Public Comment Section

Public Comment Section PUBLIC INFORMATION AND PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING TO PUBLIC HEARING #1 PUBLIC HEARING #1 TO PUBLIC HEARING #2 PUBLIC HEARING #2 AND AFTERWARDS

Circle Interchange (P-91-259-12) Public Comments

While public comment has been solicited throughout the Circle Interchange Study, there have been four primary periods where comments were submitted. These periods were heavily influenced by the Public Meetings, Public Hearings, and the media coverage surrounding these events. Correspondingly, the following comments and responses have been divided into four sections:

• Comments received prior to and during the Public Information Meeting o Project initiation in Fall of 2012 through August 30, 2012 • Comments received after the Public Information Meeting, prior to the first Public Hearing o August 31, 2012 through April 2, 2013 • Comments received during and after the first Public Hearing, prior to the second Public Hearing o April 3, 2013 through June 26, 2013 • Comments received during and after the second Public Hearing o June 27, 2013 through submittal of this Report.

Comments were received via written letters, emails, comment response forms, web-based comment forms, Court Reporters, and other media. Responses to the commenter have been made when sufficient information to contact them was provided in the original comment.

Inside of the three primary sections, comments and responses have been arranged alphabetically by commenter’s last name. Where no name was given, the best identifying information available was used.

September 2013

MAP Correspondence

Public Information Meeting and Previous

August 30, 2012 and before

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Balan:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted by Comment Form on August 30, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted your desire to keep the ability to exit at Morgan Street after getting onto westbound I-290 from southbound I-90/94.

The project team has been working with the Project Working Group and other stakeholders to narrow the numerous alternatives down to a recommended alternative that best meets the project’s purpose and need. The recommended alternative will be presented at a public hearing early in 2013. After completing traffic and safety studies, reviewing several different alternatives for this location and careful deliberation, the recommended alternative will only maintain the exit to Morgan Street for traffic from the northbound to westbound ramp (Ramp NW). This ramp will be placed on a flyover bridge and will enter I-290 on the right side of the pavement. This eliminates the ability to connect the southbound to westbound ramp (Ramp SW) to Morgan Street. It also eliminates the existing weave area at this location. Access to Morgan Street from southbound I-90/94 can be made by exiting at Adams Street (or other downtown ramps) or at Ashland Avenue.

Thank you for your interest in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:27 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Kraus:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via a comment form as part of the August 30, 2012 public meeting regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

In your comment form, you referenced the current construction work taking place at the Circle Interchange. The barriers you noted currently under construction are being installed as a safety improvement to replace old guardrail. The barriers follow the recommendations made in the Aesthetics Master Plan, which was completed in 2009. Other aesthetic treatments including landscaping and architectural elements recommended in the Master Plan will be studied for inclusion into various design features of this Circle Interchange Project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:45 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Schulz:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via a comment form on August 30, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted access to Taylor Street from Congress Parkway as being critical, as well as questioning the need for the Morgan Street exit ramp and a need to separate eastbound Congress Parkway from westbound I-290.

Since the public meeting, numerous alternatives have been evaluated and presented at three Project Working Group meetings. Given the number of ramps in the area, evaluations were made whether to maintain or eliminate certain connections based on safety and traffic impacts. As shown during our third Project Working Group meeting, a recommended alternative has been developed to address the project’s purpose and need. The recommended alternative keeps access to Taylor Street from westbound Congress Parkway as well as from southbound I-90/94. However, access from eastbound I-290 is not provided. This movement may be accomplished indirectly by using the Racine Avenue exit along eastbound I-290 or the Canal Street exit along eastbound Congress Parkway.

The recommended alternative maintains the Morgan Street exit ramp, but only for northbound to westbound ramp traffic, which is in line with your suggestion. Using this approach eliminates the current weave at this location.

The recommended alternative also provides a barrier separation between eastbound Congress Parkway and westbound I-290, as it is today.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:47 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Tammen:

The Department continually reviews all corridors to identify areas where improvements may be needed. The Circle Interchange project limits extend north to Lake Street and south to Roosevelt Road. The Department recognizes additional needs beyond these study limits. The Circle Interchange Project is just one piece of the study of the expressway system. Therefore, during the Circle Interchange study, we are taking into account future improvements along the corridor in all directions so that improvements made as part of the Circle Interchange Project will not preclude future, long-term projects.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Public Information Meeting to Public Hearing #1

August 31, 2012 to April 2, 2013

Web Comments

Glen Anderson [email protected] 701-F South Carpenter Street Chicago, IL 60607

4/1/2013 CS # 5342

I am a resident in the UIC area. As part of this project, can a third lane be added to eastbound Taylor Street between Halsted and Union? This little strip backs up terribly at rush hour because of all the traffic trying to access the highway. A third lane that was right turn only onto Union sure would help. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:46 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Anderson, Glen_Web Comment_04-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to adding a third lane on eastbound Taylor Street between Halsted Street and Union Avenue.

