Armed with $7 million in state and federal grants, the city of Washington is working to improve public safety by realigning one of its most dangerous intersections at Nofsinger Road and Illinois Route 24.
With construction underway at the intersection, here’s what we know about the project:
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Why does Nofsinger Road need to be fixed?
Nofsinger Road, where it joins Boyd Parkway, or Illinois Route 24, has historically been one of the most dangerous intersections in Washington. Between 2013 and 2022, the intersection was the site of 83 reported accidents, according to City Engineer Dennis Carr.
“The Nofsinger Road intersection being replaced was excessively tilted,” Carr said. “This bias made it very common for traffic turning onto Nofsinger to cut off the turn lane of oncoming traffic to turn faster. .
“This condition only became more dangerous when sunrise or sunset aligned directly over Boyd Parkway, reducing visibility.”
How is the Nofsinger Road project financed?
The city received $4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the office of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16) in late 2022 to realign Nofsinger Road and add traffic signals at the intersection with Rt. 24 Illinois. Safety improvement funds for the project through the Illinois Department of Transportation. Carr estimated the project would cost approximately $6.85 million.
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When will the Nofsinger Road project be completed?
Work planned for this summer includes construction of a new Nofsinger Road/Illinois Route 24 intersection that will be about 200 feet east of the existing one to ensure modern geometric standards are met, and the installation of traffic signals. The new 0.6-mile road resulting from construction will connect with Santa Fe Road to the north and Dallas Road to the south. Carr projected the realignment could be completed this spring.
Princeton, Illinois-based Gensini Excavating was awarded the project last August, and construction and earthwork began last fall. Carr said.
“The new intersection will be better aligned and signed,” Carr said. “The intersection signage will stop Boyd Parkway traffic to allow Nofsinger to move to the left and across them so they don’t have to open the gaps.”
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