Here is a list of mine. Feel free to add any you think of.
1. Reconstruct/reconfigure the I-90/I-290/IL-53 interchange in Schaumburg (should be happening right now as part of the Addams rebuild, but it was omitted from the final plans for whatever reason. Guess IDOT simply wanted to focus its limited resources on rebuilding the Circle Interchange)
2. Fix the Hillside Strangler
3. Widen I-55 to eight lanes from at least Bolingbrook to Downtown Chicago
4. Widen I-90 to eight lanes between the I-94 split and the River Road Toll Plaza (beginning of the Jane Addams Tollway)
5. Reconstruct/reconfigure I-39/US 51/US 20 interchange mess in Rockford (reconfigure to have I-39 use through lanes) and consider expanding I-39 to six lanes south to I-88 (or at least to Baxter Road)
6. Construct the Galena bypass on US 20 and upgrade the rest of the corridor between Galena and Freeport to an expressway using the existing alignment where possible (drop the freeway plans, it's not going to happen)
7. Continue work on the US 67 4 lane expressway.
8. Finish the O'Hare expansion and construct the Western Terminal at O'Hare (on hold because IDOT and the city are pandering to United and American's demands that it not be built because it will actually result in competition and lower prices for consumers)
9. Illiana Expressway.
10. Prairie Parkway. Get the damned funding back for this as the improvements to IL-47 will not be enough.
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2015, 03:41:10 PM
9. Illiana Expressway.
10. Prairie Parkway. Get the damned funding back for this as the improvements to IL-47 will not be enough.
Duh, I can't believe I forgot these. Also, build the connector between the two.
From what I've heard, if they construct anything, it will be a miracle.
Quote from: I-39 on April 22, 2015, 05:29:48 PM
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2015, 03:41:10 PM
9. Illiana Expressway.
10. Prairie Parkway. Get the damned funding back for this as the improvements to IL-47 will not be enough.
Duh, I can't believe I forgot these. Also, build the connector between the two.
Exactly. That would create a bypass from I-65 to I-88 (maybe further north?) connecting I-57, I-55, and I-80 along the way with the huge and growing intermodal facilities near I-55.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 22, 2015, 05:40:42 PM
From what I've heard, if they construct anything, it will be a miracle.
Very true. IDOT, for lack of a better term, is broke. As is the state.
I'll refrain from any political commentary on the subject, but we sure did a great job of pissing away money. If any of these ever gets built, it most likely will be as a tollway.
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2015, 05:43:41 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 22, 2015, 05:40:42 PM
From what I've heard, if they construct anything, it will be a miracle.
Very true. IDOT, for lack of a better term, is broke. As is the state.
I'll refrain from any political commentary on the subject, but we sure did a great job of pissing away money. If any of these ever gets built, it most likely will be as a tollway.
The I-90/I-290/IL-53 interchange would be partially funded by ISTHA, so I don't understand why IDOT couldn't move it up on the priority list.
Similarly, the I-39/US 51/US 20 work needs to be moving up to the top of the list for IDOT, that area is becoming worse by the year.
IDOT needs some serious reforms, and quickly. They are an incredibly pathetic agency.
1. Add a lane (or two) to each direction of I-290 from the Strangler to the Kennedy and fix the Strangler.
2. Add a lane (or two) to each direction of I-55 from 355 to the Dan Ryan.
3. Add a lane to I-80 in the Joliet area, the loss of the third lane really backs up traffic through there.
4. Build the Crosstown Expressway (yes I know it won't happen, so I just saved you from having to say that!)
If they rebuilt 20/39/51 as proposed it would fix most of the problem. 20 would still split to the left but both directions of 39 get high speed ramps with 2 lanes and the grade is reduced for southbound (trucks have problems with the current speed and grade with heavy snow).
Just like idot screwed up with building the new 20 Rock River bridges only 2 lanes wide with a shoulder. They should be ready for 3 lanes, unless the idot thinks they won't need 3 lanes for another 50 years.
Quote from: cwm1276 on April 22, 2015, 06:22:36 PM
If they rebuilt 20/39/51 as proposed it would fix most of the problem. 20 would still split to the left but both directions of 39 get high speed ramps with 2 lanes and the grade is reduced for southbound (trucks have problems with the current speed and grade with heavy snow).
Just like idot screwed up with building the new 20 Rock River bridges only 2 lanes wide with a shoulder. They should be ready for 3 lanes, unless the idot thinks they won't need 3 lanes for another 50 years.
Honestly, only the section between I-90 and the I-39 split off needs three lanes. They ought to reconfigure it to have I-39 use through lanes and having traffic exit I-39 SB to get to US 20 WB, rather than the current configuration. And I-39 needs to be widened to three lanes south to I-88.
There was a project out there for adding a third lane and rebuilding the interchanges on US 20 between IL-2 and I-39, but that has since been removed from the IDOT website. I wonder why.
That section needs it the most. I just don't understand when building freeway bridges why they would not build big enough to fit 4 narrow lanes on one side to accommodate future construction.
I drive that section of 39 nearly weekly, trying to avoid high traffic times as the merging can be difficult especially Harrison on to Southbound 39.
I think just having a high speed ramp to the right for 39 will accomplish solving most of the traffic issues without even more construction. The 1 lane for 39 for a mile at 45 is the crazy problem.
290 between 88/294 and downtown really needs a MASSIVE upgrade. A band aid fix won't help. It needs to be 12 or 14 lanes, no left exits or any of the other bullshit that freeway has. Seriously who designed this. It's trapped in the 50s and 60s. This stretch of 290 is backed up all day every day. If there isn't room, make room. Blue Line can always be moved under ground.
Also the stretch from 355 to 88/294 needs to be 10 lanes.
90 from 294 to 94 also needs a facelift. At least 10 lanes. This road carries people from O'Hare to Chicago. Fix it!
