Updated December 19, 2023

Q: How was this location chosen for the first roundabout?

 A: The Village began studying improvements to Wolfs Crossing in 2013.  After hiring a consultant and developing concepts, the Village established an advisory committee consisting of community leaders from the study area as well as stakeholders with expertise or technical interest in environmental, land use, transportation, and economic development affected by the study. The Wolf Corridor Advisory Team (WolfCAT) met throughout 2017 to evaluate road alignments, intersection types, and project priorities.  Ultimately, the WolfCAT recommended starting the first project at the Harvey Road intersection by constructing a roundabout. 

Q: What is a roundabout? 

A: A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection that efficiently moves traffic counterclockwise around a center island. Roundabouts require all entering traffic to yield to traffic already in the circle and turn right. 

Q: Why construct a roundabout?  

A: Roundabouts provide safety, environmental and economic benefits to drivers and communities. They are designed for lower-speed driving with all traffic moving in the same direction, eliminating left turns across traffic and creating fewer stress points that can cause crashes. Roundabouts reduce accidents and save time. The Federal Highway Administration reports that roundabouts offer a 60% to 70 % overall reduction in crashes compared to an all‐way stop.  

Q: Why not keep the four-way stop or add a traffic signal?  

A: In addition to significantly reduced crash potential, roundabouts save time and alleviate traffic delays. In 2016, the Village conducted a comparison study at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey Road with three different design scenarios. With the four-way stop-controlled intersection, traffic experienced at least 76 seconds of average delay and has continued to increase. With current and future conditions, a traditional traffic signal would reduce the delay to 23.9 seconds. With the new roundabout, delays will be reduced to 5.8 seconds. 

Q: What type of roundabout has been constructed at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey? 

A: A double-lane roundabout has been added to the intersection. 

Single-lane roundabouts reduce vehicle speeds in and around the roundabout and two-lane roundabouts operate the same way. 

For any roundabout, drivers approaching the intersection need to first yield to pedestrians or bicyclists in the crosswalk and then yield to traffic currently in the roundabout. Traffic slows down as vehicles proceed through the roundabout. For double-lane roundabouts, drivers entering the roundabout from the side roads need to make sure they stay on the inside lane of the roundabout until they make it completely through to their turn. 

Double-lane roundabouts include signs and pavement markings to direct drivers into the appropriate lanes. 

Q: How do pedestrians cross a roundabout? 

A: Pedestrians walk on sidewalks around the perimeter of the circular roadway. If they need to cross the roadway, they cross only one direction of traffic at a time.  

Q: How do bicyclists ride through a roundabout? 

A: People on bicycles can choose to ride through the roundabout with traffic or walk their bicycles through the pedestrian crosswalks much like they would in a traditional intersection. Like motorists, bicyclists must obey the rules of the roundabout as they proceed through the intersection. Cyclists who choose to walk their bicycles may find that some roundabout designs have a ramp onto the sidewalk, which makes it easier for them to use. 

Q: Can roundabouts accommodate police and fire vehicles, as well as farm vehicles and commercial vehicles? 

A: Yes. A truck apron is a raised concrete area near the roundabout’s center that provides extra space for larger vehicles to turn and maneuver. 

Q: What's next for Wolfs Crossing? 

A: The contractor will need to return to the project in Spring 2024 to complete the work.  The Village is also preparing plans for the construction of a roundabout at Douglas Road.  That project is tentatively scheduled to start construction in the summer of 2025. Unlike Harvey Road which had difficult grade changes which would have necessitated increased delays and significant cost increases had the road roundabout been constructed while the road remained open, the Douglas roundabout will be able to be constructed while the road is open. 

Updated August 11, 2023

Q: When is Devoe Drive at Wolfs Crossing going to open?

A: The intersection of Wolfs Crossing and Devoe Drive is now open to traffic going east. Wolfs Crossing heading west at Devoe Drive will remain closed until Harvey Road is reopened to traffic later this year.

Q: Why has it taken so long to reopen Devoe Drive?

A: During construction an unmarked gas line was discovered just east of Devoe Drive. Work was delayed on a key section of the project until Nicor relocated the gas line.

Q: When will the intersection of Harvey Road and Wolfs Crossing open?

