Originally reported on the Patch.com, May 24, 2022
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways and Cook County Commissioners were joined by federal, state and local officials Monday to celebrate the completion of the Lake Cook Road Reconstruction Project. The project reduces traffic congestion and improves safety for pedestrians, vehicles and bicyclists on Lake Cook Road between Hastings Lane in Wheeling and Raupp Boulevard in Buffalo Grove.
“Improving the County’s infrastructure supports economic opportunities and safety – it’s a win-win,” Preckwinkle said. “Making these necessary improvements to ensure drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists can commute efficiently through the County is a top priority of mine. I am grateful to all of our partners who have worked with us to complete this project on time and under budget.”
Construction began in January 2020, after more than eight years of public engagement and design engineering. This $58.5 million dollar expansion project adds one lane in each direction and increases the number of lanes from four to six. Dedicated turn lanes were installed at intersections along Lake Cook Road at Buffalo Grove Road, McHenry Road (IL-83) and Weiland Road. This project also improves accessibility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists through the construction of new sidewalks and ADA compliant crosswalks throughout the 1.5-mile corridor, according to officials. Newly installed LED streetlights also benefit all users by enhancing nighttime visibility.
“Investing in this project was incredibly important due to the high volume of traffic. This is our most heavily travelled route with over 40,000 vehicles travelling on this road every day,” DoTH Superintendent Jennifer “Sis” Killen said. “By increasing capacity and adding pedestrian and bike infrastructure, we’re ensuring that residents traveling by car, bike or foot can take advantage of the upgrades along this route. I’m proud of President Preckwinkle’s strong leadership and collaboration with our partners to make this project a success.”
Nearly 44 percent of the project was funded by federal grants and local participation from Lake County Division of Transportation, the Village of Buffalo Grove and the Village of Wheeling. With the help of these partners, the County was able to add aesthetic elements and reduce congestion in the corridor, according to officials.
The completion of this project reduces congestion and idling vehicles, creating environmental benefits such as improved air quality. Additionally, upgraded LED street lighting decreases the corridor’s carbon footprint and the newly installed storm water system addresses potential flooding impacts from water runoff.
The Lake Cook Road Reconstruction Project follows the objectives laid out in Connecting Cook County, the County’s Long Range Transportation Plan, which was developed to guide where and how the County invests in transportation-related projects that support the growth and economic vitality of communities in Cook County.
To view the original article as published on May 24, 2022 - visit Patch.com here.