Kane County Prepares to Open Bunker Road Extension and Roundabout
A long-planned transportation improvement in western Kane County is nearing completion as the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) advances the Bunker Road Extension Project, connecting Keslinger Road to LaFox Road.
The $11.5 million project extends Bunker Road from its current northern terminus near the LaFox Metra station to LaFox Road, north of the LaFox Village District Center. The extension is designed to improve north-south connectivity, enhance traffic flow and provide an additional route through the central portion of the county between Geneva and Elburn.
The project has been included in Kane County’s long-range transportation plans since 2004, following its initial identification in the late 1990s as a potential solution to congestion and a way to improve regional connectivity.
“This project is a good example of how Kane County can respond to growth responsibly by making effective use of existing infrastructure and investing in transportation improvements that serve our residents today and into the future,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog.
A key feature of the project is a roundabout at the intersection of Bunker Road and Keslinger Road. Roundabouts can improve traffic flow and intersection safety while reducing the ongoing maintenance associated with traditional traffic signals.
The extension also incorporates an existing underpass beneath the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The underpass was constructed in 2006 as part of the Metra West Line extension to accommodate the future Bunker Road connection.
The intersection of Bunker and Keslinger roads is expected to open by the end of November.
On Oct. 23, members of the Kane County Board, local elected officials, KDOT staff, project engineers, construction partners and others gathered for a photo opportunity and brief ceremony to mark the completion of the Bunker Road Extension Project.
“The Bunker Road extension was planned as part of the Metra West Line Extension to Elburn, which opened two decades ago after significant effort and more than 100 coordination meetings,” said Kane County Deputy Director of Transportation Tom Rickert. “As such, this project is the culmination of 35 years of planning, programming, engineering, land acquisition and construction, with the Bunker Road extension providing improved Metra access and a mid-county highway corridor connecting the Sugar Grove, Campton Hills and Elgin areas.”
For additional information about the project and other transportation improvements, visit the Kane County Division of Transportation website.
Watch a drone video of the project site at - https://youtu.be/VfzZUcpum-s
