Cook County to hold hearing on improving rush-hour congestion on Quentin Road in Palatine

After asking for nearly 30 years, residents of two subdivisions along a milelong stretch of Quentin Road in Palatine that narrows to two lanes are learning more about a Cook County plan to ease traffic congestion that traps them during rush hour.

But it’s not the solution they prefer.

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways met with residents this week to explain why a combination of factors led to their preferred solution being the addition of just a turn lane and a traffic signal.

What the residents of the two Dunhaven Woods subdivisions want — and the village has also endorsed four times since 1996 — is a continuation of Quentin Road’s four-lane configuration that exists north and south of them as well as a turn lane.

A significant part of those factors is the presence of the Deer Grove Forest Preserve.

Nathan Roseberry, assistant superintendent of the department, told residents traffic solutions are guided by data, impacts and public coordination. When the possibility of converting recreational open space to a transportation use exists, the county is charged with finding the alternative that does the least harm.

While the county’s preferred solution would require some forest preserve land, doubling the width of the road would obviously require more.

“We’re in agreement that something has to change out there,” Roseberry said. “Honestly, if we had a perfect solution, we would have already built this.”

The county is hosting a public hearing on its proposal for a project to be completed in 2030 from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Dr. in Palatine.

While all 35 residents at this week’s meeting stuck to their preference of the four-lane solution without a traffic signal, a significant portion said any change would be an improvement.

Some argued the project’s 2023 data was too outdated, while others were concerned their fate would be determined by environmental advocates from miles away speaking at the public hearing.

Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton represents the affected 14th District and believes the data is recent enough. He acknowledged the responsibility to do the least harm to forest preserve land, but doesn’t see the longtime practice of doing nothing as acceptable.

Palatine Public Works Director Matt Barry said the village intends to be clear Thursday its position on Quentin Road hasn’t changed.

Barry stressed everyone affected should be on the record.

“I think it’s important that all users of the roadway are heard,” he said.