Views divided on look of road project

The configuration of a $20 million proposal to move traffic through the intersection of Route 176 and Fairfield Road near Wauconda is not an easy choice.

An overpass of Fairfield versus a widened intersection is the question as Lake County Forest Preserve District commissioners begin to give their preferences.

County officials three weeks ago authorized a contract of more than $1.7 million for right-of-way acquisition and design plans for the project, a two-year process before construction.

Forest district officials also will have a say because all four corners of the intersection are part of the Lakewood Forest Preserve — the only situation of its kind in Lake County.

As such, the impact of any change in the landscape takes on greater importance than a typical road project, those involved with the project agree.

The choices are being presented this week to various forest district committees in advance of a decision by the full board in May.

“This is such a large decision, we wanted to take it through all the committees to get input,” said executive director Tom Hahn.

If comments Monday by members of the board’s land preservation and acquisition committee are an indication, it could be a close call.

“It’s going to be a massive intersection,” said Commissioner Linda Pedersen of Antioch, who with Chairman Steve Mountsier of Lake Barrington and Commissioner Terry Wilke of Round Lake Beach said they favored the overpass.

“Four lanes of black top going through a forest preserve aesthetically is worse than an overpass,” Pedersen added.

Commissioners Melinda Bush of Grayslake and Bonnie Thomson Carter said the at-grade choice would be better.

“When I get out at a forest preserve, the biggest thing for me is I can see as far as I can see,” Bush said.

Because either option would move traffic equally, forest district staff is recommending an at-grade improvement as being less disruptive.

“We believe the overpass/underpass really does present a blockage at our largest forest preserve,” Hahn said.

Mike Fenelon, the district’s head of planning, conservation and development, said the overpass was regarded as more of an urban solution.

“That’s our number-one issue. The embankment (overpass) essentially would divide Lakewood east and west.”

He said that scenario would be most evident from users of the dog exercise area at the northeast corner.

Residents have presented 1,300 signatures against the project, saying neither option is needed.