The Illinois Department of Transportation will move to the next phase of the East State Street reconstruction project in Geneva, introducing a new traffic pattern during the week of April 27.
This transition marks the start of Stage 1 on the east half of Route 38, from East Side to Whitfield drives. During this stage, traffic will shift to the north side of State Street with one lane open in each direction. Barrier walls, temporary pavement markings, and signage will be installed to guide drivers through the work zone.
Stage 1 pavement removal is set to begin on the eastern end once these traffic control measures are established. The current pattern between Route 25 and Simpson Street—where only outside lanes are open—will remain until completion of sanitary sewer work in mid-May, depending on weather conditions. The Stage 1 phase also includes installation of a new water main along East State Street’s south side from Route 25 toward Ridge/Briar lanes. Additional construction involves replacing pavement, sidewalks, lighting, storm sewers, curbs and gutters, as well as driveways.
After sanitary work is finished later this spring, traffic will be reduced further to one lane each way on East State’s north side between Route 25 and Whitfield Drive. Turn lanes at signalized intersections will remain available throughout construction. Access for businesses and side streets is expected but may see occasional temporary closures.
Stage 1 is projected to last through spring 2027; however, schedules could change based on progress or weather delays. Utility relocation began in August 2025 and should finish by May this year. IDOT started major reconstruction activities in March.
The full project aims to rebuild Route 38 from Glengarry Drive westward to the Fox River with improvements such as street lighting upgrades, wider roadways including a shared left turn lane throughout much of the corridor, new trees and bike lanes added alongside enhanced streetscapes and upgraded signals. Water main replacements and storm drainage improvements are also part of the plan. Completion for all phases is anticipated by late 2027 with remaining punch list items scheduled for finalization in the following year.
