The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that construction activities will begin May 5 on the Route 71 reconstruction project, from Orchard/Minkler Road to U.S. 34 in Oswego.
A $21,744,319.26 contract has been awarded to D Construction Inc. of Coal City for the project, which consists of pavement reconstruction, lane additions and traffic signals along with extensive storm sewer and other related work. Completion of the project is not expected until (approximately) the fall of 2016.
This project, due to its extent and nature, is expected to have a significant impact on those along the route, as well as motorists traveling through the work zone.
Major traffic delays and inconveniences can be expected and motorists may wish to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.
Oswego police offered some suggestions via the department's Facebook page on Friday:
"Please plan on and research of alternate routes, such as using Woolley Road to Douglas Road to Wolf's Crossing. Another suggestion is Orchard Road to Route 34. As different phases of the project begin, Oswego Police will push that information out to the public so people can plan accordingly."
Motorists traveling through the work zone should be alert for slow or stopped traffic, changing traffic patterns, as well as flaggers and all other workers.
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