Extend 53 as a FREEWAY. No tolls, no parkway bullshit. At least 55mph; at least 6 lanes and no traffic signals. 50 years later and it still hasn't been built. Honestly even if it were built, I still think 12 would need a massive upgrade. Really needs to be 6 lanes.
Bypass around Barrington.
Here's your chance to let your priorities be known to IDOT. Governor Rauner has scheduled "listening sessions" around the state with IDOT and CDB and may appear at a few of them.
http://www.idot.illinois.gov/about-idot/stay-connected/events/Infrastructure-Investment
Quote from: I-39 on April 22, 2015, 03:35:10 PM
Here is a list of mine. Feel free to add any you think of.
1. Reconstruct/reconfigure the I-90/I-290/IL-53 interchange in Schaumburg (should be happening right now as part of the Addams rebuild, but it was omitted from the final plans for whatever reason. Guess IDOT simply wanted to focus its limited resources on rebuilding the Circle Interchange)
Maybe with a change of IL-53 to toll with IL-53 ext.
Quote from: I-39 on April 22, 2015, 03:35:10 PM
2. Fix the Hillside Strangler
Some plans are to TOLL I-290 to pay for the fix Needs 4 lanes each way all the way in to the city also the toll way is looking at fixing the ramps / I-294 widening on the other side of that.
Quote from: I-39 on April 22, 2015, 03:35:10 PM
3. Widen I-55 to eight lanes from at least Bolingbrook to Downtown Chicago
Tolled HOT lanes in an idea that seems to be in the works.
Quote from: I-39 on April 22, 2015, 03:35:10 PM
4. Widen I-90 to eight lanes between the I-94 split and the River Road Toll Plaza (beginning of the Jane Addams Tollway)
River to Harlem Avenue under way / in planing now. Harlem Avenue to I-94 split has the CTA and jefferson park tunnel / overpass in the way. Also no room at the split
5. Reconstruct/reconfigure I-39/US 51/US 20 interchange mess in Rockford (reconfigure to have I-39 use through lanes) and consider expanding I-39 to six lanes south to I-88 (or at least to Baxter Road)
6. Construct the Galena bypass on US 20 and upgrade the rest of the corridor between Galena and Freeport to an expressway using the existing alignment where possible (drop the freeway plans, it's not going to happen)
7. Continue work on the US 67 4 lane expressway.
8. Finish the O'Hare expansion and construct the Western Terminal at O'Hare (on hold because IDOT and the city are pandering to United and American's demands that it not be built because it will actually result in competition and lower prices for consumers)
[/quote]
I-190 upgrade is due soon?
Quote from: ajlynch91 on April 22, 2015, 06:12:58 PM
1. Add a lane (or two) to each direction of I-290 from the Strangler to the Kennedy and fix the Strangler.
While everyone would love this, good luck finding the space
Seconded on many of the Chicago area suggestions, mainly the Crosstown, Illiana, Prairie Parkway and IL 53 extension, as well as the Hillside Strangler fix.
Quote from: tribar on April 23, 2015, 12:50:19 AM
290 between 88/294 and downtown really needs a MASSIVE upgrade. A band aid fix won't help. It needs to be 12 or 14 lanes, no left exits or any of the other bullshit that freeway has. Seriously who designed this. It's trapped in the 50s and 60s. This stretch of 290 is backed up all day every day. If there isn't room, make room. Blue Line can always be moved under ground.
Also the stretch from 355 to 88/294 needs to be 10 lanes.
90 from 294 to 94 also needs a facelift. At least 10 lanes. This road carries people from O'Hare to Chicago. Fix it!
Extend 53 as a FREEWAY. No tolls, no parkway bullshit. At least 55mph; at least 6 lanes and no traffic signals. 50 years later and it still hasn't been built. Honestly even if it were built, I still think 12 would need a massive upgrade. Really needs to be 6 lanes.
Bypass around Barrington.
More like 65-70 MPH min
Quote from: ET21 on April 23, 2015, 12:51:27 PM
Quote from: ajlynch91 on April 22, 2015, 06:12:58 PM
1. Add a lane (or two) to each direction of I-290 from the Strangler to the Kennedy and fix the Strangler.
While everyone would love this, good luck finding the space
The space is there, although there are constraints with outside shoulder width. The 4 options being studied all include an additional lane each direction in the 6-lane section between 25th and Austin. The extra lanes would either be general purpose, HOV, or HOT. There is also an option being looked at to toll all lanes.
www.eisenhowerexpressway.com
If it meant a 10 lane freeway to Hillside, I'd be perfectly fine tolling it.
I-55 around Springfield needs to be widened to 6 lanes and the sixth street interchange should be reconstructed too.
IDOT is holding a public open house in Springfield about plans to reconstruct the Sixth Street I-55/72 interchange.
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150424/NEWS/150429598
Posted Apr. 24, 2015 at 10:00 PM
Updated at 10:32 PM
More lanes, larger intersections, longer turn lanes and updated traffic signals are needed to ease congestion resulting from more than 37,000 vehicles a day on growing on a section of South Sixth Street in Springfield.
The Illinois Department of Transportation also must find an estimated $20 million to pay for the improvements.
IDOT engineers will outline their plans for Sixth Street between Interstate 72 and Stanford Avenue at a public open house May 19 at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center. IDOT Region 4 engineer Roger Driskell said Friday that the department will outline its plans for Sixth Street with a series of maps and displays.
The goal, Driskell said, is to improve traffic flow in an accident-prone corridor were traffic backups are common, especially during morning and evening commutes.
"We have access issues out there with the short turn lanes and heavy merging traffic," Driskell said.
Traffic flows into the corridor from two heavily traveled highways, Interstate 55 and Interstate 72, as well as into commercial and retail areas that include the Wal-Mart supercenter.
Driskell said improvements include three full traffic lanes in each direction, intersection improvements, added right-turn lanes and longer left-turn lanes. Left-turn lanes that are too short for the volume of vehicles cause many of the traffic backups. Driskell said traffic volume into and out of the area has steadily increased through the years, including a significant jump after Wal-Mart opened in the summer of 2008.
