President Preckwinkle, County Department of Transportation and Highways Announces Projects Throughout Cook County
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved agreements today between the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as well as a number of local municipalities. The intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are designed to bolster economic development and quality of life throughout Cook County.
Trucking Study
DoTH secured federal funds through an IGA with IDOT for a trucking study that will investigate truck mobility and investment needs in the southwestern portion of Cook County. The goal of the study is to provide recommendations to municipalities to designate preferred truck routes and revise local truck route restrictions, as needed.
Countywide Transit Plan
Another IGA securing federal funds from IDOT to DoTH will help define what role Cook County should play in implementing the transit priorities established in Connecting Cook County, the County’s long-range transportation plan. The Cook County long range transportation plan prioritizes transit and other alternatives to driving private motor vehicles. This transit plan will help identify the locations and types of improvements needed to provide the greatest opportunity to enhance the County’s transportation network.
Bicycle Master Plan – River Forest
DoTH is partnering with the Village of River Forest to prepare the River Forest Bicycle Master Plan. The goal of the master plan is to guide the development of a comprehensive system of off-road and on-road pathways, bike lanes, trails and other facilities that will safely connect users to key destinations throughout River Forest. This plan will also provide connections to all adjacent communities, provide opportunities for recreational activities and encourage safe alternative modes of transportation.
Shoe Factory Road Design – Hoffman Estates
DoTH is partnering with the Village of Hoffman Estates to advance the design of Shoe Factory Road from Essex Drive to Beverly Road. The County is undertaking this project along with Hoffman Estates to promote community and economic development in the area.
LogistiCenter Industrial Park – Sauk Village
DoTH is providing funds for preliminary engineering to extend Winpak Way and Canadian National Railway spurs to directly serve vacant sites within the 425-acre industrial park in Sauk Village. Preliminary engineering will study possible road and rail alignments within the industrial park, which are needed to attract private interest in the vacant, developable parcels. This economic development study will also identify a funding plan to pay for improvements, opening new opportunities for cargo-oriented development within the Lincoln Highway corridor.
Pedestrian Underpass – Western Springs
DoTH is providing funds to assist in the construction of a pedestrian underpass to allow residents and commuters to safely cross the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks. This underpass will provide a new access point to the Metra station, fill sidewalk gaps in the area and add lighting to create a safe atmosphere for users.
Sidewalk Project – Morton Grove
DoTH is funding preliminary and design engineering for a continuous sidewalk to serve students traveling to elementary and high schools as well as other residents and workers in the area and visitors to the Forest Preserves of Cook County North Branch Trail. The project was developed by Morton Grove, Niles and Skokie and specifically targets Oakton St. from Caldwell Ave. to Gross Point Rd. as well as Caldwell Ave. from Howard St. to Oakton Ave.