Prepare for additional traffic at the Charles J. Miller Road bridge in McHenry after the McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) announced they plan to begin a full deck replacement on the southern bridge spanning the Fox River, officials said.
The project is scheduled to commence in early May, officials said, with significant traffic shifts already occurring and a bridge closure expected as early as May 18.
To minimize the impact on commuters, MCDOT will reroute all traffic from the south bridge onto the north bridge, officials said.
The north bridge will temporarily transition to allow one lane of travel in each direction.
To make this possible, crews are already making changes to the medians, leading to the reduction of directional traffic to single lanes.
“We appreciate the patience of the public as we complete this essential safety project,” said Hans Varga, MCDOT Public Information Officer. “Our goal is to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of our County’s roadway users.”
The project is expected to extend the lifespan of the bridge, improve driver safety, and ensure the continued reliability of this vital river crossing, officials said.
During the construction period, pedestrian access will be closed, and pedestrians are asked to seek alternate routes.
MCDOT will work closely with the Fox Waterway Agency to ensure minimal disruptions for boaters.
Those accessing Miller Riverfront Park and its associated boat launch should know that access into and out of the park will be restricted to Right-In, Right-out only on weekdays.
On weekends, access will return to a normal traffic pattern.
Construction is expected to last until Dec. 1, officials said, with crews working Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work if the project schedule requires it.