IL 59 & Grand Intersection

The intersection of IL 59 and Grand Avenue was designed and built first as a high-speed rural “Y” intersection then modified over the years as Lake County has grown and developed. A new and comprehensive look was needed rather than the patchwork approach to meet the current and future traffic demands.

The project is adjacent to a regional high school with an enrollment of 1,900 students (and growing). Traffic patterns are unique at the intersection with three adjacent marinas and a geographic location in the heart of the Chain O’ Lakes that attracts recreational boating enthusiasts throughout the Chicagoland area. The lakes are a sensitive environmental resource and the intersection runoff is tributary to the lakes. This roadway serves as the eastern entrance into the Village of Fox Lake. Commercial developments on all quadrants physically constrain what can be accomplished with the roadways.

Benesch completed Phase I planning and finalized Phase II final design for this intersection and roadway reconstruction aimed at relieving traffic congestion in the Village of Fox Lake. Phase I evaluated three alternatives: traditional intersection widening, roundabout and realignment of Washington Street with a new intersection. Benesch led the study which included value planning analysis, a Stakeholder Involvement Group and public meetings to evaluate alternatives.

The realignment of Washington Street was selected for design. Phase I documentation for a Categorical Exclusion was prepared for IDOT and FHWA approval including preliminary plans, intersection design studies, a location drainage study and Project Development Report. Benesch prepared contract documents for the roadway reconstruction, multi-use path improvements, intersection improvements, ROW acquisition and environmental permits to prepare the contract for letting. This project involved unique coordination with IDOT as the intersection is currently under their jurisdiction.