The Lake County Board has approved two major transportation improvement projects scheduled for construction in 2026, targeting enhanced roadway safety and expanded bike and pedestrian connectivity in Antioch and Gurnee.

The projects—one focused on non-motorized travel and the other on intersection safety—are part of Lake County’s broader effort to modernize its transportation network and improve mobility for residents, commuters, and visitors.

New Roundabout Planned for Deep Lake Road in Antioch

A second approved project will bring a single-lane roundabout to the intersection of Deep Lake Road and Depot Street in Antioch. The roundabout follows recent resurfacing work along Deep Lake Road from Illinois Route 132 to Illinois Route 173 and represents the next phase of a multi-year corridor modernization.

Construction will require a full closure of the intersection for approximately 100 days to safely complete the work. A second roundabout along Deep Lake Road at North Avenue is already planned for construction in 2027.

According to national safety data cited by Lake County, roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes by an average of 82 percent while improving traffic flow by keeping vehicles moving at slower, more consistent speeds. Lake County currently maintains 11 roundabouts throughout its transportation system.

Washington Street Bike Paths and Sidewalks in Gurnee

In the Gurnee area, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will construct new bike paths and sidewalks along Washington Street, closing long-standing gaps in the county’s path network. Planned improvements include:

• Bike path on the south side of Washington Street from Mainsail Drive to US 45
• Bike path on the north side from US 45 to Almond Road
• Sidewalk on the north side from Sextant Drive to Mainsail Drive
• Sidewalk on the south side from Tangueray Drive to Almond Road

When combined with the Hunt Club Road and Washington Street intersection project currently under construction, the upgrades will complete a continuous 9.5-mile multi-use path connecting the Des Plaines River Trail to downtown Round Lake at Cedar Lake Road.

County officials say the project strengthens non-motorized travel by linking neighborhoods with schools, shopping centers, businesses, transit stations, and major regional trails. Once the Cedar Lake Road Realignment is completed, the path will also connect directly to the Lake County Forest Preserve’s Millennium Trail.

Busy 2026 Construction Season Ahead

Both the Gurnee path improvements and the Antioch roundabout will be included in LCDOT’s 2026 annual construction program, which will feature additional roadway and trail projects across the county. More details are expected when the full program is released later this spring.

Residents can follow current and future transportation improvements through LCDOT’s Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

SOURCE

Lake County Website

Authored by: Joyce Guccione Editor in Chief