The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority recently announced an update regarding the study of the extension of Illinois Highway 53 in Lake County. They are calling their strategy for moving forward the Lake County Transportation Improvement Project.
I understand that this project will culminate in the development of a plan for a system of transportation improvements and will, at the same time, assess whether a new Illinois Highway 53 extension is a necessary component of that plan. This re-evaluation of the entire transportation infrastructure for Lake County provides a unique opportunity to rectify past planning errors.
In a Feb. 27 suburban newspaper article, ISTHA Chairman Julian D’Esposito is quoted as saying, “Transportation infrastructure requires building consensus, rather than just building a road, as was done in the past.” Lake County citizens will applaud this statement if it indeed forms the basis for a new transportation planning process.
I would like to know whether this planning process will truly be different. For instance, will it:
– Explore real transportation alternatives?
– Include transportation control measures?
– Give transit equal representation with road interests?
– Include bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements?
– Observe any smart growth policies?
– Include any congestion mitigation policies?
– Promote transit-oriented development?
I have been told the previous planning process consumed $7 million in highway taxpayer funds. If we are to spend several million dollars more of vital tollpayer transportation funds, we should at least try to broaden the perspective and look at a wider range of potential solutions.