"Now, we have everything basically laid out," Driskell said. "It's going to get people through a lot quicker."
Driskell said there could be other modifications based on public comments at the May 19 open house.
Lisa Andrew of Sherman changed her driving habits more than 17 years ago as a result of the traffic backups at Sixth Street and I-72. Andrew worked at the United Mine Workers of America headquarters at 3695 S. Sixth St. for more than 20 years before the office recently moved to a location off Mathers Road on the city's southwest side.
"I had to get off on Stevenson Drive," Andrew said.
She said it had simply become too hazardous to take I-55 to the I-72 exit onto Sixth Street only to make a left turn from Sixth to the former United Mine Workers office.
"People are fed up by the time they get there, and they won't let you merge," Andrew said.
The village of Southern View, which is on both sides of Sixth Street, recently approved easement to accommodate the Sixth Street changes, primarily along frontage roads on either side, Village President Nora Petrosky said. She said frustrated drivers often cut through village side streets to avoid the traffic on Sixth Street.
"Motorists cut through. Chatham people cut through," Petrosky said. "We have people get lost trying to cut through to the west side (of Springfield)."
As for the $20 million estimated cost, Driskell said construction likely would require a combination of federal, state and local funds. Funding is not yet in long-term transportation plans, but Driskell said IDOT wanted to have the Sixth Street design ready when money does become available.
IDOT also has scheduled a public meeting on statewide transportation needs for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. in Springfield. The meeting is part of a statewide "listening tour" intended to help set priorities for transportation funding.
***
Transportation meetings
The Illinois Department of Transportation is holding two local public meetings in coming weeks, the first as part of a statewide "listening tour" on transportation needs and the second on improvements to South Sixth Street in Springfield. Here are the schedules:
Listening tour: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.
Sixth Street corridor: 5-7 p.m. May 19 at Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. St. Joseph St. Additional information on the Sixth Street project is available online at springfieldsouth6thstexpansion.com
I-39 wrote:
1. Reconstruct/reconfigure the I-90/I-290/IL-53 interchange in Schaumburg (should be happening right now as part of the Addams rebuild, but it was omitted from the final plans for whatever reason. Guess IDOT simply wanted to focus its limited resources on rebuilding the Circle Interchange)
I agree.
2. Fix the Hillside Strangler
The problem isn't the Hillside Strangler anymore. The problem is that collector lanes from Mannheim Rd (US 12/20/45) don't continue as a thru lane. If you make it 4 lanes each way up to Illinois 171 1st Ave, that would help a lot. Of course having it 4 lanes each way would be the optimum option all the way to the Byrne Circle Interchange but baby steps.
3. Widen I-55 to eight lanes from at least Bolingbrook to Downtown Chicago
I would make a reversible 2 lane median similar to the Kennedy from Ashland Ave to Lemont Rd with entrances/exits at Central Ave and County Line Rd. 3 lanes in non rush hour times is fine.
4. Widen I-90 to eight lanes between the I-94 split and the River Road Toll Plaza (beginning of the Jane Addams Tollway)
I agree.
5. Reconstruct/reconfigure I-39/US 51/US 20 interchange mess in Rockford (reconfigure to have I-39 use through lanes) and consider expanding I-39 to six lanes south to I-88 (or at least to Baxter Road)
I disagree. The current interchange is fine and allows for a future spur into Rockford via the ghost ramps. As to the width, US 20 should 6 lanes from I-90 to Bus US 20 State St. I-39 could be widened to 6 lanes south to Baxter Rd but not needed south of that.
6. Construct the Galena bypass on US 20 and upgrade the rest of the corridor between Galena and Freeport to an expressway using the existing alignment where possible (drop the freeway plans, it's not going to happen)
I agree with building the bypass of Galena but I would not give up so easily on the expressway 10 years from now especially if it ends up getting incorporated into the ISTHA.
7. Continue work on the US 67 4 lane expressway.
I agree. Monmouth to Alton would be really nice as a 4 laner.
8. Finish the O'Hare expansion and construct the Western Terminal at O'Hare (on hold because IDOT and the city are pandering to United and American's demands that it not be built because it will actually result in competition and lower prices for consumers)
Well this is out of IDOT's hands. However, I agree it needs to be done though.
Quote from: Brandon on April 22, 2015, 03:41:10 PM
9. Illiana Expressway.
10. Prairie Parkway. Get the damned funding back for this as the improvements to IL-47 will not be enough.
Yes on both. Prairie Pkwy to at least I-90 if not I-94 by Great America. Illiana from I-55 to I-94 by the Indiana Dunes. I would even connect them so that there is a true outer bypass.
Quote from: ajlynch91 on April 22, 2015, 06:12:58 PM
3. Add a lane to I-80 in the Joliet area, the loss of the third lane really backs up traffic through there.
4. Build the Crosstown Expressway (yes I know it won't happen, so I just saved you from having to say that!)
On I-80, it should be 6 lanes from I-55 to US 45 La Grange Rd.
As for the Crosstown, Yes!
Lyon Wonder wrote:
I-55 around Springfield needs to be widened to 6 lanes and the sixth street interchange should be reconstructed too.
I agree with I-55 needing to be 6 lanes. I would have it as such from Toronto Rd to Business 55 at Sherman. As to the Business 55 6th St interchange, it does not need to be reconfigured. 2 lanes each way on 55 plus 2 lanes on 72 in the interchange works well.
Build a bypass of Springfield on I-55.
The I-270 Mississippi River bridge needs to be made at least 3 lanes each way.
Now for my ideas that I haven't commented on.
1. Upgrade Illinois 3 from Waterloo to Grimsby and Illinois 149 from Grimsby to Murphysboro to a 4 lane at grade divided highway. Bypass of Carbondale with an expressway. This would take some of the St Louis-Nashville traffic off of I-57 and I-64 as well as connect S.I.U. better to the St Louis area.
