Roundabout planned for Lincolnshire intersection

They're often criticized by motorists, but a traffic roundabout could be the fix for backups at a much-traveled Lake County intersection, transportation experts said this week.

The circular boulevard is planned for the intersection of Riverwoods and Everett roads in Lincolnshire.

It will be designed differently than the notorious traffic circle at Wolf and Golf roads in Des Plaines that has frustrated motorists for years, said Marty Buehler, Lake County's transportation director.

For example, motorists face stop signs at the Des Plaines circle, but only will have to yield for oncoming cars in Lincolnshire's roundabout, Buehler said. Additionally, traffic approaching the circle will be limited to 20 mph.

When it's done, people are going to love it, Buehler insisted. The roundabout will move drivers through the area more effectively than traffic lights would, he said.

Lincolnshire Mayor Brett Blomberg is aware of the infamous Des Plaines traffic circle's reputation but backed the county's plan.

"It will be interesting to see how it works," Blomberg said.

The project will be driven by the county transportation department. The county board on Tuesday is expected to approve an agreement with the village board to build the roundabout.

Village officials already have greenlit the partnership with the county. A construction firm has not yet been hired.

The effort is expected to cost $2.9 million, Buehler said. Eighty percent of the cost - roughly $2.3 million - will be covered by federal funds reserved for air-quality improvement projects, Buehler said.

About 16,000 vehicles drive through the intersection every day, Buehler said. The work is needed, he said, because vehicles regularly stack up at the intersection, which now has stop signs at all corners.

The lines are so long, people sometimes have trouble getting to popular North Park, which is on the intersection's southeast corner, Blomberg said.

"If you've got a practice or a game (there), you could be late just because of that northbound traffic backed up on Riverwoods Road," Blomberg said.

The work could begin this summer and wrap up in the fall, Buehler said.

County transportation officials are planning four additional roundabouts at:

• Hunt Club and Wadsworth roads in Old Mill Creek.

• Hunt Club and Millburn roads in Old Mill Creek.

• Cedar Lake and Monaville roads in Lake Villa.

• Roberts and River roads in Lake Barrington.

Tuesday's county board meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the county government center in Waukegan. It is open to the public and also is viewable live online at lakecountyil.gov/iwantto/watch.