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The new Illinois Route 53 should be a four-lane, limited access, tolled parkway with a 45 mph maximum operating speed. It also proposes alignment options for configuration of Illinois Route 120 that should move forward for further study.
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The project should be funded through the use of tolling, as well as the use of local revenue sources and other options, to be developed
in coordination with local governments. Those options could include adjusting tolls on the north Tri-State Tollway (I-94) and tolling the
existing Illinois Route 53 from Lake Cook Road to the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90).
The Advisory Council’s report outlines five key recommendations for moving forward with an Illinois Route 53/120 Corridor project.
These recommendations align with the group’s guiding principles, as well as scope, configuration and design elements agreed upon
by the Advisory Council.
Key recommendations include:
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Create a transportation system that preserves the environment and nearby communities and enhances connectivity
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Design a context sensitive roadway
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Respect and preserve the land
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Establish an innovative funding plan for an innovative roadway
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Create a corridor plan and implementation strategy
The current proposal includes the following improvements:
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Extend Illinois Route 53 - four lanes at 45 mph from Lake Cook Road to just south of Illinois Route 120
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Upgrade existing Illinois Route 120 (west end) - four lanes from US Route 12 to west terminus of Illinois Route 120 Bypass
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Illinois Route 120 Bypass - four lanes at 45 mph from east of Wilson Road to east of US Route 45
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Upgrade existing Illinois Route 120 (east end) - four lanes from east terminus of Illinois Route 120 Bypass to the Tri State Tollway (I-94)
Executive Summary •
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