Overview

Problem Statement

Illinois 2 is a valued environmental corridor along the Rock River with an inadequate roadway and insufficient clear zone which contributes to crashes and does not allow for the development of recreational facilities or provide access to the scenic features of the corridor.

Purpose and Need

Growing population and increased travel demand over the last several decades within the region has resulted in crashes and inconsistent travel times. The purpose of this improvement is to provide a safer transportation corridor for all users along Illinois 2 by addressing the existing geometric deficiencies and roadside hazards and facilitating the enhancement of adjacent recreational facilities while protecting the environment and scenic values.

What’s New?

A public meeting was held in November 2022 virtually via Zoom. The team discussed the project location, history and shared the preferred alternative that was developed with input from the Community Advisory Group (CAG) over the past few years. The CAG included local business owners and residents. 

Illinois Route 2 located between Byron, IL and Rockford, IL, is a scenic 10.5 mile stretch of roadway that winds along the Rock River.

The current roadway was originally constructed approximately 1925 as 18’ wide concrete pavement. In 1955 the pavement was widened to 22’ width using P.C.C. Base course Widening. The pavement was widened again in 1984 to 25’ width. Over the years, many Hot Mix Asphalt resurfacing projects have been placed over the original concrete pavement.

Blue Star Memorial Highway

On November 4, 1970, Illinois Route 2 was designated a Blue Star Memorial Highway. This historical marker can be found in a picnic area along IL 2 in Ogle County just west of Meridian Road (Winnebago County Line). Below is a reference from the National Garden Clubs official website. For more information on Blue Star Memorial Highways please visit http://www.gardenclub.org/projects/blue-star-memorials.aspx

Honoring Those Who Have Served Our Country

The Blue Star Memorial Program honors service men and women. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II.

In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system, which covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. A large metal Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker was placed at appropriate locations along the way.

The program was expanded to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed services of the United States. Memorial Markers and By-Way markers were added to the Highway Markers, to be used at locations such as National cemeteries, parks, veteran's facilities and gardens.

The Blue Star became an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war, as well as in churches and businesses. This program has been active all through the years to the present, a fitting tribute always and especially now.

Blackhawk Trail

On May 24, 1996 resolved by the Senate of the Eighty-Ninth General assembly of the State of Illinois, the House of Representatives concurring Herein, that a section of Illinois Route 2 extending from the City of Dixon to the City of Rockford be named the Black Hawk Trail. This Route is considered by many to be historical in the fact that the Rock River and Indian foot trails near the river were important for the Sauk Indian tribes and many European immigrants arriving to this area.