Construction Ends on East Riverside Blvd.

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Posted: 5:51 PM Nov 18, 2009 Construction Ends on East Riverside Blvd. An end to construction may be a new beginning for the Northeast side of Rockford and Loves Park. Reporter: Chip Brewster Email Address: Chip.Brewster@wifr.com

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Road construction in Rockford seems just like the weather -- you can't avoid it. But one area is finally seeing sunnier days.

The weather may not have been beautiful today but the East Riverside and I-90 exchange is looking good.

Today was the official ribbon cutting for the completion of all that road construction on East Riverside Boulevard. Two new lanes, a few new stoplights and some much improved ramps to and from I-90 are relieving headaches. Planning for the new setup began seven years ago when the four-way stop intersection would back up traffic beyond the bridge.

Construction has dominated the area for the past two years, but now that it's all over, local residents like Chad Johnson are happy with the final product. "It was a little bit rough getting through those years, couple of years of construction that we've had out here on riverside, but it seems to be really good right now. Things are great, and like I said, I'm looking forward to the development that will hopefully come out of it."

The $30 million price tag of the project was paid for by a combination of funds including private donors, local governments and the Illinois Tollway.

Loves Park leaders believe the improved ramps and widened lanes will encourage travelers and tourists to visit the surrounding area. As a result we may begin to see new developments crop up, along with new jobs.

Latest Comments

Posted by: John Location: Machesney Park on Nov 19, 2009 at 09:08 AM

Hope this isn't like announced completion of 90/39 exchange last week. Traveled that exchange last Sunday and Tuesday and it certainly is not complete. Work Zone signs ands orange barrels still dominate and all lanes are not open. People working every where. Yet, the construction is complete. What a joke! Typical Illinois governmental duplicity. Someone, somewhere needed this statement made to collect money or prevent monetary penalties for contract non-compliance. These people obviously think we are stupid. Same old, same old.

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