2. Convert US 50 into a "Super 2" with ROW for 2 additional lanes from Salem to Lawrenceville. This is a very busy highway east of Salem to Vincennes.
3. Upgrade US 51 corridor into an expressway from Decatur to I-57 north of Salem with a bypass of Pana and Vandalia. At Patoka, US 51 could continue south on the current alignment but there should be a direct connection to I-57 from here.
4. Widen Illinois 1 to 4 lanes from Illinois 394 to Danville along the current alignment.
5. Widen US 24 to 4 lanes from Washington to Chenoa with at grade bypass of Eureka.
6. Build a new interchange on I-90 at Illinois 23 for a more direct route to/from Marengo and Genoa.
7. Build a new interchange on I-88 at Ashton Rd. 22 miles between Dixon and Rochelle without an exit is too long. Also build one at DeKalb-Kane County Line Rd for a better way to access Maple Park and Kaneville. 23 miles between DeKalb and Aurora to only 2 half interchanges is too far.
8. Widen Illinois 121 to 4 lanes from Lincoln to Decatur.
9. Build a southern Interstate bypass of Champaign-Urbana from I-57 MM 231 to I-74 MM 187. Exits at US 45 Dunlap Ave, Lincoln Ave, Philo Rd, Illinois 130 High Cross Rd, and US 150 University Ave.
10. Build a freeway connection between I-180 near Princeton and Illinois 6 near Peoria west of the current Illinois 29 alignment.
11. Widen Illinois 47 to 4 lanes from Sugar Grove to Morris.
12. Widen Illinois 23 to 4 lanes from Ottawa to Streator.
13. Widen Illinois 17 to 4 lanes from Dwight to Kankakee.
14. Widen US 24 from Kingston Mines to Duncans Mills and US 136 from Duncans Mills to Macomb. This is provide better access to W.I.U. from Peoria and Chicago.
16. Widen US 30 from I-88 Exit 36 near Sterling to East Clinton.
15. Widen all bridge crossings of the Mississippi River to at least 4 lanes. I don't know if each bridge is already at that but this is the number for each bridge:
US 20 at East Dubuque-Dubuque, Iowa to 6 lanes.
US 52, Illinois/Iowa 64 at Savanna-Sabula, Iowa to 4 lanes.
Illnois/Iowa 136 at Fulton-Clinton, Iowa to 4 lanes.
US 30 at East Clinton-Clinton, Iowa to 6 lanes.
I-80 at Rapids City-Le Clare, Iowa to 8 lanes.
I-74 at Moline-Bettendorf, Iowa to 6 lanes.
US 67 at Rock Island-Davenport, Iowa to 4 lanes.
I-280 at Rock Island-Davenport, Iowa to 6 lanes.
Illinois/Iowa 92 at Muscatine, Iowa to 4 lanes.
US 34 at Gulf Port-Burlington, Iowa to 6 lanes.
Illinois 9/Iowa 2 at Niota-Ft Madison, Iowa to 4 lanes.
US 136 at Hamilton-Keokuk, Iowa to 4 lanes.
US 24 at Quincy-Taylor, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-72 near Quincy-Hannibal, Missouri to 6 lanes.
US 54 at Pike-Louisiana, Missouri to 4 lanes.
US 67 at Alton-West Alton, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-270 at Granite City-Spanish Lake, Missouri to 10 lanes.
I-70 at Brooklyn-St Louis, Missouri to 6 lanes.
Martin L King Jr Bridge at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 4 lanes.
Eads Bridge at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-55/64/US 40 at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 10 lanes.
I-255/US 50 at Columbia-St Louis, Missouri to 8 lanes.
Illinois 150/Missouri 51 at Chester-Perryville, Missouri to 4 lanes.
Illinois 146/Missouri 74 at McClure-Cape Girardeau, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-57 at Cairo-Charleston, Missouri to 6 lanes.
US 60/62 at Cairo-Charleston, Missouri to 4 lanes.
16. Widen the Ohio River bridges as follows:
US 51/60/62 at Cairo-Wickliffe, Kentucky to 4 lanes.
I-24 at Metropolis-Paducah, Kentucky to 6 lanes.
US 45 at Brookport-Paducah, Kentucky to 4 lanes.
Illinois 13 at Shawneetown-Morganfield, Kentucky to 4 lanes.
17. Widen the Wabash River bridges to as follows:
Illinois 141/Indiana 62 at Emma-Black, Indiana to 4 lanes.
I-64 at Grayville-Bethel, Indiana to 6 lanes.
Illinois 15/Indiana 64 at Mt Carmel-Patoka, Indiana to 4 lanes.
Old US 50 at Lawrenceville-Vincennes, Indiana to 2 lanes.
US 50 at Lawrenceville-Vincennes, Indiana to 6 lanes.
Clover St/Indiana 154 at Hutsonville-Merom, Indiana to 2 lanes.
18. Widen Illinois River bridges as follows:
Illinois 100 at Hardin to 2 lanes.
Illinois 100/106 at Pittsfield to 2 lanes.
I-72 at Winchester to 6 lanes.
Illinois 104 at Meredosia to 2 lanes.
US 67/Illinois 100 at Beardstown to 4 lanes.
US 36/Illinois 97 at Havana to 4 lanes.
Illinois 9 at Pekin to 4 lanes.
I-474 at Bartonville to 6 lanes.
Illinois 8 at Peoria-East Peoria to 4 lanes.
Illinois 40 at Peoria-East Peoria to 4 lanes.
I-74 at Peoria-East Peoria to 8 lanes.
US 24/150 at Peoria-East Peoria to 6 lanes.
Illinois 17 at Lacon-Sparland to 4 lanes.
Illinois 18 at Henry to 2 lanes.
I-180/Illinois 26 at Hennepin to 4 lanes.
Illinois 89 at Spring Valley to 2 lanes.
