Phase 1 Of Wolf's Crossing Road Widening Set To Begin In April

OSWEGO, IL — The first phase of the $10.2 million Wolf's Crossing Road improvement project is set to begin April 3, officials announced at Tuesday night's Board meeting.

The busy Oswego thoroughfare will be expanded into a modern, four-lane road to help ease traffic congestion, improve safety and accommodate current and future growth, according to village officials.

In the first phase — kicking off with a ground-breaking ceremony at 10:15 a.m. April 3 at the intersection of Devoe Drive and Wolf's Crossing Road — the road will be widened to four lanes from east of the entrance to Oswego East High School to east of Devoe Drive. The four-way stop-controlled intersection with Harvey Road will also be replaced with a roundabout, which was determined to be the "most effective and safest way to manage traffic through the corridor," officials said.

Improvements at the intersection were planned first as a result of the need to improve bus access, given the current traffic volume, to Oswego East High School, officials said. Before making final plans, the village's Wolf Corridor Advisory Team studied current and projected traffic demands, evaluated road improvement scenarios and sought public input.

Taxes weren't increased or imposed on residents to fund the project. Almost half of the $10.2 million came from federal and state grant funds, officials said. Developer impact fees are also funding a portion of the project.

"We're excited to launch this key infrastructure project to improve safety and help relieve congestion on Wolfs Crossing," Village President Troy Parlier said. "We're proud that we were able to use grants and impact fees to fund a major portion of this first phase and ease the burden on our residents."

Expected to be completed in November, the project also includes bike and pedestrian improvements and the construction of a new water main from Fifth Street to Devoe Drive to improve water pressure on the east side of Oswego.

Wolf's Crossing Road between Harvey Road and Route 30 will close April 3 in order for crews to work at the intersection of Devoe Drive and Wolf's Crossing. The intersection is expected to be closed until the end of May. A detour will be posted in the area to direct drivers.

Village staff "closely coordinated ... with Oswego East High School administrators to minimize impacts while also recognizing the goal to complete the project in one construction season."