Grayslake road closure not controversial

The attendance at a road closure public hearing this week in Grayslake was fairly sparse.

But in this case, that could be more a sign of expectation than indifference.

"It's one of those improvements people hoped would have been done years ago," said Mayor Tim Perry. "I think this is going to happen."

Perry was referring to a congested confluence in the south-central part of town -- including routes 120, 83 and 137, Atkinson and Ivanhoe roads, and two railroad crossings -- that have become choke points for motorists.

The public hearing Tuesday marked the end of the first phase of a $35 million to $40 million project to untangle the mess.

Though construction is likely still a few years away -- and money will be an issue -- village officials feel good about the chances.

In his 2001 campaign for mayor, Perry used a photo of a fully loaded semi-tractor attempting to cross Route 83 while heading east on Route 120 at one of the rail crossings to illustrate the need to improve the traffic situation.

By fall of that year, the village had adopted the Atkinson Road Corridor Concept Plan, fashioned around several road improvements spanning nearly 3ˆ¨ miles in a concentrated area.

Using the plan as a blueprint, newer businesses, such as Ace Hardware and LaSalle and Chase bank branches, have been positioned as if the improvements already were in place, for example.

As proposed by the village, the centerpiece would be extending Atkinson south and west to connect with a new intersection at a relocated Route 83. The intersection where routes 83, 137 and Ivanhoe Road now meet at acute angles would be eliminated.

That area and the 120/83 intersection experience particularly vexing backups during morning and evening peak travel periods because of a lack of turn lanes and the inability for traffic to move straight through.

Ivanhoe Road also would be stubbed as a cul-de-sac just north of Route 137. Intersection improvements, added lanes and interconnection of traffic signals will make travel in the area safer and quicker, according to the village's plan.

Because Atkinson would be extended through farm land, the impact on the existing landscape would be minimized.

Information included in the plan says 10 commercial buildings, including two gas stations, a car wash, body shop, strip mall, used car dealership and an asphalt plant, will have to be relocated for right-of-way acquisition.

The project has been proposed in four parts to be done as funds become available. Atkinson is under village jurisdiction, but the other roads are under state control.

The study report, with any public comments from the hearing, will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Transportation with possible approval this fall. If approved, the village would proceed with construction drawings.