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Regional Boards => Great Lakes and Ohio Valley => Topic started by: I-39 on May 12, 2020, 08:23:33 PM

Title: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on May 12, 2020, 08:23:33 PM
There are now a fair amount of projects being constructed or under consideration along the Randall Road corridor in the western Chicagoland area. I thought it would be nice to consolidated everything to one thread for discussion.

Kane County now has three projects under study along the Randall Road corridor.

1. The first one is a study of the corridor between Big Timber Road and IL-72, including the interchange over I-90: http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/constProjects/RandallI90.aspx (http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/constProjects/RandallI90.aspx)

2. The second is a study of the Randall Road/US 20 interchange (despite the recent ramp improvement there): http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/constProjects/Randall20Study.aspx (http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/constProjects/Randall20Study.aspx)

3. The third is a study of the Randall Road/Hopps Road intersection: http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/constProjects/RandallHopps.aspx (http://www.co.kane.il.us/dot/constProjects/RandallHopps.aspx)

All of these have the potential to widen Randall Road to six lanes, bringing much needed capacity improvements.

In addition, widening is ongoing on Randall Road in McHenry County in the Lake in the Hills area: http://randallroad.info (http://randallroad.info)

Interesting times for Randall Road.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: Joe The Dragon on May 12, 2020, 09:24:30 PM
What about an full grade separation (too late for that?)
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: ilpt4u on May 13, 2020, 07:04:59 AM
Quote from: Joe The Dragon on May 12, 2020, 09:24:30 PM
What about an full grade separation (too late for that?)
Might be able to do a Carmel, Indiana style Keystone Parkway grade separation, but it would be tight

Thru Algonquin and Lake in the Hills (I lived in Crystal Lake about 10 years ago) is built up pretty good close to Randall Rd. Also thru Batavia and Geneva is pretty built up close to Randall Rd also

Full Grade Separation between I-88 and Crystal Lake would be nice, but it would be pretty expensive
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: edwaleni on May 13, 2020, 09:52:48 AM
Having driven Randall Road for many years, even before it went as far as it does today, I can't see many grade separations in its future unless it is with a major regional arterial (like I-90 etc.)

It will become what Kane County always wanted it to be, a 6 lane low-major arterial with controlled intersections. Basically another north south version of IL-59.

The developments in this area of the Chicago suburbs is not very high density.  It's your typical suburban lot plan with big box retail along with the usual ugly collection of strip malls of various quality levels.

If anyone cries that a full grade separated expressway type should have been built, I can say that option for it and other routes in this area have been voted down regularly.

No tears for these people because if they complain about traffic and all of the stoplights, they got exactly what they and their parents voted for.

Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: ET21 on May 15, 2020, 09:32:02 AM
Wonder if they'll extend improvements south to near I-88 where Randall is only a two lane road over the highway
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: edwaleni on May 15, 2020, 10:50:55 AM
Quote from: ET21 on May 15, 2020, 09:32:02 AM
Wonder if they'll extend improvements south to near I-88 where Randall is only a two lane road over the highway

Not likely. Orchard Road serves that function.

Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: ilpt4u on May 15, 2020, 12:30:05 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on May 15, 2020, 10:50:55 AM
Quote from: ET21 on May 15, 2020, 09:32:02 AM
Wonder if they'll extend improvements south to near I-88 where Randall is only a two lane road over the highway

Not likely. Orchard Road serves that function.
Agreed. South of the Orchard Rd intersection, Orchard Rd takes over as the main N/S arterial - hence why it has the Tollway Interchange. Randall Rd basically becomes an Aurora City Street then, right to Aurora University
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on May 15, 2020, 12:34:56 PM
They'll probably replace the overpass over I-88 sooner or later as they've done most of the others to the east and west, but no widening south of Oak Street.

I do think it's time to six lane Randall from Algonquin to Batavia, and it appears the above projects are the first steps towards that.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: Joe The Dragon on May 15, 2020, 08:27:52 PM
and the rest of james R rakow road?
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on January 26, 2021, 08:49:52 AM
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf)

Here are the alternatives under consideration. Interesting that a DDI is no longer under consideration, it apparently performed worse. Some pretty bold concepts if you ask me.

I like how they are thinking about grade separating Point Blvd, I was thinking the same thing from the onset. IMHO, the best option to go would be SPUI with a grade separation at Point Blvd. That eliminates two stoplights, and too many stoplights is the main problem in this corridor.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: edwaleni on January 26, 2021, 09:56:53 AM
Quote from: I-39 on January 26, 2021, 08:49:52 AM
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf)

Here are the alternatives under consideration. Interesting that a DDI is no longer under consideration, it apparently performed worse. Some pretty bold concepts if you ask me.

