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Coming Sunday: Special report on Route 53

The newest incarnation in the 50-year struggle to extend Route 53 north into central Lake County is heading to a make-or-break decision about its future. The proposal is for construction of a four-lane, limited-access tollroad from Lake-Cook Road in Long Grove to Route 120 near Grayslake, and improvements on and near Route 120. The project's future hinges on balancing the interests of environmental protection, transportation access and economic development in addressing a host of critical issues, topped by funding for the project expected to cost $2.35 billion to $2.65 billion. A fragile alliance, including traditional opponents, is crafting a recommendation by year's end to Illinois State Toll Highway Authority officials. A ruling on the future of the project next year. Those involved say it represents the "last best chance" for the project. Starting Sunday, read Mick Zawislak's two-part report, which includes videos, photos, detailed map/graphics and an interactive Web map/graphic.

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