Galena, Jo Daviess County officials to investigate potential new road

Officials with the city of Galena and Jo Daviess County intend to collaborate on a potential new road connecting two major county roadways, which they say could increase motorists’ safety and facilitate proposed commercial development. This week, members of the Galena City Council and Jo Daviess County Board approved a memorandum of understanding to “jointly explore” a potential realignment of Blackjack Road to U.S. 20 West, according to council documents. While the memorandum is a nonbinding document, it serves as a first step for discussions and research into the proposed connection road. The exploration process for the potential road realignment will include traffic and intersection design studies, coordination with state and federal agencies and conversations with affected landowners, set to begin this summer.