Ogle County, Illinois, September 11, 2025
News Summary
A $5.3 million resurfacing project on Illinois Route 26 in Ogle County is set to commence, affecting the stretch from Willow Street in Forreston to Hillside Drive in Polo. The project involves milling and resurfacing operations, which will lead to daily lane closures managed by flaggers. Motorists should expect reduced speeds and possible delays while crews work, which is expected to continue until early July of the following year.
Construction on Illinois Route 26 in Ogle County Starts Sept. 9, 2025
What’s happening: A resurfacing project on Illinois Route 26 in Ogle County begins September 9, 2025. The work zone runs from Willow Street in Forreston to Hillside Drive in Polo. The project includes milling and resurfacing of the roadway and carries a price tag of $5.3 million.
Key impacts now
The work will require daily lane closures, with traffic controlled by flaggers in active work zones. Motorists should expect reduced speeds and periodic delays through the corridor while crews complete pavement removal and new surface placement. The contractor will stage equipment and materials within the corridor, and drivers are urged to plan alternate routes or exercise extreme caution when traveling through work areas.
Schedule and completion
Work is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025, and the project window extends through early July 2026. Timing can change because of weather, material deliveries, or other construction factors. Drivers should expect intermittent activity along the entire stretch between Forreston and Polo during the work period.
Scope and methods
The contract calls for milling the existing pavement surface to remove worn material, followed by resurfacing to restore a smooth, durable driving surface. Milling removes the top layer of asphalt so crews can lay a new surface that improves ride quality and extends the life of the roadway. The work is part of routine pavement preservation and rehabilitation to keep the highway safe and reliable.
Safety and traffic management
Daily lane closures will be in place and workers will manage traffic with flaggers. Temporary traffic control devices, signs, and reduced speed limits will be used where needed. Drivers should follow posted signs, obey flaggers, and avoid distractions. Local residents, businesses, and emergency services will be notified about access and timing changes when necessary.
Broader program context
This resurfacing job is part of a larger statewide highway program under the Rebuild Illinois initiative. The initiative plans investments across multiple modes of transportation and aims to enhance more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck in coming years. Rebuild Illinois has a total investment framework of $33.2 billion to maintain and upgrade transportation infrastructure.
Through Year Six of the program, accomplishments include nearly $20.8 billion in improvements statewide, covering 7,897 miles of highway, work on 815 bridges, and 1,181 additional safety improvements. This Route 26 resurfacing is one of many projects aimed at reducing long-term maintenance costs and improving roadway safety across the region.
How to get traffic updates
Real-time traffic updates and construction notices will be available through the district traffic account on X at @IDOTDistrict2 and via the traveler information map at GettingAroundIllinois.com. Travelers are advised to check those resources before driving through the area, especially during peak travel hours or on days with active lane closures.
Local advice
Drivers who regularly use Illinois Route 26 between Forreston and Polo should consider alternate routes when possible to avoid delays. Those who must travel the corridor should allow extra time, follow temporary traffic controls, and be prepared for changing road conditions. Businesses and local services along the corridor should plan for periodic access changes and coordinate deliveries with project schedules when practical.
What to expect next
Work crews will mobilize before major pavement operations begin. Advance warning signs and temporary traffic control will be installed ahead of significant work. As the project progresses, motorists can expect phased work areas, nighttime or daytime operations as needed, and periodic lane restrictions until resurfacing is complete in early July 2026.
FAQ
When does the project start and finish?
The project starts September 9, 2025 and is expected to be complete by early July 2026, barring weather or other delays.
What section of road is affected?
The work zone runs from Willow Street in Forreston to Hillside Drive in Polo on Illinois Route 26.
What work will be done?
Crew tasks include milling and resurfacing to remove worn pavement and install a new driving surface.
How much will the project cost?
The project budget is $5.3 million.
Will there be lane closures?
Yes. There will be daily lane closures with traffic controlled by flaggers in work zones.
Where can I get traffic updates?
Traffic updates are available on X at @IDOTDistrict2 and on the traveler map at GettingAroundIllinois.com.
Project at-a-glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start date | September 9, 2025 |
| Expected completion | Early July 2026 |
| Location | Illinois Route 26: Willow Street (Forreston) to Hillside Drive (Polo) |
| Work type | Milling and resurfacing |
| Cost | $5.3 million |
| Traffic impacts | Daily lane closures; flaggers to control traffic |
| Traveler info | Updates via @IDOTDistrict2 on X and GettingAroundIllinois.com |
| Program | Part of Rebuild Illinois: $33.2 billion investment |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction IL Resources
Illinois Department of Transportation Invests $117 Million in Will County Infrastructure
Construction on Illinois Route 26 in Ogle County Begins
Major Road Construction Projects Set to Start in Ogle County, Illinois
Major Construction Underway on Illinois 26 Near Cedarville
Additional Resources
- WIFR: Construction on Illinois Route 26 in Ogle County Starts Sept. 9, 2025
- Shaw Local: Illinois Route 26 Work in Ogle County Begins Sept. 9
- Journal Standard: What Drivers Need to Know About the Illinois 26 Construction Zone
- WREX: Part of Lowell Park Rd in Ogle County to Close Through Fall for Construction
- Ogle County Life: Ogle County Board Special Use Permit for Solar Facility Denied
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Ogle County Illinois Road Construction
- Google Scholar: Ogle County Illinois Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Illinois Roads
- Google News: Ogle County Illinois Construction
