Randall Road at Big Timber Road Ph. I, II

Kane County Division of Transportation

OBJECTIVE

This federally funded intersection improvement project addresses significant congestion along the Randall Road corridor. The objective is to improve traffic operations and safety through geometric improvements, added capacity, upgraded signals, and enhanced pedestrian accommodations.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

HLR provided Phase I and II engineering services for this major corridor and intersection improvement project along Randall Road and Big Timber Road. Phase I included evaluation of multiple design alternatives to reduce congestion and improve safety, including additional through lanes, dual left-turn lanes, right-turn lanes, upgraded traffic signals, and pedestrian accommodations. A key component was the realignment of Big Timber Road to reduce intersection skew, improving safety and minimizing impacts to adjacent wetlands. Phase I also included detailed surveys, environmental studies, geotechnical analysis, traffic and crash evaluations, and a virtual public meeting, culminating in a federally approved Categorical Exclusion.

Phase II advanced the project into final design, including preparation of plans, specifications, and bid documents in accordance with IDOT federal requirements. A critical challenge was maintaining traffic and emergency access to Advocate Sherman Hospital during construction. Solutions included implementation of a SMART Work Zone system to provide real-time congestion alerts and a temporary Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) system to prioritize emergency vehicles.

Design refinements incorporated during Phase II included widened pedestrian refuges, variable-depth milling to improve drainage, and an above-ground stormwater detention system. Additional services included survey updates, PDR and Location Drainage Study addenda, environmental updates, right-of-way services, and extensive coordination with IDOT, the City of Elgin, Advocate Sherman Hospital, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project will improve corridor capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026.