Route 45 design nears approval but construction years away

The preferred design for widening and improving more than five miles of Route 45 — mainly through Vernon Hills — is expected to be complete this summer but motorists shouldn't expect any relief soon.

While the first part of the study is coming to a close, funding for the $73 million project is not in the Illinois Department of Transportation's five-year plan. Money for the acquisition of 23 acres of needed right of way also is lacking, meaning construction likely is a long way off.

“Barring any new funding streams, there are limited opportunities,” said John Baczek, IDOT's project and environmental section chief.

Baczek was among several IDOT staffers and consultants on hand Tuesday at the Sullivan Center in Vernon Hills for an open house public hearing on the project. It was the last public session before a final design is approved and detailed drawings made ready for bids.

Nearly 150 local officials and interested residents browsed exhibits, viewed a video, asked questions and made comments for the record about the project that arose about 10 years ago.

“There's so many stakeholders, a lot of different interests and different perspectives,” Baczek said of the lengthy timeline.

IDOT says crash data supports the need for roadway widening, intersection improvements and medians throughout the project from near Route 45 and 60 in Mundelein through Indian Creek and Vernon Hills southeast to a point south of Route 22 in Lincolnshire. The agency reported 1,946 crashes from 2007-09, predominantly rear-end, turning and sideswipe collisions attributed to the road being two lanes and lacking turn lanes.

Generally, the plan is to rebuild and widen the road to two lanes in each direction with turn lanes at various intersections; upgrade traffic signals at 15 intersections; improve drainage; replace the Indian Creek bridge; and, install a sidewalk and multiuse path for the entire length, pending participation by municipalities.

Several revisions to the original plan were made since the last public session three years ago, including the elimination of the barrier median adjacent to the Centennial Crossing and Stone Fence Farm subdivisions. That provided more buffer for homes on the north side of the street and saved trees.

“I think we're all concerned about the potential ramifications but it seems like they've been sensitive to our needs,” said Jeff Steybe, treasure of the Stone Fence Farms association.

No impact is expected on homes, Carriage Green and Garvanian parks and the Vernon Hills golf course. Public comment is accepted until Feb. 24

Once the design is approved, the second stage of plan preparation begins. That process typically takes 18 to 24 months not including land acquisition.

“It's early and the state is inconsistent in how they fund road projects,” said Lake County Board member Aaron Lawlor, whose district includes the area. “We really don't know what form it will take and when.”