Frequently Asked Questions

1) Q. How are traffic volumes measured and projected?

Existing traffic counts are measured by an individual on-site counting the number of vehicles passing through each intersection and along the corridor for a 12-hour period of 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. These counts are then evaluated in an hour-by-hour basis to establish peak hours of traffic for both the morning and evening rush hours, which serve as the basis for design. These volumes are sent to CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) which model projections for the region based on projected growth in population and employment. CMAP works with the local municipalities in the seven county northeastern Illinois area and uses their comprehensive plans in their growth estimates. The planned Route 120 Bypass counts are figured into these projections.

2) Q. Waiting for trains at the railroad crossing causes heavy congestion during both the morning and evening rush. The gates are even down when trains are at the station and not even blocking Washington Street.Are there alternatives to alleviate some of this congestion?

Due to strict regulations from the Federal Railroad Administration, the gates must be down while passengers board, even if the train is not yet at the intersecting roadway. With this in mind, a grade separation with a bridge that would allow the road to traverse under the existing tracks is being evaluated as part of this study in terms of cost-effectiveness and feasibility of construction. We also recognize many of the residents along the corridor draw potable water from wells and will ensure any potential solution will not discernibly affect groundwater elevations in this area.

3) Q. In regards to pedestrian crossings, how do people cross five lanes?

A traffic signal at Haryan Way/Lowlands Drive is a possibility that could provide a positive control for traffic in this area and allow for a fully protected pedestrian/bicycle crossing, as well as help to break up traffic for easier crossings at other areas. In addition, under the current two-lane roadway condition, the traffic progresses in one long stream without many available gaps. Should two lanes in each direction be provided along Washington Street, the traffic progression would be grouped together creating longer and more available gaps in the traffic stream for crossings.

4) Q. Why do I see surveyors in my yard?

Part of the preliminary engineering and environmental study process that we undertake includes obtaining data on all features within approximately 40' of the roadway right-of-way corridor of the route under study. This includes a detailed corridor survey which allows us to design and assess impacts of any proposed roadway improvements. When surveyors enter onto private property to perform this survey by authority of the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), they make every effort to provide advanced notification of their actions. When their attempts are unsuccessful, they proceed with their survey work as expeditiously as possible and are available to provide information on their activities if approached. Once this survey data is acquired, it is used for the purposes of the engineering design of the roadway improvement project.

5) Q. I see trees with tags on my property. What does this mean?

As part of the survey task described above in question #1, identification of all trees within the project limits is also required along the roadway corridor. This is done because depending on the results of a project traffic study, proposed improvements along the corridor may be necessary and we need to be able to assess all of the potential impacts of those proposed improvements to determine a preferred alternative. These tags are placed by project surveyors for identification and then inspected by an environmental specialist to determine both the condition and quality of each tree marked along the corridor. It is the intent of our survey team to locate all trees with a diameter six inches (6") and larger as well as any landscaped trees within our study area. This will allow us to assess the true impacts of various roadway improvement proposals and compare them with each other. This also aids us in developing a comprehensive Tree Preservation Plan for the project. This plan seeks to ensure the preservation of high quality trees and every effort is made during engineering design to avoid impacts. It is the priority of the LCDOT to preserve and protect our natural resources whenever and wherever we are able.

6) Q. What happens if Right-of-Way needs to be acquired from my property?

If a situation arises where there is a need to acquire additional Right-of-Way to complete a project, LCDOT will pay fair market value for the amount of property it would need to acquire. At this time we are investigating alternatives in order to select the preferred option for the roadway improvement. As this process moves forward into final design, and if Right-of-Way acquisitions are determined to be necessary, someone from the LCDOT will contact you directly to discuss this.