Souwanas Trail Infrastructure Improvements

Challenge

Souwanas Trail in the Village of Algonquin, Illinois was plagued by failing pavement and persistent flooding that impacted nearby homes after heavy rainfall. The road was rated among the lowest in a recent pavement assessment, and the stormwater system frequently allowed water to enter residences—posing both safety hazards and long-term property damage concerns. Additionally, the Village identified the need for several infrastructure upgrades: replacing aging water main infrastructure, expanding sanitary sewer capacity to support growth, modernizing the road section, and improving pedestrian connectivity. The complex scope required a holistic infrastructure solution that would minimize long-term cost and construction disruption while delivering meaningful benefits to residents.

Solution

HR Green conducted a corridor-wide feasibility study and partnered with the Village to implement a complete rural-to-urban cross-section conversion. Our team led the project’s design and construction efforts, implementing multiple improvements:

• Designed a new dual-system storm sewer to provide in-line detention and handle a 50-year rainfall event, mitigating long-standing flooding concerns.
• Upgraded the existing sewer line, critical to serving over 6,000 residents and businesses, to alleviate capacity issues and prevent backups.
• Installed a new sidewalk network to create a safe connection between the Prairie Trail and Sandbloom Road bike path. Additionally, a pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk system was added to enhance safety.
• Replaced an outdated metal culvert with a three-sided culvert to accommodate a 100-year storm event.

Benefit

The Souwanas Trail project now serves as a model of sustainable, community-focused infrastructure planning. The improved stormwater system eliminated frequent residential flooding, significantly enhancing safety and peace of mind for homeowners. Roadway and pedestrian upgrades improved mobility for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, while the sanitary sewer expansion resolved capacity issues and opened the door to future residential development.

The use of green technologies and trenchless construction methods minimized environmental impact, reduced costs, and accelerated project delivery. The Village not only addressed immediate infrastructure needs but also created long-term value and resiliency—improving quality of life for residents and fostering sustainable growth on Algonquin’s east side.