Illinois 53 Extension

[quickshade]

With the latest transportation bill being passed and this project being listed at least to be studied I don't see how it would take 10 more years before they final decide to fund it.

[dietermoreno]

What transportation bill being passed?  I thought the road would mostly be funded by ISTHA ,Lake County, system wide toll increases and or modifications to toll collection points,  a Lake county gas tax, and a Tax Increment Financing District, with the over a billion funding shortfall having no funding sources determined yet.

[quickshade]

The federal bill just passed last week. 7.5 Billion over the next 5 years for Illinois roadways alone. It seems IDOT is going to come out with a long range plan on what's coming up in the next 5 years.

Honestly they should put up money for the route 120 improvements and let the tollway handle the 53 extension. If both agreed to fund those projects I don't see how it could get delayed. Of course this is Illinois we are talking.

[dietermoreno]

The IL 53 extension has now moved on to the Environmental Impact Study.  This is estimated to take four to five years and cost 40 to 50 million dollars.

Also, the mayor of Hawthorn Grove plans to file law suits.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-tollway-route-53-met-20151208-story.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-rutter-route-53-st-0102-20151231-column.html

So pessimistically, if the study takes five years to complete and starts now, and is followed by two years of arbitration before a record of decision is given, and the tollway does not have contracts lined up until two years after that before utility removal begins, then utility removal will not begin until January 2025.  So almost a decade more to go being pessimistic.

So pessimistically, if the construction takes as long as the EOWA and takes 12 years built in segments, then construction of all IL -53 - IL -120 tollway segments will not be complete until 2037.  So more than two more decades to go being pessimistic.

[triplemultiplex]

That does not sound pessimistic to me.  That sounds accurate.
Makes me wonder if there will be an AARoads forum 21 years from now. 

[ChiMilNet]

The IL 53 extension has now moved on to the Environmental Impact Study.  This is estimated to take four to five years and cost 40 to 50 million dollars.

Also, the mayor of Hawthorn Grove plans to file law suits.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-tollway-route-53-met-20151208-story.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-rutter-route-53-st-0102-20151231-column.html

So pessimistically, if the study takes five years to complete and starts now, and is followed by two years of arbitration before a record of decision is given, and the tollway does not have contracts lined up until two years after that before utility removal begins, then utility removal will not begin until January 2025.  So almost a decade more to go being pessimistic.

So pessimistically, if the construction takes as long as the EOWA and takes 12 years built in segments, then construction of all IL -53 - IL -120 tollway segments will not be complete until 2037.  So more than two more decades to go being pessimistic.

I'd like to know how it takes 5 years to do an EIS? Is this just to try to appease Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods??? Seriously, have them drive during a normal weekday through Lake County (especially those areas). I think they'll come to a consensus rather quickly with that on an EIS! Seriously, do they take fumes from cars just sitting into account? Economically and environmentally, I just fail to see how holding this up could do any good. Everyone has cited the costs of this project, yet waiting is only going to make that go up!

[The Ghostbuster]

And probably in the end, the extension won't be built.

[I-39]

I've changed my mind. I now fully support tolling the existing IL-53 between I-90 and Lake Cook Road to help pay for this extension. Tolling that segment could also help pay for needed reconstruction on that segment as well as reconstruction/reconfiguration of the I-90/I-290/IL-53 system interchange.

It really is the only logical solution to help pay for the gap in funding. I don't know how else they would do it.

However, I still think the extension needs to be built as a six lane expressway. 

[quickshade]

"To promote an informed and transparent discussion about the Illinois Route 53/120 Project, the Illinois
Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation are undertaking an environmental impact
statement to provide a thorough evaluation detailing a full range of alternatives and the impacts of
each,"  said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov. "This process will ensure a
comprehensive review of environmental sensitivities and regional traffic mobility impacts and that
community engagement is included as part of this project."  

From yesterdays press release http://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/10157/04bb84cf-9cd2-4ea6-b80e-ee463f26643c

[Revive 755]

I'd like to know how it takes 5 years to do an EIS? Is this just to try to appease Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods???

More likely it is to do a very thorough EIS so the EIS holds up to the inevitable court challenges by Long Grove, Hawthorne Woods, and the miscellaneous environmental groups.  They will probably have to do a decent amount of alternative analysis, including upgrades to the existing roads versus a new facility, as well as verify the alignment that is currently having ROW protected is actually the best one.  There are also the wetland impacts to be looked at, especially since they have recently doomed many other projects such as the Richmond (IL) Bypass and could easily wipe out the IL 53 extension.

