Hunt Club Road and Stearns School Road Intersection, Ph. I & II

The Lake County Division of Transportation selected Benesch to perform preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the improvement of the intersection of Hunt Club Road at Stearns School Road in Gurnee, IL. This intersection sits adjacent to the Gurnee Mills mall, with both two-lane minor arterial roadways serving a mixture of commercial, residential and equestrian properties. Significant delays and queueing backups are experienced in the afternoon peak hours. This congestion, in combination with the deficient roadway skew, is contributing to an increased number of crashes. This project seeks to improve traffic operations and safety performance at the intersection and provide accessible pedestrian and bicycle facilities along both roads.

As the prime consultant, Benesch conducted an intersection design study, alternatives analysis, traffic capacity analysis and hydrology/hydraulic analysis. Work also included bike path improvements, field survey, plats and legal descriptions for right of way and easement acquisitions, identification of detention requirements, flood plain determination, wetland delineation, soils investigation, aesthetics evaluation, public involvement, and environmental coordination and approvals.

Using a combination of Synchro, Sidra, and Vissim software, Benesch performed traffic modeling and capacity analysis of six traffic signals along the Stearns School Road and Hunt Club Road corridors, after developing two sets of traffic projections to account for potential mall redevelopment. A robust safety analysis using HSS software was also completed to assess safety impacts of the signalized intersection versus multi-lane and hybrid roundabout alternatives.

A key element of the project was its robust and innovative public engagement strategy. Rather than relying solely on traditional outreach methods, the team implemented a comprehensive engagement process that included individual stakeholder meetings along with a 30-day Virtual Public Forum to gather input and refine the design. Social media was used to encourage public participation in both the stakeholder meetings and the forum, helping broaden awareness and engagement.

Through this collaborative process, the team advanced a preferred alternative that will deliver Lake County’s first multilane roundabout, improving safety and traffic operations while enhancing multimodal connectivity. Benesch continues to support LCDOT through the second phase of design services, helping move the project toward implementation and ensuring community priorities remain integrated into the final design.