MCHENRY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said $22 million in improvements on the Stratton Lock and Dam on the Fox River in McHenry will result in shorter wait times for boaters getting through the lock and a safer experience.
The project began in 2014, but it was delayed during the two-year budget stalemate in Springfield. Work on the project didn’t continue until 2018.
With the completion of the Stratton Lock and Dam, officials said its capacity has been doubled while deteriorated and unreliable sluice gates were replaced.
The DNR said before the improvements, boaters could wait two to three hours for their turn in the lock before heading north or south on the river.
After the improvements, the wait time will be about 20 minutes.
“With the completion of this improvement project, boaters on the Fox River will have safer, more efficient access through Stratton Lock and Dam,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “They can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the water and summer sun with their families.”
About 20,000 boats and jet skis pass through the lock during boating season each year.
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