By Kanecountyconnects.com
Kane County’s Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor Project will receive a 2025 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies – Illinois (ACEC-IL). This prestigious award recognizes engineering projects that demonstrate innovation, effective problem-solving, and a meaningful impact on improving communities.
The Longmeadow Parkway Fox River Bridge Corridor, which officially opened to the public earlier this year, spans parts of the Villages of Algonquin, Carpentersville, and the unincorporated areas of Kane County.
The $200 million project, led by the Kane County Division of Transportation, includes a new bridge over the Fox River in northern Kane County, addressing the long-standing need for additional crossings. The corridor stretches 5.6 miles from Huntley Road to Route 62 and includes a bike and pedestrian path that connects to the Fox River Trail, enhancing accessibility and recreation opportunities.
“This is a monumental achievement for the staff of the Division of Transportation.,” said Carl Schoedel, Kane County’s Director of Transportation. “A massive and complex project that for more than three decades has been the source of constant challenge for the agency. Overcoming all of the obstacles and delivering the project to our constituents makes this a truly exceptional accomplishment.”
Originally planned as a toll-funded project, Kane County secured an additional $30 million in state funding over the past two years, enabling the bridge’s completion without the need for tolls.
“The Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor transformed a challenge into a pathway of opportunity. This award recognizes the decades of effort, innovation, and collaboration that made this project a reality. I was proud to work with state lawmakers to ensure the bridge opened without the burden of a toll,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog.
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the engineering industry, the ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards highlight groundbreaking contributions to the field. This recognition positions Kane County and its Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor Project as a contender for Illinois’ top engineering project of 2025.
Kane County will formally receive the award during a ceremony in February 2025.