Elgin Bypass - History

History

Construction of the Golf Road (Illinois Route 58) extension to Summit Street in Elgin was completed in 1932. In 1958, I-90 was built through the north side of Elgin extending east to Devon Ave, and on to Chicago by 1960. In 1935, concerned about increasing numbers of traffic, residents of Elgin laid plans to build a bypass. U.S. 20 had been routed down Villa Street, Highland Avenue and Larkin Avenue through downtown Elgin. 27 years later, a section of freeway opened south of Elgin as the Elgin Bypass.

The segment of the Elgin Bypass between McLean Boulevard and Grace Street (Illinois Route 25), including the Fox River bridge, was opened first. Later, the outer segments of the bypass — to Randall Road on the west, and Bluff City Boulevard on the east — were opened. On November 30, 1962, Governor Otto Kerner dedicated the Elgin Bypass.

From 1962 until 1984, the old route was designated Business U.S. 20.

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