Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Electrical Contractors for Street Lighting & Traffic Signals in Illinois
Thorne Electric was founded in 1951 and has built a reputation as a premier electrical contractor specializing in street lighting, traffic signals, and industrial electrical construction. As a women-owned business and WBENC-certified WBE, we combine over 70 years of experience with a commitment to competitive pricing, quality workmanship, and professional integrity. Our union-certified team utilizes IBEW electricians from multiple local unions, ensuring expertise across traffic signal construction, outdoor lighting systems, and underground distribution projects.We serve municipalities, private developers, and general contractors throughout the Western Chicago suburbs, from McHenry to Pontiac and Tinley Park to Rochelle. Our extensive inventory of heavy equipment and focus on American-made materials enable us to complete complex projects on time and under budget while maintaining strict adherence to public safety standards.
Services
Traffic Signals
Street Lighting
Sports Lighting
Parking Lot Lighting
Underground Distribution
Industrial Electrical
Directional Drilling
Lift Stations
Standby Generators
Streetscape Lighting
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- Over 70 years of specialized electrical contracting experience
- WBENC-certified Women Business Enterprise status
- Union contractors using IBEW electricians from 7 local unions
- Completed projects for 5 county DOTs and Illinois State Toll Highway Authority
- Own heavy equipment inventory for project efficiency
Associations and certifications
- WBENC-Certified WBE
Services
Traffic Signals
We design and install advanced traffic signal systems that enhance road safety and efficiency. Our expertise includes fiber optic interconnects between intersections and modernization projects for municipalities. With IBEW-certified technicians and specialized equipment, we ensure reliable operation of critical traffic infrastructure across Northern Illinois.
Street Lighting
Our comprehensive street lighting solutions cover installation, maintenance, and repair of urban illumination systems. From ornamental street lights to high-mast installations, we provide energy-efficient lighting that meets municipal codes and enhances public safety through consistent, reliable illumination.
Sports Lighting
We deliver specialized lighting systems for athletic facilities including ball fields and stadiums. Our solutions provide optimal visibility for players and spectators while meeting energy efficiency standards. Projects include installation of directional lighting systems with precise beam control for various sports venues.
Underground Distribution
Our underground distribution services include directional drilling, trenching, and conduit installation for electrical infrastructure. We handle complex projects like installing 6-inch poly ducts beneath railroad tracks and setting transformers at distribution substations using specialized heavy equipment.
Industrial Electrical
We provide full-scale industrial electrical construction for commercial and industrial facilities. Our capabilities include power distribution systems, control wiring, and integration with municipal infrastructure projects, utilizing union-certified electricians and state-of-the-art installation techniques.
Questions
What areas do Thorne Electric serve?
We serve all Western Chicago suburbs including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties, with project experience from McHenry to Pontiac and Tinley Park to Rochelle.
Are you certified as a minority/women-owned business?
Yes, we are WBENC-certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) since our incorporation in 1981.
What union affiliations do your electricians have?
Our electricians are IBEW-certified from Local 701, 461, 134, 150, 117, 9, and 196, ensuring high-quality workmanship and labor standards.
Can you handle emergency electrical repairs?
Yes, we provide emergency services for critical infrastructure repairs with immediate response available through our main phone line.
What types of projects have you completed?
We've completed traffic signal systems with fiber optic interconnects, sports lighting installations, sanitary lift stations, and complex underground distribution projects for both public and private clients.
Do you work with municipal governments?
Yes, we've completed projects for Illinois Department of Transportation Districts 1-3, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, and multiple county DOTs and local municipalities.
