After nearly six hours of debate, the Lincolnshire Village Board voted to proceed with plans to widen Illinois Highway 22, despite vocal opposition from some residents.
Dozens of residents voiced their opposition to the road-widening proposal, prolonging a recent meeting to 1 a.m. before trustees voted on whether to rescind the plan.
The vote was tied, 3-3, meaning the project will move forward.
Consequently, the village will continue its discussions with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Opponents had urged trustees to rescind their September vote that endorsed plans for the highway, also known as Half Day Road, to be widened to four lanes from two. A village-appointed committee does not favor that plan. Instead, it has recommended a three-lane proposal that includes turning lanes at certain intersections and timed light changing.
Residents said widening the road would increase traffic, leading to unsafe conditions for children who attend two schools along the highway. They also questioned the environmental impact of the project.
Village officials voted to allocate an additional $100,000 to the transportation task-force budget for legal or professional fees that may arise during the project. Officials had allocated $150,000 to the fund.
