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Regional Boards => Great Lakes and Ohio Valley => Topic started by: chicago_jr on July 14, 2009, 07:49:24 PM

Title: I-290 Harlem and Austin exits
Post by: chicago_jr on July 14, 2009, 07:49:24 PM
The exits and entrances for Harlem ave and Austin Blvd on I 290 in Chicago are both on the left, though none of the other exits/entrances are on the right. Anyone have any idea as to why Harlem and Austin are different? 
Title: Re: I-290 Harlem and Austin exits
Post by: Revive 755 on July 15, 2009, 05:48:34 PM
For Austin, I'm guessing left side ramps were used due to the proximity of ramps for Central Avenue, and possibly to avoid taking more land from Columbus Park.

As for Harlem Ave, I'm going to randomly guess the left SPUI was used due to anticipated traffic volumes and that the modern SPUI had not been invented when I-290 was designed.
Title: Re: I-290 Harlem and Austin exits
Post by: rmsandw on July 15, 2009, 09:21:20 PM
I always assumed it had to do with the fact you were going from the City of Chicago to the City of Oak Park.  Between Austin and Harlem, the two city streets run almost on a ledge along the cut out for the highway.  Another thought may have been with the right or way for the CSX Railroad and the CTA Blue Line, could make ramp difficult to put in years ago.  Just some thoughts...
Title: Re: I-290 Harlem and Austin exits
Post by: 3467 on November 05, 2009, 11:23:19 PM
I think it was ROW IDOT just announced meetings for the Eisehower study that would  make it 8 lanes and get rid of those left exits its under public hearings maybe someone on the list could go
Title: Re: I-290 Harlem and Austin exits
Post by: Brandon on November 06, 2009, 05:12:30 PM
Quote from: 3467 on November 05, 2009, 11:23:19 PM
I think it was ROW IDOT just announced meetings for the Eisehower study that would  make it 8 lanes and get rid of those left exits its under public hearings maybe someone on the list could go

Getting rid of them and making the Ike eight lanes between the Tri-State and Austin would be for the best.  No silly HOV or bus lanes needed, please.  Extend the Blue line instead.