Mixed reaction to proposed Algonquin intersection

A proposal to build a continuous flow intersection at Randall and Algonquin roads got mixed reaction from members of the Algonquin village board, several of whom on Tuesday echoed concerns expressed by Lake in the Hills.

The McHenry County Division of Transportation presented in January a proposal to improve the 3½-mile stretch of Randall Road from Ackman Road to County Line Road that includes a two-leg continuous flow intersection, a design that allows traffic to flow left with an extra light and crossover lane. The county would seek federal funding for the $80 million or so project.

Trustee Robert Smith said he was skeptical that the two-year project could start by 2016 as county officials hope. A better solution would be to build dual left-turn lanes, which would more quickly provide relief to the current traffic congestion, Smith said. Trustee Jerry Glogowski was also in favor of that.

Trustee Debbie Sosine said she's concerned about the impact the proposed plan would have on local businesses by closing off access points off the main roads and diverting traffic to thruways behind the existing businesses.

Lake in the Hills also wants dual left-turn lanes rather than a CFI. Last month, Lake in the Hills Village President Ed Plaza submitted to MCDOT a petition signed by 37 businesses who oppose the plan and favor instead the creation of dual left-turn lanes.

However, the negative impact on businesses could be greatly alleviated by modifying the county's proposed plan in order to leave all current access points along Algonquin Road untouched, and allow left turns from Randall Road to Stonegate Road, Village President John Schmitt said. Schmitt said he recently met with several business owners who support this idea. “This is a solution that takes away the negative impact to much of the four corners, and at the same time allows for the flow of traffic north and south,” he said.

Trustees Jim Steigert said he thought a continuous flow intersection was the only long-term “feasible alternative.”

“We have to accept the fact that this is a regional arterial road, and we need to make the road more accessible,” Trustee Brian Dianis said.

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, who also attended Tuesday's meeting, said the county does not want to jeopardize the livelihood of local businesses, but must take into the account the needs of all residents of the county who use Randall Road as a main artery.

The proposed plan calls for the demolition of two businesses at Randall and Algonquin roads: the Phillips 66 gas station on the southwest corner, and the Bank of America building on the northeast corner.

MCDOT is currently reviewing the public comments it received through the end of February and will eventually present its final plan to the McHenry County Board's transportation committee, design manager Wally Dittrich said.