Rockford prepares for Hard Rock Casino traffic with East State Street widening
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city is preparing East State Street to handle extra traffic expected once Hard Rock Casino opens toward the end of summer.
The city will widen East State Street between Lyford Road and the Interstate 90 interchange in front of the future casino, 7801 E. State St. The work will elongate existing turn lanes to accommodate more vehicles turning in and out of the casino and onto the tollway or Lyford.
An eastbound right turn lane is also being added to allow entry into Hard Rock, and a 10-foot wide asphalt path with lighting is being extended on the south side of State to Lyford.
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The work is expected to begin in a couple of weeks and be completed before Hard Rock opens later this summer.
“July 30 is the completion date, and it better be complete because we do not want cones up when that casino opens,” said Tim Hinkens, the city’s interim director of public works.
City Council members approved a $2.9 million contract on Monday for William Charles Construction to handle the work. The project is paid for with a $2 million dollar economic development grant from the state with Hard Rock covering the rest.
“This is a net zero cost for the city,” Hinkens said.
The city previously hired Loves Park-based Arc Design Resources Inc. in October for $325,735 to design the improvements.
Hard Rock has said the construction of its 180,000-square-foot casino and entertainment complex is on track to be complete in time for a Labor Day weekend grand opening.
The future facility will have 65,000-square-feet of casino space stocked with 1,300 electronic gaming devices, 44 live table games, six poker tables, a sports book and 1,800 guest parking spots. There will also be Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Restaurant, Plum VIP Lounge, Food Hall, a Hard Rock themed gift shop and the Hard Rock Live entertainment venue with 1,600 seats.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
