The intersections of Chapel Hill and Johnsburg roads with St. John’s Avenue, prior to the installation of a roundabout to relieve traffic congestion.

Algonquin Township is setting the stage for a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Silver Lake Road and Crystal Lake Avenue in an ongoing effort to relieve vehicle congestion during peak rush-hour times and weekends. The project is slated to break ground in the next two to three years.Tabbed at $2.6 million, funding for the project has taken shape with the township contributing 20 percent on a matching basis. The remainder of the financing comes from federal sources, the McHenry County Division of Transportation, and a recent commitment from the Village of Cary.

“This all began three years ago, when we received numerous complaints of traffic back-ups at peak times on the weekdays and the weekends,” said Bob Miller, the township’s Highway Commissioner. “About eight years ago, we did a traffic impact study at the site and ascertained there were wants and warrants for signalized intersection.

“We looked at cost, and we looked at something for the interim, once lighting was realized. There are two subdivisions, one fire station, and two schools that frequently utilize that site.”

The Phase I study was initiated and completed with the endorsement of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Township officials also secured funds at the federal level through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program, and the Mayors’ Fund from the McHenry County Council of Mayors. Last February, a $250,000 commitment had been secured from the McHenry County Board.

The Village of Cary also made a funding commitment at its June 2 board meeting, while it had previously issued resolutions of support last year, and also last February, but without financial stipends. The most recent affirmation allowed the township to pursue federal funds.

“The amount approved by the board was for up to $50,000 to the project,” said Cary Village Administrator Chris Clark. “It is a township-led project, and not in Cary per se. There is very heavy usage by our residents and that is why the board approved funds, as the intersection is adjacent to residential community.”

The Crystal Lake-based firm of Baxter and Woodman, Inc. has completed the roundabout design and will oversee its installation from a consultancy position. Miller stated remaining funds would come from MHCDOT’s roads and bridges fund.

Roundabouts have gained popularity in recent years as a means of relieving traffic flow problems. The Village of Johnsburg received the first roundabout in McHenry County last year, and incorporated Chapel Hill and Johnsburg roads with St. John’s Avenue. The area had long been a point of traffic congestion during peak usage times, something that has been resolved after motorists became acclimated to the system.

“We made a field trip out there to see it, and it turned out very well, although there was a learning curve for how to maneuver in it, with trucks and farm equipment,” IDOT District 1 Consultant Studies Unit Head Kimberly Murphy said, last month. “Actually, there’s been mixed reaction to the roundabout idea with those kinds of concerns about how to operate in it.

“It’s really pretty easy, efficient, and gaining popularity. We’re looking at doing the same for Route 20 and Harmony Road, and that’s two miles south of the Marengo triangle.” The triangle is an awkward trident of roadways with Union, Beck, and Marengo roads all crossing the main arterial section, Route 20.

Currently, there are five major examples of roundabouts in the area: Millburn and Hunt Club roads, Wadsworth and Hunt Club roads, Cedar Lake and Monaville roads (all in Lake County). Pleasant Prairie, Wis. claims two installations, one at Springbrook Road and Route 165, and the other at Lewis Avenue and Route 165.

Another advantage to the circular one-way routing is the reduction in the occurrence of severe accidents. IDOT records show a reduction in major accidents at the two Hunt Club Road roundabouts, as opposed to the three-way intersections previously employed at the site.

“We’re moving forward on this project, and we’re going to get it done,’ said Miller.