Route 120 closed at Metra crossing in Hainesville

Motorists in the Round Lake Park and Hainesville areas are reminded the rail crossing on Route 120 near Route 134 is closed to traffic.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said the closure, which began Wednesday, resulted in hazardous conditions as semitrailers tried to avoid the designated detour route.

When they realize the crossing is closed, big trucks heading east on Route 120 try to cut through to Route 134 (Main Street) on Porter Drive.

"They're attempting to navigate a turn on 134 southbound across the tracks," he said. "They're not making the angle," have to maneuver back and forth to complete the turn.

Besides blocking traffic, trucks at times are on the tracks and could be susceptible to being struck by a Metra commuter train, Filenko said.

"The biggest issue is at (Route) 134 and Porter where the trucks are trying to go east across those tracks," he said. Filenko said he has asked Mayor Linda Lucassen to work with state authorities for better signage to notify vehicles.

The detour route is Alleghany Road, Peterson Road, Route 60 and Cedar Lake Road. The crossing is schedule to reopen at 6 a.m. Aug. 31, weather permitting.

Visit www.idot.illinois.gov/ for project updates.

Motorists also are cautioned that the Canadian National crossing at Lake Street in Grayslake is scheduled to be closed from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, and the Canadian National crossing at Center Street also in Grayslake is scheduled to be closed Sept. 4 to 11.