Widening of Route 47 Progresses

Demolition of the Muellner building on the corner of Route 47 and Van Emmon Street was completed last month as the widening of Route 47 continues.

The building removal, one of the first stages of the planned three-year-long project, was completed to make way for the installation of temporary traffic signals and other improvements to the intersection, according to city documents.

A retaining wall along Van Emmon Street to Fox Street is also scheduled for removal, however that is not expected to take place until a temporary widening of the pavement is complete, which should take place by mid-December, weather permitting.

Yorkville City Administrator Bart Olson said the $45 million Illinois Department of Transportation project will widen Route 47 to four lanes from Route 71 to Kennedy Road.

As the work progresses, temporary traffic signals are being erected at Fountainview Drive, Illinois 126 and Fox Street. The signals are expected to be operational by Nov. 19, according to information provided by the city. Once those signals are operational temporary lane construction will begin. The temporary lanes are expected to take two to three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Once the spring hits, Olson said the project will be “all systems go” with pavement work and the installation of water and sewer.

Olson encouraged residents to follow the city's Facebook page for the latest updates on the Route 47 construction project. He said the city is attempting to post updates about every two weeks.