[ChiMilNet]

I'd like to know how it takes 5 years to do an EIS? Is this just to try to appease Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods???

More likely it is to do a very thorough EIS so the EIS holds up to the inevitable court challenges by Long Grove, Hawthorne Woods, and the miscellaneous environmental groups.  They will probably have to do a decent amount of alternative analysis, including upgrades to the existing roads versus a new facility, as well as verify the alignment that is currently having ROW protected is actually the best one.  There are also the wetland impacts to be looked at, especially since they have recently doomed many other projects such as the Richmond (IL) Bypass and could easily wipe out the IL 53 extension.

So, in short, the answer to the second part of my question is "yes". So sad, because I honestly just think of the wasted time and money to all parties involved, including Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods. Being someone who lives near where the extension would be build (but on the Cook County side, luckily), I just fail to see how these towns can look at the development that is coming (it's already there), and determine that nothing should be done. I know there are wetlands, but I would have to think fumes from stalled cars also contribute to environmental concerns. 

[Joe The Dragon]

I'd like to know how it takes 5 years to do an EIS? Is this just to try to appease Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods???

More likely it is to do a very thorough EIS so the EIS holds up to the inevitable court challenges by Long Grove, Hawthorne Woods, and the miscellaneous environmental groups.  They will probably have to do a decent amount of alternative analysis, including upgrades to the existing roads versus a new facility, as well as verify the alignment that is currently having ROW protected is actually the best one.  There are also the wetland impacts to be looked at, especially since they have recently doomed many other projects such as the Richmond (IL) Bypass and could easily wipe out the IL 53 extension.

and they need to get past the 45 MPH part. When other roads are higher.

Now can they build IL-120 part with out Long Grove, Hawthorne Woods

[I-39]

"To promote an informed and transparent discussion about the Illinois Route 53/120 Project, the Illinois
Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation are undertaking an environmental impact
statement to provide a thorough evaluation detailing a full range of alternatives and the impacts of
each,"  said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov. "This process will ensure a
comprehensive review of environmental sensitivities and regional traffic mobility impacts and that
community engagement is included as part of this project."  

From yesterdays press release http://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/10157/04bb84cf-9cd2-4ea6-b80e-ee463f26643c

Does this mean the six lane expressway is still on the table?

[tribar]

I'd like to know how it takes 5 years to do an EIS? Is this just to try to appease Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods???

More likely it is to do a very thorough EIS so the EIS holds up to the inevitable court challenges by Long Grove, Hawthorne Woods, and the miscellaneous environmental groups.  They will probably have to do a decent amount of alternative analysis, including upgrades to the existing roads versus a new facility, as well as verify the alignment that is currently having ROW protected is actually the best one.  There are also the wetland impacts to be looked at, especially since they have recently doomed many other projects such as the Richmond (IL) Bypass and could easily wipe out the IL 53 extension.

and they need to get past the 45 MPH part. When other roads are higher.

Now can they build IL-120 part with out Long Grove, Hawthorne Woods

I don't see why not.  120 needs to be widened even without the 53 extension.

[quickshade]

"To promote an informed and transparent discussion about the Illinois Route 53/120 Project, the Illinois
Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation are undertaking an environmental impact
statement to provide a thorough evaluation detailing a full range of alternatives and the impacts of
each,"  said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov. "This process will ensure a
comprehensive review of environmental sensitivities and regional traffic mobility impacts and that
community engagement is included as part of this project."  

From yesterdays press release http://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/10157/04bb84cf-9cd2-4ea6-b80e-ee463f26643c

Does this mean the six lane expressway is still on the table?

Yes, This study will determine which option is best suited to help move traffic through the area and less likely to affect the environment. It will study all options and will make a recommendation on the one that will have the best benefits to the economy, traffic, future development and of course the environment. It will go out to bid with the study starting this fall. I'd expect the study to take 2-3 years maybe 3-4 depending on how much data they want to have. From there all the options will be presented most likely to the board and then the community.

I'd expect another 2 year process to finalize the choice, acquire any land rights and most likely another 2 years to finalize everything else  and send it out to bid. 6-8 years would be my best guess before construction would begin. If any lawsuits come up, 8-10 years. 2022-2026 would be estimated start date. Imagine whole project finished by 2030-32.

Of course i'm be optimistic, but it seems Lake County is really pushing this. I've had a few people tell me that this is "going to happen" regardless of what any does to try and stop it and that they are ready to commit full resources to the project after the study. And i've been hearing some people that have mentioned it here and there for the past few years talk like it's going to happen.

