Might as well post this now before everything gets busier.
Date: April 21, 2012 (one week after Easter).
Time: TBD (maybe 11am)
Points of interest:
1. New and old Renwick Road Bridges - the old one (still in use) is a one-lane through truss. They're starting the new one, nearby, this year.
2. Old Division Street Bridge across the Des Plaines River - former swing bridge across the river, the approach bridges are still intact.
3. The Scherzer rolling lift bridges of downtown Joliet.
4. Brandon Road lock, dam, and left bridge. If we get lucky, we may see the lock in action.
5. New interchange construction at Arsenal Road and I-55.
6. New IL-59/I-55 interchange. The old ramps and earthworks are still there.
I'd like to attend this one. I'm going to say "maybe" (at least a 75 percent chance I'll attend). Will you be announcing this as an event on Facebook as well?
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 08, 2012, 09:34:06 PM
I'd like to attend this one. I'm going to say "maybe" (at least a 75 percent chance I'll attend). Will you be announcing this as an event on Facebook as well?
Yes, and I'm using this to get the best date possible for the meet. If most folks like the 21st of April, then we'll do it then. The meeting place I am thinking of is Cemeno's Pizza (pizza, pasta, sandwiches) at Essington Rd and Theodore St.
If this was only 2 weeks earlier, I might have been able to attend. Oh well, have fun!
Tempting, but not sure I'd have the time. I'm originally from just up the road a bit (Tinley Park), but I'm not sure I'll have the time for a visit. :(
Being a few months away - I am saying "maybe" at the moment, but so far the chances look very good. It also will give me the opportunity to get US 52 through most of Illinois along with some state routes (and still make it a day trip.).
Far too early for me to commit, and given the way most of my planned meet trips fell through last year (and the one I'd already planned for this year has fallen through as well) I wouldn't want to say anything definite, but I will certainly try to make this one. Would give me a chance to get some new Illinois counties.
This could tie into my US 66 completion roadtrip fairly well. I'll say maybe for now.
Quote from: The Situation™ on January 09, 2012, 07:54:58 PM
This could tie into my US 66 completion roadtrip fairly well. I'll say maybe for now.
Well hell, we only have three different routes for US-66 here. :-D
Take your pick: 1926, 1940, or 1956.
Also, I thought I'd make a correction. Easter Sunday is on April 8, so if Brandon decides to host this on April 21, it's actually two weeks after Easter.
Right now I'll say I'm about 90 percent committed to attend. :)
Well crap. April 21 is the weekend before my annual, oft-mentioned "three days of people griping about drivers using cellphones" conference, so that is doubtful for me to be gone a couple or three days that weekend, then three nights later the following week.
this may be a "maybe" on my list this year, depending on the potential for mandatory Saturday overtime at work, etc.
The date can always be moved if necessary, if the 21st doesn't work out. Hence why I suggested the meet this early in advance.
The event now has a Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/198290703602740/
I put myself as a "maybe" for this one, if funds are ok and I can get Friday 4/20 off but will see.
Wondering if a location has been set yet?
Quote from: Steve on February 24, 2012, 05:00:23 PM
Wondering if a location has been set yet?
I'm thinking Cemeno's at Essington Rd and Theodore St, Joliet. It's a large local pizza place with larger dining areas and some separate rooms.
Chicago style? :poke: :)
Quote from: Master son on February 25, 2012, 10:43:49 AM
Chicago style? :poke: :)
Per Cemeno's website, they do offer a Chicago style pizza on their menu.
http://www.cemenospizza.com/ (http://www.cemenospizza.com/)
Quote from: Brandon on February 25, 2012, 08:45:52 AM
I'm thinking Cemeno's at Essington Rd and Theodore St, Joliet. It's a large local pizza place with larger dining areas and some separate rooms.
Quote from: Dougtone on February 25, 2012, 11:17:12 AM
Per Cemeno's website, they do offer a Chicago style pizza on their menu.
http://www.cemenospizza.com/ (http://www.cemenospizza.com/)
Dang it, just looking at the website is making me hungry. I think it'll take something of drastic proportions to keep me away from this meet. :)
I'm "iffy". If I win the lottery, I WILL be there. If I don't, I'll have to see what finances & time look like. :-/
Though the pizza sounds tempting
This is back on my radar screen now. I'm seriously considering blowing off the Lifesavers Conference in Louisville the following week. I got a sneak peek at the agenda and it's awful. If I don't go, that would free me up to go to Joliet. However, I would have to choose between Joliet and Memphis. Joliet would give me a chance for new counties (I've never been to the Chicagoland area other than driving from Michigan on I-94 and I-90 to I-65, then heading south) but Memphis would allow me to check out the two parkway extensions in Kentucky.
