State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) announced that more than $312 million in state funding has been secured for critical road and bridge improvements across the 32nd Senate District, which includes portions of McHenry and Lake Counties. The investment, which supports both state and local highway projects, is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Multi-Year Program.
“This is a transformative investment in our region’s infrastructure,” said Wilcox. “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.”
Statewide, IDOT plans to invest $50.6 billion between 2026 and 2031. Of that total, $299.2 million is allocated for state highway projects within the 32nd District, with another $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.”
Over the next six years, 38 projects across the 32nd District will receive funding, including 21 that will receive funding in 2026. State highway improvements will take place along IL Routes 31, 47, 59, 83, 120, 173, and 176, while local roadway projects are planned in Antioch, Fox Lake, Island Lake, McHenry, Port Barrington, Prairie Grove, and Woodstock.
A centerpiece of the program is a $60 million project to widen and reconstruct Route 31 between Crystal Lake and McHenry, which will also include traffic signal modernization and drainage upgrades.
“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.”
To view a full list of projects included in IDOT’s six-year Highway Improvement Program for the 32nd District, click here.