Illinois 251 at Peru to 4 lanes.
Illinois 351 at Las Salle to 4 lanes.
I-39 at La Salle to 6 lanes.
Illinois 178 at Utica to 2 lanes.
Illinois 23 at Ottawa to 4 lanes.
Main St at Marsailles to 2 lanes.
Illinois 170 at Seneca to 2 lanes.
Illinois 47 at Morris to 4 lanes.
19. Other bridge widenings:
I-39 Kishwaukee River at Rockford to 6 lanes.
I-55 Des Plaines River at Channahon to 6 lanes.
I-55 Kankakee River at Wilmington to 6 lanes.
I-74 Rock River at Moline to 8 lanes.
I-80 Des Plaines River at Joliet to 8 lanes.
I-80 DuPage River at Shorewood to 6 lanes.
I-80 Fox River at Ottawa to 6 lanes.
I-80 Rock River at Colona to 6 lanes.
I-88 Rock River at Rock Falls to 6 lanes.
I-90 Fox River at Elgin to 8 lanes.
That's good for now.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on April 25, 2015, 04:45:13 PM
Build a bypass of Springfield on I-55.
Agreed. I forgot that one.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:16:42 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on April 25, 2015, 04:45:13 PM
Build a bypass of Springfield on I-55.
Agreed. I forgot that one.
Actually, i would be fine with them just building bypasses of the US66 bypasses that I55 borrowed and never gave back.
Interstate 57: Honestly it is fine as is outside of Chicago, as a truck driver the lane count is just right.
Build a "Signature" bridge for I-270.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
US 67 at Alton-West Alton, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-270 at Granite City-Spanish Lake, Missouri to 10 lanes.
I-70 at Brooklyn-St Louis, Missouri to 6 lanes.
Martin L King Jr Bridge at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 4 lanes.
Eads Bridge at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-55/64/US 40 at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 10 lanes.
I-255/US 50 at Columbia-St Louis, Missouri to 8 lanes.
I live in South St Louis County. Here's my perspective on the local bridges.
The Alton Bridge is 4 lanes.
10 lanes would be overkill on 270. There are only six lanes on the west side of the bridge and four on the east side. It should be widened from four to six lanes with room for eight when 270 is widened to six lanes on both sides of the river. Ideally it should be six lanes to 255 west to the river with an eight lane bridge.
The new I-70 bridge can be expanded to six lanes when traffic warrants it. Right now it doesn't.
The MLK was reduced to 3 lanes because it's not wide enough for four and there were too many accidents. It also has a lot less traffic since the new I-70 bridge opened. It probably would be fine to reduce it to two lanes for now.
The Eads Bridge was reduced to two lanes from four because there wasn't that much traffic. It's more useful to have the bridge also carry bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
The eastbound Poplar St Bridge will be widened to five lanes. The widening the westbound lanes won't make sense until there are more than four lanes to go to in St Louis. When that happens, it should be ten lanes as the traffic into the city backs up badly every morning.
The JB Bridge doesn't get enough traffic to warrant making any wider.
St Louis could also use another bridge south of downtown, perhaps from just south of the AB Brewery to I-255, but even to IL 3 would help.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 04:05:54 PM
On I-80, it should be 6 lanes from I-55 to US 45 La Grange Rd.
It's already 6 lanes from 96th Avenue (US-45) (when the fuck did it become La Grange Road there!?! IMHO, IDOT has mis-signed it) to Maple Street (US-30). District 3 already has it set up to be widened to 6 lanes from the county line (Will/Kendall) to IL-47 in Morris.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
11. Widen Illinois 47 to 4 lanes from Sugar Grove to Morris.
In progress as we speak from Morris to Yorkville (and finished through most of Yorkville). The utilities from the south end of Yorkville to Morris are being moved right now to prepare for the road widening.
US-30 is undergoing something similar from I-55 to IL-59 in Joliet and Plainfield.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
19. Other bridge widenings:
I-55 Des Plaines River at Channahon to 6 lanes.
I-55 Kankakee River at Wilmington to 6 lanes.
I-80 Des Plaines River at Joliet to 8 lanes.
I-80 DuPage River at Shorewood to 6 lanes.
All sorely needed, especially the I-55 bridges. Widening the DuPage River bridge is nothing compared to the other three.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
I-90 Fox River at Elgin to 8 lanes.
ISTHA is widening this to 8 lanes right now as part of the NW Tollway project.
Quote from: skluth on April 25, 2015, 08:31:41 PM
10 lanes would be overkill on 270. There are only six lanes on the west side of the bridge and four on the east side. It should be widened from four to six lanes with room for eight when 270 is widened to six lanes on both sides of the river. Ideally it should be six lanes to 255 west to the river with an eight lane bridge.
I could see 10 lanes there on I-270 there eventually - four through lanes plus one auxiliary lane each way between Riverview and IL 3. Might not be needed now, but when the main channel bridge is replaced, I would hope it would at least have extra space striped out until needed.
The new I-70 bridge can be expanded to six lanes when traffic warrants it. Right now it doesn't.
Quote from: skluth
The eastbound Poplar St Bridge will be widened to five lanes. The widening the westbound lanes won't make sense until there are more than four lanes to go to in St Louis. When that happens, it should be ten lanes as the traffic into the city backs up badly every morning.
How are the lanes going to be configured after the ramp rebuilds at the western end are completed? I thought there were going to be two lanes for WB US 40, two lanes for SB I-55, and a ramp with no advance lane going to the depressed section, which would make it possible to have five WB lanes.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
19. Other bridge widenings:
I-39 Kishwaukee River at Rockford to 6 lanes.
That's good for now.
May as well say 6 lanes for I-39 from Rockford to at least I-80
Quote from: skluth on April 25, 2015, 08:31:41 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
US 67 at Alton-West Alton, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-270 at Granite City-Spanish Lake, Missouri to 10 lanes.
