In the News

Pioneer Press, August 31, 2006

Intergovernmental cooperation will help ease traffic congestion on Waukegan Road, south of Route 22, as Bannockburn and Deerfield are working together on two road-widening projects.

Deerfield plans to add turn lanes to Waukegan Road (Route 43) in front of Deerfield High School, and Bannockburn plans to add turn lanes and a carriage path further north near the offices and retail center.

Bannockburn had already begun the process of planning to widen a portion of Waukegan Road just north of Deerfield High School. They had completed their design work and were prepared to begin seeking permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation when they were approached by Deerfield to work in conjunction on the widening project.

Bannockburn's project involves adding dedicated turn lanes, but no signals, on Waukegan Road.

The southern boundary for the project is at the Sears Property, 1951 Waukegan Road. It goes north to the Lake Office Plaza entrance. Bannockburn is also adding a carriage walk on the east side of Waukegan Road.

The project is estimated to cost $540,000. The village is using developer funds that were put into an escrow account, set aside specifically for this widening project, said Bannockburn Village Manager Drew Irvin.

"We are trying to seek state grants to get funding for the pathway," Irvin said. "The goal is to get the pathway north to Bannockburn Green."

Just to the south, Deerfield's widening project would meet up with Bannockburn's project to improve traffic flow on Waukegan Road.

"There are no left turn lanes in this area, and heavy traffic backs up as drivers try to turn, increasing the risk of rear end collisions," said Barbara Little, director of public works and engineering for Deerfield.

Little credited state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-29th, for securing the $800,000 grant to fund Deerfield's improvements.

Deerfield is adding a southbound left turn lane at the high school's north driveway by the football field and at the signal further south. The widening will be on the east side of the road. They would also like to extend their sidewalk to meet up with Bannockburn's new carriage path.

Deerfield officials approved a contract with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, the firm selected by Bannockburn in order to streamline the process.

The Deerfield Village Board recently approved a contract with Gewalt Hamilton Associates for consultant services. The total design and construction for the Deerfield portion is expected to cost $650,000, with roadway design costing $138,500.

Having the two villages work in conjunction is expected to save time and money.

"We wanted to find some economies of scale, and work together with IDOT, to make the process more efficient," said Irvin.

Construction on both projects is expected to begin next May and be completed later in the year.

Improvements to Waukegan Road are an ongoing process.

"Waukegan [Road] also needs some improvements down at the south end of town near Lake-Cook Road," said Phil Kiraly, Deerfield assistant village manager. "Hopefully, that will addressed in the next few years."