route later this summer when Illinois Department of Transportation crews work on a section of Route 30 from Renwick Road to Route 59. The road will be closed from July through November to through traffic with limited access to homes and businesses. Other delays and lane closures are anticipated during construction.
"It's going to be painful for all of us the next two years, but it will reduce congestion, improve safety and spur economic development," Persons said of the project.
When the state-funded $21 million project is complete, Route 30 will have four lanes and a turn lane from Interstate 55 to Renwick Road, and two lanes and turn lanes from Renwick Road to Route 59. Persons said the project also includes a new sidewalk to the east of Route 30 and a bike path on the west side of the road, as well as pedestrian signals at the intersections along the route. Traffic signals along Route 30 also will be synchronized to aid in traffic movement, Persons said.
"I'm excited," said Jackie Webb Hibner, partner and sales manager at Webb Chevrolet on Route 30. Webb Chevrolet took over the car dealership in 2013 and knew about the pending construction. Webb Hibner said the dealer has been through construction at other locations, and though it's not easy, she's optimistic about the end results.
"After it's all done, it's going to make a big difference for businesses over here," she said.
The addition of through lanes will help ease congestion and turn lanes will provide easier access to businesses on Route 30, she said.
Construction also includes upgrades to 80-year-old water and sewer lines along Route 30. Plainfield will pay about $1 million toward their construction, Persons said. The upgrades will help attract developers to the site of a former truck stop at Route 30 and Interstate 55, Persons said.
Plainfield and IDOT officials plan to keep residents updated with signage along Route 59 and with updates to the village's website. A project manager also will work with businesses and homeowners along the route to keep them informed.
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