I-70 at Brooklyn-St Louis, Missouri to 6 lanes.
Martin L King Jr Bridge at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 4 lanes.
Eads Bridge at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 4 lanes.
I-55/64/US 40 at East St Louis-St Louis, Missouri to 10 lanes.
I-255/US 50 at Columbia-St Louis, Missouri to 8 lanes.
I live in South St Louis County. Here's my perspective on the local bridges.
The Alton Bridge is 4 lanes.
10 lanes would be overkill on 270. There are only six lanes on the west side of the bridge and four on the east side. It should be widened from four to six lanes with room for eight when 270 is widened to six lanes on both sides of the river. Ideally it should be six lanes to 255 west to the river with an eight lane bridge.
The new I-70 bridge can be expanded to six lanes when traffic warrants it. Right now it doesn't.
The MLK was reduced to 3 lanes because it's not wide enough for four and there were too many accidents. It also has a lot less traffic since the new I-70 bridge opened. It probably would be fine to reduce it to two lanes for now.
The Eads Bridge was reduced to two lanes from four because there wasn't that much traffic. It's more useful to have the bridge also carry bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
The eastbound Poplar St Bridge will be widened to five lanes. The widening the westbound lanes won't make sense until there are more than four lanes to go to in St Louis. When that happens, it should be ten lanes as the traffic into the city backs up badly every morning.
The JB Bridge doesn't get enough traffic to warrant making any wider.
St Louis could also use another bridge south of downtown, perhaps from just south of the AB Brewery to I-255, but even to IL 3 would help.
10 lanes is 5 each direction.
Quote from: Brandon on April 25, 2015, 09:26:10 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 04:05:54 PM
On I-80, it should be 6 lanes from I-55 to US 45 La Grange Rd.
It's already 6 lanes from 96th Avenue (US-45) (when the fuck did it become La Grange Road there!?! IMHO, IDOT has mis-signed it) to Maple Street (US-30). District 3 already has it set up to be widened to 6 lanes from the county line (Will/Kendall) to IL-47 in Morris.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
11. Widen Illinois 47 to 4 lanes from Sugar Grove to Morris.
In progress as we speak from Morris to Yorkville (and finished through most of Yorkville). The utilities from the south end of Yorkville to Morris are being moved right now to prepare for the road widening.
US-30 is undergoing something similar from I-55 to IL-59 in Joliet and Plainfield.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
19. Other bridge widenings:
I-55 Des Plaines River at Channahon to 6 lanes.
I-55 Kankakee River at Wilmington to 6 lanes.
I-80 Des Plaines River at Joliet to 8 lanes.
I-80 DuPage River at Shorewood to 6 lanes.
All sorely needed, especially the I-55 bridges. Widening the DuPage River bridge is nothing compared to the other three.
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 06:15:49 PM
I-90 Fox River at Elgin to 8 lanes.
ISTHA is widening this to 8 lanes right now as part of the NW Tollway project.
I have seen that signed as both 96th Ave and La Grange Rd as far south as US 30.
I57 bridge at Cairo, give it lighting at night. It is a dark bridge, just navigation aid lights. Even basic overhead from the truss would be better.
Oh, I forgot one. Extend Interstate 39 to Decatur and possibly beyond.
Quote from: I-39 on April 27, 2015, 07:11:06 PM
Oh, I forgot one. Extend Interstate 39 to Decatur and possibly beyond.
I did say that.
"3. Upgrade US 51 corridor into an expressway from Decatur to I-57 north of Salem with a bypass of Pana and Vandalia. At Patoka, US 51 could continue south on the current alignment but there should be a direct connection to I-57 from here."
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 27, 2015, 08:19:50 PM
Quote from: I-39 on April 27, 2015, 07:11:06 PM
Oh, I forgot one. Extend Interstate 39 to Decatur and possibly beyond.
I did say that.
"3. Upgrade US 51 corridor into an expressway from Decatur to I-57 north of Salem with a bypass of Pana and Vandalia. At Patoka, US 51 could continue south on the current alignment but there should be a direct connection to I-57 from here."
It should not be an expressway, but rather a freeway. Or at least an expressway that could be upgraded to freeway later (like Wisconsin). I would rebuild the section of US 51 between Bloomington and Decatur to interstate standards now though.
I have been to a listening session ...nothing on specific projects and a push for devices to read your mileage driven.
Quote from: I-39 on April 27, 2015, 08:56:25 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 27, 2015, 08:19:50 PM
Quote from: I-39 on April 27, 2015, 07:11:06 PM
Oh, I forgot one. Extend Interstate 39 to Decatur and possibly beyond.
I did say that.
"3. Upgrade US 51 corridor into an expressway from Decatur to I-57 north of Salem with a bypass of Pana and Vandalia. At Patoka, US 51 could continue south on the current alignment but there should be a direct connection to I-57 from here."
It should not be an expressway, but rather a freeway. Or at least an expressway that could be upgraded to freeway later (like Wisconsin). I would rebuild the section of US 51 between Bloomington and Decatur to interstate standards now though.
I should have made that clear that I imply for US 51 expressway to Salem being able to be easily turned into a freeway when I-39 gets extended south, whenever that is.
With regard to the ideas for the Ohio & Wabash bridges, most won't be necessary, 10 years from now, or ever. There just isn't the traffic.
Besides, the Old 50 and Indiana 154 bridges are already 2 lanes.
The new Mt. Carmel bridge is wide enough that it could be striped for 4 lanes.
Quote from: Brandon on April 25, 2015, 09:26:10 PM
It's already 6 lanes from 96th Avenue (US-45) (when the fuck did it become La Grange Road there!?! IMHO, IDOT has mis-signed it) to Maple Street (US-30). District 3 already has it set up to be widened to 6 lanes from the county line (Will/Kendall) to IL-47 in Morris.
I've lived in the area my entire life, and no one I've met from Orland Park or Mokena calls the street 96th Avenue. Everyone calls it LaGrange, and there is an Old Lagrange just south of I-80. A few call it route 45. 96th Avenue is a name of the past.
