Upcoming construction on projects meant to improve pedestrian and bicycle access in downtown St. Charles will mean lane closures and changing traffic patterns for drivers on parts of Main Street and Illinois Street, according to a news release from the city.
Beginning this week, a new crosswalk is going to be installed across Main Street to First Street Plaza’s north entrance, the release from the city said. The current traffic signal is going to be modified to shorten the wait time for pedestrians who press the button to cross, and the sidewalk at the plaza’s north entrance will also be modified and will have new traffic signal heads that align with new pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks.
Signal poles will also be relocated to align with the new crosswalk, officials said.
Because of that project, the city said to expect shifting lanes, lane closures and possible brief road closures for drivers traveling in both directions between Second Street and Riverside Avenue, the release said. Signs will be posted about the changing traffic patterns.
This is the final phase of work on this project, and is set to be completed in September, the city said. Project updates can be found on the city’s website.
Another project underway concerns the crossing on Illinois Street to the Fox River Trail used by people walking along the river to downtown businesses and First Street Plaza, according to the release from the city. The project involves creating a pedestrian refuge island across Illinois Street, and reducing lanes on Illinois Street to include dedicated bike lanes between Riverside Avenue and First Street.
The city said residents can expect delays on the Illinois Street Bridge and on Illinois Street from South First Street to Riverside Avenue, as well as temporary disruptions to the sidewalk and entrance to Fox Island Square. Work will begin on Monday, June 2, and last for around three months, with project updates also available on the city’s website.
