MADISON COUNTY, IL (KTVI) – A long battle to get a safety road installed in a small Madison County community is finally over and the new road is set to open.  Madison County Board member Helen Hawkins and homeowner Sue Archer led a charge to get a safety road installed. Today they are walking on a road they fought for years to see. FOX 2 first introduced you to the duo back in 2012 when they started a petition to build a safety road after a Union Pacific expansion closed Morrison Road.

Morrison is one of two entrances to their small community outside of Granite City. FOX 2 checked in with the ladies in 2013, 2014 and after more than 3 years and $3 million dollars the road they wanted finally became a reality.

‘The police, the ambulance they can all get out her faster than they did before.’ said Archer.

‘We originally wanted an overpass that would`ve been the simplest, but you take and be happy with what you can get.’ said Hawkins.

The duo who forged a close bond, they filed paperwork, appeared in court together and worked with Granite City and Illinois state officials.

All of those efforts to build a new unnamed stretch of road to connect Lakeview and Morrison Roads. Now emergency crews have new access from Pontoon Road, a major artery to the community.

Archer says she`s proud to see her efforts pay off and hopes her story will inspire others to never give up especially when the road ahead seems long and far away. The ribbon cutting is set for Monday November 30th at 1pm.