With the weather warming up, construction crews are preparing for some big projects in northern Illinois.
One of the projects involves bridge replacement work, starting this week, along Route 251 in Rockford. The work will result in ramp and lane closures where 251 connects with Spring Creek Road. Elsewhere, entrance and exit ramps are being added to the partial Interchange at Route 47 and I-90 in northern Kane County. That project also begins this spring and is expected to be completed by next year. Officials say more access to these routes is needed, following rapid growth in the area. The Toll Highway Authority says it continues to hold talks with local officials about a similar project for the point that links Route 47 with I-88. However, actual construction won't begin anytime soon. The potential project is still at the discussion stage. Also on I-88, toll officials say a resurfacing project is scheduled to begin this year. It will cover a 38-mile section between Route 56 in North Aurora and Route 251 in Rochelle.