Kane County to sponsor Aldi intersection work; developer to deposit funds, staff says

Kane County staff updated the committee on a proposed roadway improvement to support Aldi—s corporate headquarters expansion at Kirk Road and Douglas Road (a project previously called "Project Bluegill"). The project would add a full-access, signalized intersection with turn lanes expected to accommodate new traffic from a proposed two-story, 56,000-square-foot building and related development.

Presenter (recorded as Koffenbarger) said IDOT awarded Aldi $2 million in Economic Development Program (EDP) funds. To allow Aldi to receive those funds, the county will act as the local agency sponsor and a pass-through: Aldi will deposit funds equivalent to the engineer—s estimate before construction contract award; KDOT will pay contractor pay estimates as work proceeds and will seek reimbursement from IDOT; reimbursements will be returned to Aldi. No county funds will be expended, the presenter said, though KDOT will oversee engineering and construction oversight work.

Staff described a likely schedule: a late-fall contract letting, winter utility relocation (including ComEd), and major construction beginning in spring 2026 with completion during the 2026 construction season. Committee members asked about reimbursement timing and the risk of IDOT delays; staff said final closeout invoices from IDOT can be delayed but that Aldi would deposit funds up front so county funds would not be at risk.

Why it matters

The design and construction will alter county roadway geometry and is tied to a developer-funded mechanism that uses state economic-development funds. The county—s role as local sponsor obligates KDOT to ensure plans meet county and IDOT standards and to administer contract payments and reimbursement requests.