I like how they are thinking about grade separating Point Blvd, I was thinking the same thing from the onset. IMHO, the best option to go would be SPUI with a grade separation at Point Blvd. That eliminates two stoplights, and too many stoplights is the main problem in this corridor.

The Hamburger option you have to admit is pretty daring, though I can see why it scored so low.  I have seen too many car-semi truck entanglements in this formats over the years. And there are a lot of trucks coming and going here. If it wasn't for Point Blvd and its proximity to a subdivision, you could get even better improvements, but if ROW acquisition is not possible I would stick with a SPUI.  With toll by plate, a collection booth is obsolete and accommodating it is a waste.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on January 26, 2021, 10:53:21 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on January 26, 2021, 09:56:53 AM
Quote from: I-39 on January 26, 2021, 08:49:52 AM
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf)

Here are the alternatives under consideration. Interesting that a DDI is no longer under consideration, it apparently performed worse. Some pretty bold concepts if you ask me.

I like how they are thinking about grade separating Point Blvd, I was thinking the same thing from the onset. IMHO, the best option to go would be SPUI with a grade separation at Point Blvd. That eliminates two stoplights, and too many stoplights is the main problem in this corridor.

The Hamburger option you have to admit is pretty daring, though I can see why it scored so low.  I have seen too many car-semi truck entanglements in this formats over the years. And there are a lot of trucks coming and going here. If it wasn't for Point Blvd and its proximity to a subdivision, you could get even better improvements, but if ROW acquisition is not possible I would stick with a SPUI.  With toll by plate, a collection booth is obsolete and accommodating it is a waste.

The SPUI, with the grade separation of Point Blvd and the widening of the entire section to six lanes is the only option that makes sense. The goal here should be to eliminate traffic lights and consolidate intersections. The only issue they seem to have with it is the challenges of construction staging, but that can be overcome. As far as pedestrian challenges, they can do what they did at Barrington Road.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: Joe The Dragon on January 26, 2021, 02:56:11 PM
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf
of all the plans in there why no?

they should have done one really big like the w dodge st / I-680 setup.

But the old 1-90 ones needs to go so plans that we use it may be out??

as for tolls ETC only just needs an small area to fit it in. and no F*** tolls on the free ramps like il-47 (you just paid an main line one)
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on January 26, 2021, 10:23:48 PM
Quote from: Joe The Dragon on January 26, 2021, 02:56:11 PM
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dbc5da72aee2977b92f7063/t/600a2d2336efb12f9c0614fa/1611279704980/RandallOver90_ConceptsUnderConsideration.pdf
of all the plans in there why no?

they should have done one really big like the w dodge st / I-680 setup.

But the old 1-90 ones needs to go so plans that we use it may be out??

as for tolls ETC only just needs an small area to fit it in. and no F*** tolls on the free ramps like il-47 (you just paid an main line one)

What are you trying to say?
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: Joe The Dragon on January 27, 2021, 11:50:54 PM
don't toll the free ramps they have now as part of the rebuild.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on January 28, 2021, 05:23:51 PM
Quote from: Joe The Dragon on January 27, 2021, 11:50:54 PM
don't toll the free ramps they have now as part of the rebuild.

Why would they with the Elgin Toll Plaza just to the east?
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: Joe The Dragon on January 28, 2021, 11:15:48 PM
they tolled the free ramps on IL-47
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on January 30, 2021, 08:29:15 PM
Quote from: Joe The Dragon on January 28, 2021, 11:15:48 PM
they tolled the free ramps on IL-47

Maybe, but again, I'd be surprised if they did with the Elgin Toll Plaza just east of there.

Then again, maybe they will to help pay for the upgrade to a full SPUI. If it takes that to get them to go for that as opposed to the cheaper/confusing alternatives, I'm all for that.
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: Revive 755 on February 12, 2021, 11:41:55 PM
Virtual Public Meeting Exhibits, including reject concepts:  https://www.randallover90.com/resources (https://www.randallover90.com/resources)
Title: Re: Randall Road Improvement Thread
Post by: I-39 on February 13, 2021, 09:47:00 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on February 12, 2021, 11:41:55 PM
Virtual Public Meeting Exhibits, including reject concepts:  https://www.randallover90.com/resources (https://www.randallover90.com/resources)

While it may be the most complicated to construct, the only interchange design that makes sense is the SPUI. They should do that, grade separate Point Blvd and six lane the corridor and that will drastically improve things.

I will say it's incredibly odd a DDI was rejected. Even the presenter was puzzled by it. How is this any different than IL-59 over I-88?