Gov. Pritzker Announces Completion of Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor

ALGONQUIN- ​ Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Kane County officials to celebrate the completion of the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor- which has undergone construction since 2016. The new bridge, which carries commuters over the Fox River, is the centerpiece of the 5.6-mile road that stretches from Huntley Road to IL Route 62 in the northern section of Kane County.

"Since my first day in office, rebuilding our infrastructure has been among my top priorities," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With the completion of work on the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor, we are not only modernizing a key stretch of roadway to improve the safety capacity, and efficiency of this corridor, we are saving Illinoisans time and money. All across Illinois, projects just like this one are helping revitalize our communities, unleash our economic potential, and make life better for our residents."

The project has utilized federal, state and local funds for preliminary engineering and land acquisition. The design engineering is funded with county funds. The construction costs are also being paid for with federal, state and local funds. In terms of economic benefits, the Longmeadow Parkway project will support a projected 50,000 new jobs by 2040, and generate potentially $500 million of business sales—resulting in sales tax revenue to help local schools and other taxing bodies.

Kane County initially planned to pay for the bridge construction with tolls, but after pushback from residents, the Illinois General Assembly managed to allocate an additional $30 million in funding to cover the cost of construction. The county was able to complete the remainder of the bridge without charging its users, and the toll signs were removed in May of this year.

"With the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge corridor, we’re not just building a bridge over the Fox River; we're creating a vital artery that connects our communities, enhances regional mobility, and drives economic growth,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. “This project transforms a barrier into a pathway of opportunity and progress for all who travel through our county."

“The completion of the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge and the elimination of its proposed toll are shining examples of how government is meant to work- the federal, state, and local governments, Democrats and Republicans all coming together to improve transportation and save our shared taxpayers’ money,” said McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Buehler. “McHenry County couldn’t be prouder to help fund this project and see the bridge officially opened.“

"They say it takes a village, it took collaboration from 11 villages, 3 counties, one state and the federal government to build Longmeadow Parkway,” said Algonquin Mayor Debby Sosine. “After 30 years of planning, engineering, pulling the funding together and building the road it is finally coming to completion. From Rt 62 on the East and Huntley Road to the West- we’ve finally finished the last portion of the roadway and Longmeadow parkway will be completely open.”

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