About the Study: How will this study affect you?

Ever since the 1800s, the population of McHenry County has continued to increase steadily. Over the last three decades, growth pressure, primarily from Chicago and adjacent suburbs, has caused a dramatic influx of residents. The southeastern portion of the County has experienced the greatest impacts of urbanization; however, the effects of development are happening more or less countywide.

Year 2000 Census Bureau figures indicate that over nine million people live in the Chicago metropolitan area, accounting for approximately 62% of Illinois’ total population. In 2000, the population of McHenry County was 260,077, which is a 42% increase from the 1990 census figure of 183,241. The southeastern quadrant of the County is the most densely populated area. By the year 2020, forecasters are predicting that Algonquin, McHenry, Nunda, and Grafton Townships will increase by 33%. Figure 1 shows the population trends from 1900 – 2020 by decade.

Figure 1
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (1990-2000), Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (Year 2020 Forecasts)

Currently, the motorists of McHenry County and surrounding communities are faced with congested traffic conditions when they travel along Randall Road, especially during peak periods. Several developments are being constructed near the southern terminus of the Randall Road Study. Some of these developments are required to make improvements along Randall Road. Although County Line Road is the southern terminus, the Randall Road improvements to the south will tie into the developments’ improvements that may extend north of County Line Road. This project will assure the infrastructure needs are met due to population growth and new developments.