Image from an animated flyover of Randall Road showing an overpass over freight rail tracks. (Kane County image)

An overpass is coming over the last “at grade” rail crossing along busy Randall Road, Kane County’s most traveled route.

Kane County has secured $25 million in federal funds to help fund an overpass near the intersection of  Randall Road and Hopps Road on the borders of Elgin and South Elgin.

The overpass would enable motorists to drive over the Canadian National railroad tracks on Randall Road and Hopps Road, with a north-south third lane added in both directions on Randall to ease traffic flow and reduce traffic delays.

“This significant investment will not only modernize the safety and effectiveness of our transportation systems but will also be vital in enhancing the quality of life for all Kane County residents,” said Kane County Board Chairman, Corinne Pierog.

Kane County officials estimate that 40,000 vehicles travel on Randall on a daily basis.

According to the  U.S. Department of Transportation, a  highway-rail grade crossing is an intersection where a roadway crosses railroad tracks at the same level or grade. Such crossings may be encountered on both public and private roads. There are more than 250,000 such crossings in the nation.

Construction on the overpass is expected to take two years, beginning in 2026.

The improvements, under the direction of the Kane County Division of Transportation, are designed to reduce congestion, provide greater access to responding emergency vehicles and significantly reduce the occurrences of crashes.

“About five years ago, I witnessed a devastating, fatal accident at this intersection,” said South Elgin Village President Steve Ward. “I think of the victim and her family’s heartbreak often. This investment will provide a meaningful, safety improvement for motorists for years to come,”

The project also includes the construction of a path for people walking or biking along Randall Road.

“Thank you to our federal legislators for this significant investment. Elgin and Kane County remain committed to working collaboratively with the federal government towards continuous improvements in transportation along the Randall Road corridor,” said Elgin Mayor David Kaptain.

The funding was made available through the U.S. Government’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program, which is expected to provide $8 billion for INFRA programs, like Kane County’s rail safety project, over the next five years.