If Steph and I can get the Friday before off our jobs then we are coming. Any suggestions on lodgeing around the I-80 coridor?
I'm looking at I-55 a couple exits north from I-80.
Quote from: jpi on March 13, 2012, 09:17:09 PM
If Steph and I can get the Friday before off our jobs then we are coming. Any suggestions on lodgeing around the I-80 coridor?
You have several (and I'm sure I'm not naming them all).
I-80:
Exit 130: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Holiday Inn, Budget INN, Super 8, Comfort Inn
Exit 127: Hampton Inn, Ramada Inn, Hollywood Casino
I-55:
Exit 248: Manor Inn
Exit 253: Wyndham, Best Western
Exit 257: Comfort Inn, Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8, Hampton Inn, Motel 6
The last one is the mall area.
Its a done deal, Steph and I are going! She got the time off and I just need to request of the Friday, I booked our room at the Super 8 in East Hazel Crest, IL off I-80\294 it is about 20 miles away but works out good since we will be coming from I-65 north and plan to spend the day in Chicago on Sunday. Plus I am cashing in some Wyndham rewards points so lodgeing is taken care of but we are renting a car. See you all in a month!
I'm hoping to make the trek from Oklahoma City to this road meet. I need to clinch I-55 in Illinois to clinch the entire interstate and I figure this would be as good an excuse as any.
Sad to say, I'll have to miss this. Out-of-town visitors (originally scheduled for St. Pat's Day) are here that weekend.
--
Brian Reynolds
Hastings Michigan
Now Steph and I are definently coming, we both have the Friday before off and will be getting into town that evening.
Quote from: okroads on March 26, 2012, 03:45:05 PM
I'm hoping to make the trek from Oklahoma City to this road meet. I need to clinch I-55 in Illinois to clinch the entire interstate and I figure this would be as good an excuse as any.
For a few hours today, it appeared I would not be able to make it to this meet, but now it's looking like a high possibility I will be able to go. Looking forward to it!
I know we are just a week out from this meet, but at this point I am still uncertain. My mother-in-law's recovery from knee replacement surgery has not gone as well as her hip replacement did earlier this year, so my wife is still having to tend to her every day. If my MIL still requires a lot of my wife's attention next week, I may have to put off the trip.
I have mapped out a route that will take me across the southern part of Kentucky to check out the new Natcher and Pennyrile Parkway extensions on Thursday, then across the Cave-In-Rock Ferry and up IL 1, US 45 and I-57 to hopefully the Champaign/Urbana area on Thursday night. Friday I have mapped out an ambitious route that will clinch all the counties north of a Stark-Marshall-Livingston-Ford-Iroquois line. I hope to make it to the Joliet-Bolingbrook area for the night Friday, but if I don't I can stay somewhere near La Salle or Peru and that will be an easy drive over to Joliet on Saturday morning.
After the meet I'm going to head over to Michigan City, Ind. to spend the night, then on Sunday clinch US 421 (I have everything between Indy and the Kentucky state line) and then US 52 between Indy and the Ohio state line.
But that all depends on my mother-in-law's condition and if nothing else comes up. This will literally be a Wednesday night-Thursday morning decision.
A strong suggestion to those who are coming, bring along a video camera if you have it. We may get lucky enough to watch a bridge raise and lower, and a barge go through a lock. These things have no schedule, so they can happen at any time.
I regret that I will have to miss it this year. My mom has her birthday that day and she set this date for family photographs several weeks ago. In addition, spring means I spend my weekends not at work umpiring in ASA-sanctioned fastpitch tourneys weather permitting.
High in the mid-50s, low in the mid-30s. Not exactly going to be balmy in Joliet on Saturday.
Still unsure. Will decide tonight if I'm coming. If so, the journey begins after a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 18, 2012, 09:49:54 AM
High in the mid-50s, low in the mid-30s. Not exactly going to be balmy in Joliet on Saturday.
That's about as warm as it was in May 2011 at the Lawrence, KS Road Meet. At least it won't be 107 like it was for the OKC Road Meet...
I'll be picking up my rental car tonight and will be headed out tomorrow morning. Should make it to Joliet on Friday late afternoon/early evening. I look forward to meeting everybody who's able to attend.
