McHenry Times

More than $312 million in state funding has been allocated for road and bridge improvements in Illinois’ 32nd Senate District, which covers parts of McHenry and Lake Counties. The announcement was made by State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), who said the funds will support both state and local highway projects as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Multi-Year Program.

“This is a transformative investment in our region’s infrastructure,” Wilcox stated. “Every community in the 32nd District will see the benefits, whether through safer intersections, smoother commutes, or better connectivity between towns. I want to applaud the McHenry County Council of Government, the municipalities in the 32nd District, and McHenry County for working collaboratively to ensure the transportation needs of this region were made known as IDOT was preparing the plan.”

The statewide IDOT plan outlines a total investment of $50.6 billion from 2026 to 2031. Of that amount, $299.2 million is set aside for state highway projects within Wilcox’s district, with an additional $12.9 million dedicated to local highway improvements.

“These improvements go far beyond asphalt and concrete,” Wilcox added. “They represent jobs, economic growth, and a renewed commitment to maintaining safe and efficient roads for families, farmers, and small businesses. When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in our communities’ future.”

Thirty-eight projects across the district are scheduled to receive funding over six years; twenty-one are expected to begin in 2026. Planned state highway upgrades include work on IL Routes 31, 47, 59, 83, 120, 173, and 176. Local roadway projects are planned for Antioch, Fox Lake, Island Lake, McHenry, Port Barrington, Prairie Grove, and Woodstock.

A major project highlighted by Wilcox is a $60 million effort to widen and reconstruct Route 31 between Crystal Lake and McHenry. This project will also modernize traffic signals and upgrade drainage systems.

“This section of Route 31 has been a bottleneck for years,” said Wilcox. “Once complete, this project will reduce congestion, improve safety, and make travel through McHenry County far more efficient. It’s an investment that’s been a long time coming, and it’s finally happening.”

Wilcox has represented Illinois’ 32nd Senate District since his election in 2018 after succeeding Pamela Althoff.

To view a full list of projects included in IDOT’s six-year Highway Improvement Program for the 32nd District, click here.