Traffic signal to be installed on Gregg's Parkway in Vernon Hills
Traffic is expected to flow more easily on the east end of Gregg's Parkway in Vernon Hills with the installation of a traffic signal at Lakeview Parkway.
Though identified as a need independent of the new Menards store planned just to the east, the village wants the signal installed and operational before the retail project opens next summer.
About 13,000 vehicles a day travel through the "T' intersection at Lakeview Parkway, and there are backups during the morning and evening rush hours.
A study commissioned by the village said a traffic signal is warranted.
The Lakeview Parkway/Gregg's Parkway intersection was identified during the budget process last fall as a project to pursue during the current year, which began May 1, according to David Brown, public works director/village engineer.
The signal at the Menards entrance, which will be installed by the developer, also has been warranted and accelerated the village's plans, Brown said.
Gregg's Parkway could have been built as a five-lane street.
However, when the sprawling Gregg's Landing subdivision was planned in 1996, village officials opted for a two-lane boulevard.
"Our approach is not to widen the road. The approach is to promote a better flow of traffic through the intersections," Brown said. Signals at Lakeview, Menards and at Milwaukee Avenue, where Gregg's Parkway ends, will be coordinated, he added.
A signal at Lakeview Parkway is expected to boost the level of service of the intersection from 'F' to 'B',
"It's like a report card - 'A' is good, 'F' is not," Brown said. "The intersection flows better with the better level of service."
The estimated cost to install a traffic signal is $600,000, including professional services. Village officials informally have agreed to hire Civiltech Engineering Inc., for a maximum of $74,265 to design the project and prepare bids.
Brown originally had suggested a roundabout for the intersection.
"A single-lane roundabout would not be efficient and we would have had to go to a multilane roundabout," Brown said.
The estimated cost for that was $1.4 million.
Plans for a two-story Menards building on 18 acres at the northwest corner of Milwaukee and Gregg's Parkway were approved last month after nine months of review and discussion.
Menards this week submitted final plans to the village, and the company hopes to be open by mid-2015, said Joe Carey, assistant village manager.