Route 45 fight continues as this season's work nears
As equipment gets rolling for the second year of construction to widen Route 45 between routes 137 and 120, businesses to the north continue to dicker over the next leg.
Whether business owners will be able convince officials to remove a barrier median from the design appears unlikely. But golfers will get a pass because of a delay in the project north of Route 120.
Because major construction isn't expected until next year, Brae Loch Golf Course will not be closed weekdays this season as originally planned.
"It's one more year. Hopefully, the economy is going to come back, but from what I'm reading, it may be a long haul," said Dan Prezell, director of revenue facilities for the Lake County Forest Preserve District, which operates the golf course along Route 45 near Grayslake.
At this point, crews are picking up where they left off last fall with an $8.2 million plan to eliminate the choke point on Route 45 between routes 137 and 120.
The improvement will transform what essentially was a two-lane country road by adding another lane in each direction, turn lanes at various intersections and a traffic signal at Casey Road.
Southbound lanes were done last year, and the northbound lanes will be built this season. Completion is scheduled for November.
Transportation officials want to carry those improvements north about another mile and a half to just past Washington Street, a project estimated at about $26 million.
Business owners across from the former Lake County Fairgrounds agree the road needs to be improved, but contend the barrier median will hurt business by cutting off direct access. The Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry agreed, and last November passed a resolution opposing the median.
Business owners have spent nearly a year discussing the matter with IDOT and local politicians and have won some concessions, including two left-turn lanes.
"They did offer the two left-turns but it doesn't accommodate everyone, including me," said Chuck Ravenscraft, general manager of Fast Jacks car wash and detailing center. "It seems the only ones who disagree with us are the ones who can help us."
State officials say the barrier median is needed to control access and improve safety on a strategic arterial road. Business owners have disputed accident statistics cited by IDOT and hope for another meeting.
So far, a tavern and restaurant at Gages Lake Road was recently demolished, and IDOT is getting close to completing land acquisition for the project.
Bids were to have been let earlier but are now scheduled for April 23, although that could change.
The project is to be funded under the Illinois Jobs Now! capital improvement program.
The forest district last year decided to close Brae Loch weekdays because of the expected disruption and impact on revenue. It will open on schedule April 9.
The most recent information provided to the district shows the initial road work this season will include staging, utility relocation, and installation of temporary traffic signals. Major construction is expected in 2011.