[I-39]

"To promote an informed and transparent discussion about the Illinois Route 53/120 Project, the Illinois
Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation are undertaking an environmental impact
statement to provide a thorough evaluation detailing a full range of alternatives and the impacts of
each,"  said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov. "This process will ensure a
comprehensive review of environmental sensitivities and regional traffic mobility impacts and that
community engagement is included as part of this project."  

From yesterdays press release http://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/10157/04bb84cf-9cd2-4ea6-b80e-ee463f26643c

Does this mean the six lane expressway is still on the table?

Yes, This study will determine which option is best suited to help move traffic through the area and less likely to affect the environment. It will study all options and will make a recommendation on the one that will have the best benefits to the economy, traffic, future development and of course the environment. It will go out to bid with the study starting this fall. I'd expect the study to take 2-3 years maybe 3-4 depending on how much data they want to have. From there all the options will be presented most likely to the board and then the community.

I'd expect another 2 year process to finalize the choice, acquire any land rights and most likely another 2 years to finalize everything else  and send it out to bid. 6-8 years would be my best guess before construction would begin. If any lawsuits come up, 8-10 years. 2022-2026 would be estimated start date. Imagine whole project finished by 2030-32.

Of course i'm be optimistic, but it seems Lake County is really pushing this. I've had a few people tell me that this is "going to happen" regardless of what any does to try and stop it and that they are ready to commit full resources to the project after the study. And i've been hearing some people that have mentioned it here and there for the past few years talk like it's going to happen.

I hope your right. However, I hope they realize that anything less than a six lane expressway will not solve the problem. This parkway nonsense has got to stop. The point of the IL-53 extension was to provide Lake County with another HIGH SPEED roadway. If I want a 45 mph four lane road, I'll take US 12.

[Joe The Dragon]

"To promote an informed and transparent discussion about the Illinois Route 53/120 Project, the Illinois
Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation are undertaking an environmental impact
statement to provide a thorough evaluation detailing a full range of alternatives and the impacts of
each,"  said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov. "This process will ensure a
comprehensive review of environmental sensitivities and regional traffic mobility impacts and that
community engagement is included as part of this project."  

From yesterdays press release http://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/10157/04bb84cf-9cd2-4ea6-b80e-ee463f26643c

Does this mean the six lane expressway is still on the table?

Yes, This study will determine which option is best suited to help move traffic through the area and less likely to affect the environment. It will study all options and will make a recommendation on the one that will have the best benefits to the economy, traffic, future development and of course the environment. It will go out to bid with the study starting this fall. I'd expect the study to take 2-3 years maybe 3-4 depending on how much data they want to have. From there all the options will be presented most likely to the board and then the community.

I'd expect another 2 year process to finalize the choice, acquire any land rights and most likely another 2 years to finalize everything else  and send it out to bid. 6-8 years would be my best guess before construction would begin. If any lawsuits come up, 8-10 years. 2022-2026 would be estimated start date. Imagine whole project finished by 2030-32.

Of course i'm be optimistic, but it seems Lake County is really pushing this. I've had a few people tell me that this is "going to happen" regardless of what any does to try and stop it and that they are ready to commit full resources to the project after the study. And i've been hearing some people that have mentioned it here and there for the past few years talk like it's going to happen.

I hope your right. However, I hope they realize that anything less than a six lane expressway will not solve the problem. This parkway nonsense has got to stop. The point of the IL-53 extension was to provide Lake County with another HIGH SPEED roadway. If I want a 45 mph four lane road, I'll take US 12.

US-12 has 50-55 parts. Now will there be some kind of US-12 upgrade as an alt?

[Rick Powell]

Lake County Chairman changes stance on IL 53 extension

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160516/news/160519062/

[I-39]

Lake County Chairman changes stance on IL 53 extension

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160516/news/160519062/

In other words, it's almost officially dead forever. Great...........

[Joe The Dragon]

the  45 mph parkway part needs to die.

But I think an toll road is better then upgrading us12, IL-83, IL-60 and IL-120.

[tribar]

Wonder how much money Long Grove and Hawthorn Woods threw at him.

[johndoe780]

Lake County Chairman changes stance on IL 53 extension

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160516/news/160519062/

In other words, it's almost officially dead forever. Great...........

Maybe, maybe not.

Long Grove and Hawthorne woods are shooting themselves in the foot with this NIMBY.

First, Lake county doesn't levy a 4 cent per gallon gas tax like Dupage and Kane county do-Lake county doesn't levy a tax at all.