A: The opening of Harvey Road at Wolfs Crossing is contingent upon ComEd relocating power lines for construction to progress. If the lines are moved according to schedule, the Village anticipates the roads will reopen at the end of December. However, as with any construction project, there may be additional delays. The Village is working closely with the contractor to keep the project on schedule.

Q: When is this project going to be done?

A: The first segment of the Wolfs Crossing improvements includes the construction of a roundabout at Harvey. Road construction is planned to be completed by the end of 2023. Landscaping and other improvements along Wolfs Crossing will take place in spring 2024. 

Q: How does the Wolfs Crossing and Harvey closure affect Oswego East High School’s parking lots?

A: Oswego East High School (OEHS) has decided to close its on-campus roads between the Harvey Road entrance and Wolfs Crossing for the safety of students and staff, as well as to prevent outside traffic from using the school as a detour.

Q: What about traffic cutting through the Prescott Mill subdivision?

A: The roads in the Prescott Mill subdivision are public streets and open to traffic. The Village cannot restrict road use based on residence in the neighborhood and must allow traffic to pass through the subdivision.

Q: Where can I get construction updates?

A: Visit oswegoil.org/wolfscrossing and sign up for the Village’s email bulletins and select “Traffic Alerts” and “Bi-Weekly Digest.”

Q: How do I contact the Village if I have a question or concern that’s not included in these FAQs?

A: Email wolfscrossing@oswegoil.org or contact Public Works at 630-554-3242.

May 2023 FAQs

Q: What is the Wolfs Crossing project?

A: The Village has been planning for the multi-segment expansion of Wolfs Crossing to a modern, four-lane road to help ease traffic congestion, improve safety, and accommodate growth. The Village of Oswego’s portion of Wolfs Crossing spans from east of Route 30 to its junction at Routes 34 and 71, approximately 4.5 miles. 

Q: When did the project start?

A: Segment 1 construction will begin on April 3, 2023.

Q: What does Segment 1 include?

A: Wolfs Crossing will be widened to four lanes from east of the entrance to Oswego East High School to east of Devoe Drive. The four-way stop-controlled intersection of Wolfs Crossing and Harvey Road will be replaced by a modern roundabout.

Q: How did the Village decide to start at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey?

A: This intersection was planned first because of its proximity to Oswego East High School, the need to improve bus access and its current traffic volume.

Q: What will happen on April 3?

A: Phase 1 starts with the closure of Wolfs Crossing between Harvey Road and Route 30 for work at the intersection of Devoe Drive and Wolfs Crossing. Devoe Drive at Wolfs Crossing will be closed until approximately the end of May. 

Phase 2 started in late May. The Harvey Road intersection is now closed to all traffic to allow for the construction of a roundabout.

Q: What is the detour route for Wolfs Crossing and Devoe Drive closure?

A:  See the detour map for details.

Q: What about the effect on Oswego East High School traffic?

A: The Village has closely coordinated the work with Oswego East High School administrators to minimize impacts while also recognizing the goal to complete the project in one construction season. 

Q: Why are you adding a roundabout instead of a traffic signal?

A: In addition to significantly reduced crash potential, roundabouts save time and alleviate traffic delays. In 2016, the Village conducted a comparison study at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey Road with three different design scenarios. With the current four-way stop-controlled intersection, traffic experiences at least 76 seconds of average delay and will continue to increase. With current and future conditions, a traditional traffic signal would reduce the delay to 23.9 seconds. With the new roundabout, delays will be reduced to 5.8 seconds.

Q: Will you be adding sidewalks?

A:  Yes. The plan includes sidewalks on the south side and a bicycle path on the north side of the road. 

Q: How can I find out about road closures and additional detours?

A: Sign up for the Village’s email bulletins and select “Traffic Alerts” and “Bi-Weekly Digest.”

Q: What’s included in the next segment (Phase 2)?

A: The second segment of the project features a roundabout and improvements at Wolfs Crossing and Douglas Road. Design is currently underway.

Q: What about Wolfs Crossing traffic at Fifth Street and Southbury Boulevard?

A: These areas will be addressed in future segments.

Q: Where can I find more information about project planning?

A: Visit the Wolfs Crossing Background webpage to learn more about the Wolf Corridor Advisory Team (WolfCAT), project development reports with Phase 1 engineering, as well as information presented at public meetings related to the Wolfs Crossing project as a whole.