Ogle County, Illinois, August 21, 2025
News Summary
This summer and fall, several major road construction projects will commence in Ogle County, impacting routes through Forreston and Leaf River. Key projects include resurfacing work on Illinois 72 and Illinois 26, along with a full reconstruction of Lowell Park Road. Motorists should expect daily lane closures, flagger-controlled traffic, and detours. The work is projected to conclude by June 2026, with immediate construction beginning on August 11 and September 2 for Illinois 26 and Illinois 72, respectively.
Major Road Construction Projects Set to Start in Ogle County, Illinois
Several major road projects in Ogle County are set to begin this summer and fall, affecting routes through Forreston, Leaf River and surrounding areas.
The busiest impacts will come from resurfacing and pavement work on Illinois 72 and Illinois 26, plus a full reconstruction at Lowell Park Road.
Motorists should plan for daily lane closures, flagger-controlled traffic and a posted detour where a local road will be closed.
Most work is scheduled to finish by early June 2026.
Immediate Starts and Major Timelines
The earliest work begins on August 11 with construction on Illinois 26. Resurfacing on Illinois 72 is set to begin on September 2, weather permitting. Both routes will have day-to-day lane closures and flaggers to direct traffic.
The overall schedule places final completion for both state routes and related phases by early June 2026.
Illinois 72: What to expect
Work on Illinois 72 will run from the junction with Illinois 26 in Forreston to Mount Morris Road, just west of Leaf River.
The project is primarily milling and resurfacing, which will mean daily lane closures as crews remove the old surface and lay new pavement.
Traffic control will rely on flaggers in the work zones. Drivers should watch for changing conditions and follow the posted signs in the area.
Anticipated completion is by June 2026.
Illinois 26: Repairs, ADA upgrades and future resurfacing
Illinois 26 work begins August 11 and covers the stretch from the southern city limits of Forreston to the Illinois 72 west junction northwest of Forreston.
This phase, with a budget of $4.3 million, will focus on pavement repairs and upgrades to ADA pedestrian facilities.
Expect daily lane closures and flagger-controlled traffic. A later resurfacing phase is scheduled to begin in 2026, with all work on Illinois 26 planned to wrap up by early June 2026.
Lowell Park Road: culvert replacement and intersection work
A posted detour will be used while Lowell Park Road is closed between Edgewood Road and Penn Corner Road. That closure starts June 2 and is expected to last from June to mid-October.
The work includes replacing a reinforced box culvert (the largest and final culvert in a project that started in 2021), widening the intersection with Penn Corner Road, installing a storm sewer, reconstructing about a quarter-mile of pavement, lowering the road and building a retaining wall.
Improvements at the intersection are aimed at enhancing sight distance and improving traffic flow.
Detour route and travel advice
The marked detour for the Lowell Park Road closure will use Pine Road, U.S. 52 / Illinois Route 26, and Woosung Road. Drivers should allow extra time for these detours and expect slower travel near active work zones.
For all projects, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and temporary lane closures will occur daily. Drivers are urged to follow posted speed limits, avoid use of mobile devices while driving, and stay alert for workers and equipment.
Why this work is happening
The projects aim to extend pavement life, improve pedestrian access and bring worn drainage and road structures up to modern standards.
The Lowell Park Road culvert replacement is the final step in a longer effort that began in 2021 to evaluate and fix culverts along that road.
What drivers should do now
- Check schedules: Note the August 11 and September 2 start dates and the June 2026 completion window.
- Expect delays: Allow extra travel time, especially near detour routes.
- Follow signs and flaggers: They direct traffic through changing work zones.
- Drive safely: Obey speed limits, avoid distractions and watch for workers and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does work begin on each road?
The Illinois 26 project starts on August 11. Work on Illinois 72 starts on September 2, weather permitting. The Lowell Park Road closure begins on June 2.
How long will the projects last?
Most active work phases are planned to finish by early June 2026. The Lowell Park Road closure is expected from June to mid-October for the current phase.
What traffic impacts should drivers expect?
Daily lane closures, flagger-controlled sections, and at least one posted detour for Lowell Park Road. Drivers should plan for slower travel and possible delays.
Is there a detour for Lowell Park Road?
Yes. The marked detour will use Pine Road, U.S. 52 / Illinois Route 26, and Woosung Road.
What safety steps are recommended?
Follow posted speed limits, obey flaggers and signs, avoid mobile device use, and stay alert for workers and equipment.
Key Project Features
| Project | Location | Start Date | Expected Completion | Main Work | Traffic Impacts | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois 72 | From IL 26 in Forreston to Mount Morris Rd. (west of Leaf River) | September 2 (weather permitting) | By June 2026 | Milling and resurfacing | Daily lane closures; flaggers | Not specified |
| Illinois 26 | From southern city limits of Forreston to IL 72 west junction | August 11 | All work by early June 2026 | Pavement repairs; ADA pedestrian upgrades; resurfacing later | Daily lane closures; flaggers | $4.3 million |
| Lowell Park Road | Between Edgewood Rd. and Penn Corner Rd. | Closure starts June 2 | Current phase: June to mid-October | Replace reinforced box culvert; widen intersection; storm sewer; reconstruct pavement; build retaining wall | Posted detour; road closed during work | Not specified |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction IL Resources
Major Construction Underway on Illinois 26 Near Cedarville
Additional Resources
- WIFR: Resurfacing Project Set to Begin on Illinois 72 in Ogle County
- 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
- Wikipedia: Transportation in Illinois
- Google Search: Ogle County road construction 2025