Two, if this highway was built, I'd imagine it would be mildly successful as it's in a prime location. If the area gets built up with tons of industrial and commercial complexes, the tax revenue would be astounding.

Third, I'll point to the Virginia Dulles Greenway/626. Built 30 years ago. Look at it now, Greenway has extremely high toll-close to $5-6 just to be on it, and  Virginia 626 has $3-4 toll. Toll prices are ridiculous, but what's amazing is the number of industrial/commercial lots that have been built in 30 years time.

"environmentally conscious planning" heh, tell those to the bafoons in Long grove with their 1-2 acre lots.

[I-39]

Lake County Chairman changes stance on IL 53 extension

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160516/news/160519062/

In other words, it's almost officially dead forever. Great...........

Maybe, maybe not.

Long Grove and Hawthorne woods are shooting themselves in the foot with this NIMBY.

First, Lake county doesn't levy a 4 cent per gallon gas tax like Dupage and Kane county do-Lake county doesn't levy a tax at all.

Two, if this highway was built, I'd imagine it would be mildly successful as it's in a prime location. If the area gets built up with tons of industrial and commercial complexes, the tax revenue would be astounding.

Third, I'll point to the Virginia Dulles Greenway/626. Built 30 years ago. Look at it now, Greenway has extremely high toll-close to $5-6 just to be on it, and  Virginia 626 has $3-4 toll. Toll prices are ridiculous, but what's amazing is the number of industrial/commercial lots that have been built in 30 years time.

"environmentally conscious planning" heh, tell those to the bafoons in Long grove with their 1-2 acre lots.

This highway, if built properly, would be very well used. In fact, I think they are severely underestimating how big it would be.

[ChiMilNet]

Lake County Chairman changes stance on IL 53 extension

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160516/news/160519062/

In other words, it's almost officially dead forever. Great...........

Maybe, maybe not.

Long Grove and Hawthorne woods are shooting themselves in the foot with this NIMBY.

First, Lake county doesn't levy a 4 cent per gallon gas tax like Dupage and Kane county do-Lake county doesn't levy a tax at all.

Two, if this highway was built, I'd imagine it would be mildly successful as it's in a prime location. If the area gets built up with tons of industrial and commercial complexes, the tax revenue would be astounding.

Third, I'll point to the Virginia Dulles Greenway/626. Built 30 years ago. Look at it now, Greenway has extremely high toll-close to $5-6 just to be on it, and  Virginia 626 has $3-4 toll. Toll prices are ridiculous, but what's amazing is the number of industrial/commercial lots that have been built in 30 years time.

"environmentally conscious planning" heh, tell those to the bafoons in Long grove with their 1-2 acre lots.

This highway, if built properly, would be very well used. In fact, I think they are severely underestimating how big it would be.

Someone please tell people to stop giving in to Long Grove and Hawthorne Woods. Golden opportunity is just being wasted here! However, I'm glad the Tollway is still sticking with it, and here's hoping their study actually concludes what most of us know... it should be built, and built to Interstate standards at 65 MPH.

[johndoe780]

Lake County Chairman changes stance on IL 53 extension

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160516/news/160519062/

In other words, it's almost officially dead forever. Great...........

Maybe, maybe not.

Long Grove and Hawthorne woods are shooting themselves in the foot with this NIMBY.

First, Lake county doesn't levy a 4 cent per gallon gas tax like Dupage and Kane county do-Lake county doesn't levy a tax at all.

Two, if this highway was built, I'd imagine it would be mildly successful as it's in a prime location. If the area gets built up with tons of industrial and commercial complexes, the tax revenue would be astounding.

Third, I'll point to the Virginia Dulles Greenway/626. Built 30 years ago. Look at it now, Greenway has extremely high toll-close to $5-6 just to be on it, and  Virginia 626 has $3-4 toll. Toll prices are ridiculous, but what's amazing is the number of industrial/commercial lots that have been built in 30 years time.

"environmentally conscious planning" heh, tell those to the bafoons in Long grove with their 1-2 acre lots.

This highway, if built properly, would be very well used. In fact, I think they are severely underestimating how big it would be.

I agree with you 100%. If this highway is built to interstate grade, the amount of commercial and industrial taxes could pay for this highway several times over the course of 20-30 years.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160517/news/160518840/

Thank God the tollway director is still on for the study, and hopefully, Rauner is too. If these citizens of Hawthrone woods and long grove wish to preserve their rural presence, perhaps they should move a bit more west, such as Mchenry county or kane county.