City officials plan to widen East State Street turn lanes to accommodate expected traffic increases from the planned opening of the Hard Rock Casino Rockford in late August 2024.
Rockford plans to hire Loves Park-based Arc Design Resources Inc. for $325,735 to design the roadway improvements. The project includes turn lane improvements, new streetlights and the extension of a multiuse path in front of the casino. It is estimated to cost $2.5 million and be done next construction season.
Rockford Capital Improvement Program Manager and City Engineer Tim Hinkens said plans are to tap a $2 million Illinois economic development grant to pay for the project. Any costs beyond that will be covered by Hard Rock, he said.