Just got to get through tonight and tomorrow at work then Steph and I are on the road Friday morning, plan on makeing a loop around north central IL to get some counties and new interstate milage on I-74, I-55 and I-155. It is supposed to get up to 80 here in middle TN on Friday but will pack and dress accordingly for the cooler weather in Chicago this weekend.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 18, 2012, 09:49:54 AM
High in the mid-50s, low in the mid-30s. Not exactly going to be balmy in Joliet on Saturday.
Still unsure. Will decide tonight if I'm coming. If so, the journey begins after a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.
However, it's going to be mostly sunny. That's part I worried most about. Temperature's manageable as long as it's not sub-freezing or 85+ and humid.
I'm in. See you all Saturday -- if not Friday night, if there is a meet & greet or an impromptu gathering.
Friday is definitely a meetup at Metro Bar and Grill. I volunteered to coordinate - many of you have my number, I gave it to Brandon, if anyone else needs it, sorry, you should have been my friend ;) Kidding - find me on Facebook and will be happy to give it out. I'm expecting for people to show up in the 7-8 range and make a night of it.
Got your number, Steve, and it's in my phone. I usually go up to an Arthur Murray (yes, I take lessons and can dance better than Adam Carolla) in Schaumburg. They have a dance party (pros and us amateurs) on Friday (9-10pm). Typically, this entails driving all or most of the length of I-355. Trying to decide whether to invite others to go, or to go to Metro. :hmmm:
Steph and I should get into Joliet around 7 to 8 pm tomorrow evening depending on traffic (especailly Louisville) Just got to get through one more day of work today. Steve- you should have my #, I have yours.
I wonder if anyone will be bringing along one or more of their old 'Amish Sim Cities' to show off and compare?
:poke:
:nod:
Mike
Who all is up for a pre-meet gathering to hang out on Friday night?
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 19, 2012, 11:25:12 PM
Who all is up for a pre-meet gathering to hang out on Friday night?
I wish that I could, but I likely won't be off from work until after 8pm or later.
:-(
Mike
Just wanted to say I had a great time meeting everybody at the Joliet meet today. We had just under 20 attendees so it was a great turnout. Thanks Brandon for hosting the meet; I had a great time and hope everyone else who attended did as well.
Yes, the turnout was very good, and the weather was good as well. We had, IIRC, 17 for the tour. The tour included:
A very well coordinated signal at Essington, Ring, and Hennepin by the mall in Joliet (mall entrance, city owns the signal).
The One-Lane Renwick Road Bridge over the DuPage River and its replacement construction in Plainfield.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1858.jpg&hash=1ed1f7ce6368324791a1f105d2d791510d4546b1)
The Plainfield Tornado Memorial.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1862.jpg&hash=8f9c71329017133f5ac64071e2cbefa347a240fb)
The Dixie Square of abandoned bridges, the Division Street Bridge over the Des Plaines River in Crest Hill/Lockport. The meet photo was taken here.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1868.jpg&hash=7335c55bb4203d0053e993da75f4de102277ef40)
Kicks on 66, a Joliet city park where the ice cream stand with Jake and Elwood is.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1869.jpg&hash=66db86239ee746c7e2fae55a33763af640f37056)
Jefferson Street Bridge, downtown Joliet.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1873.jpg&hash=3a6a35d8910bb8c061958d5a7255c92818475bf1)
Brandon Road Lock, Dam, and Bridge in Rockdale.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1878.jpg&hash=09974cdc6b6d11942ff6f1a1f27c5853f3b81075)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1879.jpg&hash=0e37db1352d779f1f7279cf608ba7a2e3baab7ef)
The new Arsenal Road Interchange construction in Elwood to replace an overburdened interchange a bit further north.
The new Brisbin Road Interchange between Morris and Minooka.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1880.jpg&hash=11540243e2424fca68964648074fbe15bd1faccb)
The eastbound Three River Rest Area on I-80 for maps. All they had were the 2009-2010 editions.
Then a tour of I-80 to I-355 to I-55 and back to US-30. A few button copy signs on I-55.
You did a spectacular job, Brandon! I lived there for many years and didn't even know about these hidden gems. It was a fun day!
-Chris
Quote from: GeekJedi on April 22, 2012, 12:28:40 PM
You did a spectacular job, Brandon! I lived there for many years and didn't even know about these hidden gems. It was a fun day!
-Chris
Hey, since when did you start posting here? Welcome!
Thanks!
