Route 22 Widening Among IDOT-Approved Projects

LONG GROVE, IL — The state is committed to investing $540 million to improve roads, repair bridges and ease traffic congestion in Lake County. The funds include $325 million for new projects, according to a report released earlier this week by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The long list of projects outlined in the proposed Highway Improvement Program (HIP) will be funded over a five-year period, from state fiscal years 2020 through 2025, and includes $59 million to reconstruct and widen IL 22 from Quentin Road to west of IL 83 in Kildeer and Long Grove.

In addition, $16 million is allocated to realign intersections on Route 83 from routes 120 to 137 and at Atkinson Road in Grayslake.

Lake County teamed with state transportation officials and elected officials to advance projects outlined in the State Highway Consensus Plan for Lake County, which includes a number of "regionally beneficial transportation projects, road maintenance, bridge replacement and rehabilitation, and many other improvements to relieve traffic congestion in Lake County," according to a statement from the county.

"Traffic congestion is a significant issue in many areas of Lake County,” said Shane Schneider, Director of the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT). “We have worked hard to identify and prioritize projects that will provide meaningful congestion relief to areas that have been bogged down by traffic. The projects announced by IDOT will positively benefit all who drive through Lake County.”

Highlights of other projects on IDOT's slate include:

• $129 million to widen IL 176 near IL 60 and 83 in Mundelein. This includes a railroad bridge with grade separation at the intersection of IL 60 and 83.
• $79 million to reconstruct and add additional lanes to IL 131 from Wadsworth to Sunset in Beach Park and Waukegan.
• $59 million to reconstruct and widen IL 22 from Quentin Road to west of IL 83 in Kildeer and Long Grove.
• $29 million to reconstruct and widen IL 120 from Ashford Dr. to US 45 in Grayslake.
• $16 million to realign intersections on IL 83 from IL 120 to IL 137 and at Atkinson Road in Grayslake.
• $53 million to modernize the US 41 and IL 176 interchange in Lake Bluff.
• $15 million to replace a bridge and culvert, and do widening and drainage construction and resurfacing at IL 132 W. of Sheehan to Munn in Lake Villa and Lindenhurst.
• $13 million to replace a pump station at US 41 and Deerpath Road in Lake Forest.
• $6 million to replace a bridge at IL 132 E. of Cedar Lake Rd in Lake Villa.

LCDOT has worked hard to advocate for funding for Lake County's transportation needs.

"The County Board places a high priority on improving transportation infrastructure, which in turn improves the quality of life for all Lake County residents,” said Lake County Board Member Bill Durkin, who represents District 8 and chairs the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee. "Lake County officials have worked with state, county and local leaders to develop a plan to address our transportation needs and make commuting around Lake County easier."

Traffic congestion leads to less time with friends and family, delays in getting goods and services to market, increased fuel costs and a bigger carbon footprint, according to transportation officials.

“We are thrilled the state is investing in projects to make our roads safer and ease traffic for the residents of Lake County,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "I am pleased that these problem areas, which have plagued commuters for years, will finally be addressed. This will not only improve the quality of life for our residents by enabling them to get to and from work faster, it will save on fuel costs and reduce our overall carbon footprint.”