From the McHenry County Department of Transportation:
McHenry County Division of Transportation to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project on Charles J Miller South Bridge
WOODSTOCK, Ill. – The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) is preparing to begin a full deck replacement on the southern bridge of Charles J. Miller Road over the Fox River.
The project is scheduled to commence in early May, with significant traffic shifts already occurring and a bridge closure expected as early as May 18.
To minimize the impact on commuters, MCDOT will reroute all traffic from the south bridge onto the north bridge.
The north bridge will temporarily transition to a bidirectional flow, allowing one lane of travel in each direction. To make this possible, crews are already beginning to make changes to the medians, leading to the reduction of directional traffic to single lanes.
This critical infrastructure project will extend the lifespan of the bridge, improve driver safety, and ensure the continued reliability of this vital river crossing.
The southern bridge has served McHenry County since its completion in 1988, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. In addition to vehicle traffic, the bridge currently serves as a pedestrian crossing over the Fox River.
During the construction period, pedestrian access will be closed. Pedestrians seeking to cross the river are advised to seek alternate routes, as no sidewalk access will be available on the north bridge during this phase.
MCDOT is working closely with the Fox Waterway Agency to ensure minimal disruptions for boaters. For those accessing Miller Riverfront Park and its associated boat launch, please note the following traffic changes:
- Weekdays: Access into and out of the park will be restricted to Right-In, Right-out only.
- Weekends: Access will return to a normal traffic pattern.
Construction is expected to run from early May through December 1, 2026, weather permitting.
Crews will typically work Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work if the project schedule requires it.
“We appreciate the patience of the public as we complete this essential safety project,” said Hans Varga, MCDOT Public Information Officer.
“Our goal is to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of our County’s roadway users.”
For real-time updates and project milestones, please follow the McHenry County Division of Transportation on Facebook or Instagram.