I've been lurking around here for a long time. I haven't said much since I think this internet thing is just a passing fad. ;-)
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AM
Yes, the turnout was very good, and the weather was good as well. We had, IIRC, 17 for the tour. The tour included:
A very well coordinated signal at Essington, Ring, and Hennepin by the mall in Joliet (mall entrance, city owns the signal).
The One-Lane Renwick Road Bridge over the DuPage River and its replacement construction in Plainfield.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1858.jpg&hash=1ed1f7ce6368324791a1f105d2d791510d4546b1)
Steve just couldn't wait for that bridge's conversion into a pvblic park trail!
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AMThe Plainfield Tornado Memorial.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1862.jpg&hash=8f9c71329017133f5ac64071e2cbefa347a240fb)
Fascinating. I can't believe that that was over 20 years ago now.
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AMThe Dixie Square of abandoned bridges, the Division Street Bridge over the Des Plaines River in Crest Hill/Lockport. The meet photo was taken here.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1868.jpg&hash=7335c55bb4203d0053e993da75f4de102277ef40)
Some of us probably are a little bit beyond help....
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AMKicks on 66, a Joliet city park where the ice cream stand with Jake and Elwood is.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1869.jpg&hash=66db86239ee746c7e2fae55a33763af640f37056)
Jefferson Street Bridge, downtown Joliet.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1873.jpg&hash=3a6a35d8910bb8c061958d5a7255c92818475bf1)
Brandon Road Lock, Dam, and Bridge in Rockdale.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1878.jpg&hash=09974cdc6b6d11942ff6f1a1f27c5853f3b81075)
Dam (and a lock)...
;-)
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AM(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1879.jpg&hash=0e37db1352d779f1f7279cf608ba7a2e3baab7ef)
The new Arsenal Road Interchange construction in Elwood to replace an overburdened interchange a bit further north.
The new Brisbin Road Interchange between Morris and Minooka.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1880.jpg&hash=11540243e2424fca68964648074fbe15bd1faccb)
Yea, it was fun popping those sandbags!
(hehehehehehehe)
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AMThe eastbound Three River Rest Area on I-80 for maps. All they had were the 2009-2010 editions.
Then a tour of I-80 to I-355 to I-55 and back to US-30. A few button copy signs on I-55.
Fun time. A quick night tour of Chicago and a few other places finished out the day for me before crashing for the night at a so-so motel in Joliet.
Mike
Wow...
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2012, 10:10:38 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1879.jpg&hash=0e37db1352d779f1f7279cf608ba7a2e3baab7ef)
Hey, who's the guy with the 2012 National Champions Kentucky Wildcats shirt walking across the bridge?
Meet went well; this was probably the longest meet tour I've ever been a part of.
Trip started on Thursday for me. I drove to Bowling Green, checking out construction on I-65, the new SPUI under construction at I-65 and US 231, and driving the Natcher Parkway extension. Then after trekking across US 68 to drive the Pennyrile Parkway extension, I headed north and rode the Cave-in-Rock Ferry (the only ferry or bridge crossing of the Ohio River linking Kentucky to its northern neighbors that I'd never been on) and then north on IL 1, US 45 and I-57 to Urbana for the night.
Friday was a gloomy, drizzly and cold day, but I managed to clinch a bunch of counties in northern Illinois and got to see plenty of button copy on the IL 53 freeway, the I-90 tollway, and a few stragglers on I-55. Spent the night in Romeoville (just north of Joliet) and used the evening to download app updates for my iDevices, since I'm cursed with HughesNet satellite internet at home now since we moved to a place where DSL isn't available.
After the meet Saturday, I relied on my GPS to get me to I-80 (basically a first for me since I usually map out my routes and just use the GPS to confirm a location or to estimate time of arrival) and made my way over to Michigan City, Ind. for the night. Saw some button copy in both Indiana and Illinois, and also spotted a cutout US 6 shield on I-80/I-94 between the end of the Tollway and the Indiana state line. I also thought I saw a puddy tat -- I mean a state-named I-80 shield -- but was unable to get a picture to confirm.
This morning I took US 421 south from Michigan City to Indy, then around the north and east sides of the loop to US 52, which I followed all the way to I-74. Used I-275 around to the AA Highway (with a stop for lunch at Five Guys in Crestview Hills) then the AA Highway to Maysville, then south to home. Spotted a large number of US 421 cutouts in Indiana, particularly in and near Delphi.
Accomplishments were clinches of the two new parkway extensions in Kentucky, the Cave-in-Rock ferry, a bunch of new counties in Illinois, clinches of I-355 and I-180, a clinch of I-94 in Indiana and a clinch of US 421 in Indiana.