Journal & Topics Media Group

Tollway Puts Brakes On Talks To Extend Route 53


It looks as if a major extension of Route 53 into Lake County is a dead issue for now.

Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez in a letter last week informed tollway board members that the Illinois Tollway has asked the Federal Highway Administration to rescind a Notice of Intent for the Tri-County Access Environmental Impact Statement, meaning they will not move forward with any potential project at this time.

In 2015, the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the agency to engage in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address traffic congestion in Lake County. This was done at the urging of local officials through the efforts of a Lake County Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee (BRAC). However, by 2016 the project had lost significant local support, including from the Lake County Board.

Despite this shift, in 2017 the Illinois Tollway Board approved a $25 million contract covering the first portion of the study, which became known as the Tri-County Access Project, which entailed potentially extending Route 53 north to Route 120 in Lake County. To date, the project has spent $13 million of the $25 million.

According to Alvarez, it is estimated that the board would need to approve an additional $25 million early next year to complete the multi-year study.

“As an organization, we are at the midway point of our 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program, at the onset of two of our most challenging and complex projects in recent history,” Alvarez stated. “The rebuilding and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the delivery of western access to O’Hare International Airport via the new I-490 Tollway stand to deliver economic benefits to the region for generations to come.”

According to Alvarez, at this time the Illinois Tollway is not in a position to lead development of a project that lacks both local consensus and clear financial viability.

“Over the past several months, I have taken the time to learn about this study, engage stakeholders, and listen to the position of local leaders on the future of transportation in the study area,” Alvarez stated. “It is clear to me that, based on these discussions, this is the right decision.”

Last week, the Lake County Board adjusted its strategic plan to “monitor and utilize the data developed from the EIS on Route 53/120 to help engage stakeholders in a process to evaluate and consider alternatives.”

“Fortunately, the initial stages of the study produced a considerable amount of data that will be extremely useful as local stakeholders proceed with their transportation planning efforts,” Alvarez said. “The data in these studies will provide a foundation for any future state or federal efforts to improve transportation in the region.”

 

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