Overhead Power Lines Jolting Algonquin Road Idea Upsets Residents

By Larissa Chinwah

lchinwah@@dailyherald.com

Boulder Ridge residents say they welcome the widening of Algonquin Road along the south side of their gated Lake in the Hills neighborhood.

But a possible effect of the widening project is not welcome, residents say.

The estimated $18 million project, which began in the spring, will widen Algonquin Road from two to four lanes between Annandale Drive and Randall Road.

A wider road requires the relocation of ComEd underground power lines on Algonquin Road’s north side, from Boulder Drive to Harvest Gate.

It is unclear how or where ComEd will move those power lines.

Village Administrator Gerald Sagona said earlier this month a ComEd representative told him it was possible power lines would be installed on poles, which is cheaper than running them underground.

Shortly after, a McHenry County Department of Transportation employee also called Sagona and broke down the cost estimates for underground utilities, essentially asking how the village would pay for it, Sagona said.

Since there was a potential for plans to change concerning public improvements, Sagona said he notified residents.

While no plans are final, the possibility of power poles concerns residents.

“I am glad they are building the road,” said Bill Herron, whose backyard abuts Algonquin Road. “But this last-minute change to stick high-rise power lines in my backyard was never discussed or part of the original plan.”

Doris Payne, the president of the Boulder Ridge Fairway Homes Property Owners Association, said power poles are a technological step backward.

“We have had underground electricity in the whole subdivision and along Algonquin since Boulder Ridge was designed,” Payne said. “Underground power lines are much safer and I don’ t know why we would go back to an antiquated system.”

Although the power lines are underground now, representatives from ComEd and the county transportation department would not elaborate on what would prevent the power lines from staying underground.

“We have not finalized any plans with the county and we have been working with them for years on this project,” said Joe Trost, ComEd spokesman.

“We are doing whatever we need to do to accommodate the road widening project so they can get the project moving along.”

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