Two things I'd like to see:
1. That Harlem/I-80 cloverleaf has to go. A SPUI would work much better. Way too much weaving by 191st Street. Harlem drivers weaving toward a right turn lane. Eastbound I-80 ramp traffic trying to get on Harlem. Concert traffic needs to get all the way across to make a left in less than a mile. Same with 183rd on the north end. Westbound I-80 exit has to cut across three lanes in a half mile if they want to get to places west of IL-43 on 183rd Street. Most of the problem is on Harlem/IL-43, and a left turn maneuver is better than having cars cut across multiple lanes.
2. US 30 is a miserable drive from Crest Hill to Sugar Grove, specifically from I-55 to IL-56. It needs a widening and/or a complete reroute. Traffic was really heavy, including the IL-47 overlap and all of it needs more lanes. It would also help if there were fewer turns.
A few in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago:
Cook County NW:
- Widen IL Route 68 (Dundee Road) to four lanes with a turn lane west of Hicks Road in Palatine to at least IL 59.
- Widen IL Route 62 (Algonquin Road) to four lanes west of the IL Route 68 overlap to IL Route 25.
- Widen IL Route 59 to four lanes north of IL Route 72 into Barrington.
- Widen Barrington Road North of I-90 to four lanes to its merge with IL Route 59.
- This is different than a lot of other's ideas, but remove the half hazard express/local system on Palatine Road, and convert the full length into a six lane boulevard with lighting (keep the overpasses where they exist), but make all other intersections normal (the timing of those stoplights is downright obnoxious).
- Widen Palatine Road west of Plum Grove Road though Palatine to two lanes with a center turn lane (and curves), and then widen Palatine Road west of Quentin Road to four lanes with a turn lane to IL Route 59.
- Widen Meacham Road north of IL Route 68 to four lanes to where it becomes Plum Grove Road.
- Widen IL Route 72 west of Golf Road to six lanes to the Kane County line with the addition of lighting in the segments still without it (except for the sections already widened).
- Widen IL Route 58 (Golf Road) east of I-290 to six lanes to just east of I-90 along with the addition of lighting (in between two six lane segments right now, though I wonder if there are plans once the tollway widening is complete).
- Widen IL Route 58 (Golf Road) west of Barrington Road to four lanes to Waverly Drive.
- Widen Central Road east of Wolf Road to four lanes to at least IL Route 21 (Milwaukee Ave).
Lake County NW:
- Widen US Route 12 (Rand Road) to six lanes from Lake Cook Road to at least IL Route 22 along with the addition of lighting (coordinate with Cook County on Lake Cook Road Widening west of 53 spur).
- Widen IL Route 22 to four lanes west of IL Route 83 to Quentin Road.
- Widen existing IL Route 53 to four lanes north of Lake Cook Road to its terminus (and tell Long Grove to shove it if they don't like it).
- Widen Lake Cook Road west of Quentin Road to four lanes with a turn lane into Barrington (I believe this segment is IDOT).
- In general, add more lighting to some of the roads in the Lincolnshire/Riverwoods area (IL Route 21 specifically).
Kane County North:
- Widen IL Route 68 from west of IL Route 62 to four lanes to its western terminous.
- Widen IL Route 72 west of IL Route 31 to four lanes to Randall Road.
- Widen IL Route 31 north of Huntley Road to four lanes into the new Algonquin Bypass.
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM
A few in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago:
Cook County NW:
- Widen IL Route 68 (Dundee Road) to four lanes with a turn lane west of Hicks Road in Palatine to at least IL 59.
- Widen IL Route 62 (Algonquin Road) to four lanes west of the IL Route 68 overlap to IL Route 25.
- Widen IL Route 59 to four lanes north of IL Route 72 into Barrington.
- Widen Barrington Road North of I-90 to four lanes to its merge with IL Route 59.
- This is different than a lot of other's ideas, but remove the half hazard express/local system on Palatine Road, and convert the full length into a six lane boulevard with lighting (keep the overpasses where they exist), but make all other intersections normal (the timing of those stoplights is downright obnoxious).
- Widen Palatine Road west of Plum Grove Road though Palatine to two lanes with a center turn lane (and curves), and then widen Palatine Road west of Quentin Road to four lanes with a turn lane to IL Route 59.
- Widen Meacham Road north of IL Route 68 to four lanes to where it becomes Plum Grove Road.
- Widen IL Route 72 west of Golf Road to six lanes to the Kane County line with the addition of lighting in the segments still without it (except for the sections already widened).
- Widen IL Route 58 (Golf Road) east of I-290 to six lanes to just east of I-90 along with the addition of lighting (in between two six lane segments right now, though I wonder if there are plans once the tollway widening is complete).
- Widen IL Route 58 (Golf Road) west of Barrington Road to four lanes to Waverly Drive.
- Widen Central Road east of Wolf Road to four lanes to at least IL Route 21 (Milwaukee Ave).
Lake County NW:
- Widen US Route 12 (Rand Road) to six lanes from Lake Cook Road to at least IL Route 22 along with the addition of lighting (coordinate with Cook County on Lake Cook Road Widening west of 53 spur).
- Widen IL Route 22 to four lanes west of IL Route 83 to Quentin Road.
- Widen existing IL Route 53 to four lanes north of Lake Cook Road to its terminus (and tell Long Grove to shove it if they don't like it).
- Widen Lake Cook Road west of Quentin Road to four lanes with a turn lane into Barrington (I believe this segment is IDOT).
- In general, add more lighting to some of the roads in the Lincolnshire/Riverwoods area (IL Route 21 specifically).
Kane County North:
- Widen IL Route 68 from west of IL Route 62 to four lanes to its western terminous.
- Widen IL Route 72 west of IL Route 31 to four lanes to Randall Road.
