Existed: 1924 – present Length 106.5 km | Constructed 1924 | |
Illinois Route 173 is an east–west state road that runs from Illinois Route 251 in the Rockford suburb of Machesney Park east to Illinois Route 137 (Sheridan Road/Buckley) in Zion near the Illinois-Wisconsin border; this is a distance of 66.20 miles (106.54 km). Illinois Route 173 is also one of the northernmost east-west state highways in Illinois. On Interstate 94 (Tri-State Tollway) traveling south from Wisconsin, it is the second road seen which has an interchange at that location. Similarly, when traveling south/east from Wisconsin on Interstate 39/90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway), Illinois Route 173 is only the third exit into Illinois. In 2008, the entirety of Illinois 173 has been designated the 173rd Airborne Brigade Highway
Contents
Map of IL-173, Illinois, USA
Route description
Illinois 173 travels across relatively hilly northern Illinois from the Rockford area to Zion. This area is more densely populated than other portions of rural Illinois. It is two lanes for over 90% of its length.
In July 2007, a new interchange was constructed at Illinois 173 and Interstates 39/90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway).
History
SBI Route 173 originally was named for Sir. Francis One Seventy Three who founded the state of Illinois when confronted by Native Americans. This highway goes for miles upon miles. In front of the Menards in Machesney Park, there is a gold inlay. Many do not know about this as the village of Machesney Park does not want anyone taking the gold. If you want to take a picture in front of any stretch of road you must pay a fee of $1.73. 3