- Widen IL Route 31 north of Huntley Road to four lanes into the new Algonquin Bypass.
Central Road issue is the rail bridge the rest of area has wide shoulders and the river bridge is 4 lanes wide as well the rail grade crossing (ready for 4 lanes) At the very least widen river road intersection to 2 lanes each way + turn lines with arrows on the light. (like how Milwaukee / greenwood is) also deerpath from central to Milwaukee (looks to be ready for 4 lanes now)
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM
A few in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago:
Cook County NW:
- Widen IL Route 62 (Algonquin Road) to four lanes west of the IL Route 68 overlap to IL Route 25.
Rumor has it Barrington Hills was backing down on their opposition to this project. Might be one of those projects that gets on a faster traffic after Kane County's Longmeadow Parkway is completed and IL 62 gets even more congested.
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM- Widen IL Route 59 to four lanes north of IL Route 72 into Barrington.
- Widen Barrington Road North of I-90 to four lanes to its merge with IL Route 59.
I could see widening both up to IL 68, but IMHO there should be a solution planned for getting north-south traffic through or around Barrington before any widening of either route north of IL 68.
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM
- Widen Meacham Road north of IL Route 68 to four lanes to where it becomes Plum Grove Road.
A study of just adding a center turn lane to Meacham north of IL 62 died fairly recently. Could be revived if the new ramps to/from WB I-90 up the volumes further on Meacham.
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM- Widen IL Route 58 (Golf Road) east of I-290 to six lanes to just east of I-90 along with the addition of lighting (in between two six lane segments right now, though I wonder if there are plans once the tollway widening is complete).
Filling this gap is a long-term wishlist project for IDOT.
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM- Widen IL Route 58 (Golf Road) west of Barrington Road to four lanes to Waverly Drive.
Ain't happening anytime soon - supposedly too many issues with Cook County Forest Preserve, which IDOT would need ROW from - and cannot use eminent domain on to get such ROW.
Lake County NW:
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM- Widen US Route 12 (Rand Road) to six lanes from Lake Cook Road to at least IL Route 22 along with the addition of lighting (coordinate with Cook County on Lake Cook Road Widening west of 53 spur).
A study of six laning US 12 was rumored to have been underway by Lake County, but the county is being extremely quiet about the study.
Quote from: ChiMilNet on May 18, 2015, 11:38:49 PM- Widen IL Route 22 to four lanes west of IL Route 83 to Quentin Road.
Under study: Link. (http://www.il22study.org/Index.html)
Quote from: Brandon on April 25, 2015, 09:26:10 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 04:05:54 PM
On I-80, it should be 6 lanes from I-55 to US 45 La Grange Rd.
It's already 6 lanes from 96th Avenue (US-45) (when the fuck did it become La Grange Road there!?! IMHO, IDOT has mis-signed it) to Maple Street (US-30). District 3 already has it set up to be widened to 6 lanes from the county line (Will/Kendall) to IL-47 in Morris.
I've always called it LaGrange Road. 96th Ave is not used unless you want actual numbers, but always has been LaGrange to me
Quote from: ET21 on May 21, 2015, 03:36:00 PM
Quote from: Brandon on April 25, 2015, 09:26:10 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on April 25, 2015, 04:05:54 PM
On I-80, it should be 6 lanes from I-55 to US 45 La Grange Rd.
It's already 6 lanes from 96th Avenue (US-45) (when the fuck did it become La Grange Road there!?! IMHO, IDOT has mis-signed it) to Maple Street (US-30). District 3 already has it set up to be widened to 6 lanes from the county line (Will/Kendall) to IL-47 in Morris.
I've always called it LaGrange Road. 96th Ave is not used unless you want actual numbers, but always has been LaGrange to me
It depends on where one is. Further north, it is La Grange Road. Down this way, it was 96th Avenue long before La Grange Road was "extended" southward.
Dare I say widening lake street (us 20) to 6 lanes (From 290 to Elgin O'hare and possibly westwards past Randall.) I'm sure many of us, me especially, will avoid Elgin O'hare starting next year because of the ridiculous $2.10 toll.
As well as widening Irving park to at least 4 lanes throughout (that stupid part in Itasca and in Schaumburg). IDOT already has plans on widening Irving Park in Streamwood from Bartlett rd to Schaumburg road next year.
And widening IL 25/31 to 4/5 lanes.
Widening 59 from 88 to 90 to 6 lanes (many intersections on 59 from north ave to 90 don't even have dedicated right turn lanes-and this part of 59 was last widened 20 years ago!)
DuDOT taking over that little piece of Stearns rd from County Farm rd to Bartlett Rd, making it into a county road and making it 5 lanes.
Cook county widening West Bartlett road to 5 lanes the entire distance.
And Yes to the above post!! Widening golf road in Hoffman Estates/Elgin.
And some more rail overpasses especially that CP rail line on 59 in Bartlett, that same train on 25/Stearns, and on Randall.
Quote from: Super Mateo on May 11, 2015, 04:37:33 PM
US 30 is a miserable drive from Crest Hill to Sugar Grove, specifically from I-55 to IL-56. It needs a widening and/or a complete reroute. Traffic was really heavy, including the IL-47 overlap and all of it needs more lanes. It would also help if there were fewer turns.
The US 30 corridor is being pieced together with add lanes projects. I-55 to IL-59 is in beginning stages of construction, but its my understanding that some parts will be 3 lane instead of 5 lane. The stretch thru Montgomery from US 34 to IL-31 will be completed sometime this year. The stretch from IL 31 to IL 47 is under study by IDOT District 1. The multiplex stretch with IL 47 from the Kendall County Line to Sugar Grove is part of the study being done by IDOT District 3 as part of its 47 study and will probably get funded for construction if the state does a capital bill any time soon...but it is the most complex stretch, with the railroad underpasses in Sugar Grove and north Yorkville, and with District 3 being responsible for the part of 47 in Kendall County and District 1 for the part in Kane.