Per coordination with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department, the existing width of the Taylor Street Bridge is being maintained, meaning that no additional lanes are proposed. The section of Taylor Street between Halsted Street and Union Street is outside of the project study limits.

The Circle Interchange Study process is carefully considering the views of all stakeholders, and is focused upon balancing safety, mobility, community, and environmental objectives. We encourage you to continue to visit the project website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information. Your attached comments are part of the official public meeting record.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Neal Anderson [email protected]

1506 W Polk St 2F Chicago, IL 60607

CS # 5290 As a civil engineering student at UIC, I think it would be fun and interesting to get involved with this project in any way I can. I'll be sure to come to the next public meeting and hear what new developments have come about! CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 9:59 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

Dear Mr. Anderson:

We are glad you are interested in the project and look forward to your participation at the public hearing to be held on Wednesday, April 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following location:

Marriott Chicago at Medical District/UIC 625 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60607

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 From: Circle Interchange Project To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:08:33 PM

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Bondie:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website on September 6, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted the importance of maintaining the pedestrian crossovers, in particular, the north to south movement across Peoria Street.

Pedestrian as well as bicycle access and connections are a key part of this study. Both the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department have adopted “Complete Streets” policies and practices which outline how best to incorporate pedestrian, bicycle and transit access into roadway projects so that connections between neighborhoods are maintained and/or enhanced. Improvements to the local street network are currently being incorporated into the recommended alternative. These improvements include wider sidewalks, marked crosswalks and striped bicycle lanes. The Peoria Street connection between Greek Town and the UIC Campus is an important pedestrian connection to the community. Therefore, the Peoria Street bridge will be reconstructed as part of the project. The new bridge will accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, but no cars or trucks, just like today. Aesthetic features will be worked into the design to make this a more inviting location.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:07 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Bondie:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 03/24/2013-03/31/2013

Brenda [email protected] Illinois 60655

3/26/2013 CS # 5329

How can my son apply for a position with respect to this upcoming construction... CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:57 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Brenda_Web Comment_03-26-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Brenda:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to finding construction employment opportunities with the Circle Interchange.

The reconstruction of the of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to complete and numerous construction contracts. The first of these contracts is targeted for letting this fall; contracts have not been awarded. Information regarding construction letting is available at www.dot.il.gov under the tab called Lettings & Bidding. For additional information and business opportunities, please see the project website at www.circleinterchange.org and select the IDOT Office of Business and Workforce Diversity tab at the top of the Home page.

In collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, the Department initiated a Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) in late 2009, in an effort to increase access to highway construction jobs for minorities, women and disadvantaged individuals. The HCCTP emphasizes life-long learning and provides opportunities for further education and assistance to improve employability in Illinois’ highway construction industry. The program is administered by the Illinois Community College Board and implemented through ten Community Colleges throughout the state where they provide its graduates with assistance in obtaining placement in Illinois’ highway construction trade unions, apprenticeship programs and/or with IDOT highway construction contractors. For information on HCCTP, please see the following Department website at http://www.dot.state.il.us/sbe/hcctp.html.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 03/24/2013-03/31/2013

Don Brooks [email protected] (815)-729-0750 1602 Glenwood Joliet, IL 60435

3/26/2013 CS # 5326

How can you spend all that money when the state is broke? Will China own the construction site. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:00 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Brooks, Don_Web Comment_03-26-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Brooks:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to project funding.

The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962. Having outlived its design life, the Circle Interchange has safety and congestion concerns. More than 400,000 vehicles, including 33,000 trucks, travel through the Circle Interchange daily, and this location has been highlighted as the top freight bottleneck in the US. The existing interchange is also in close proximity to a variety of dense urban land uses, including residential and commercial buildings, educational institutions, and public transportation facilities. The Preferred Alternative is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent and saving drivers up to 5 million hours annually. This improved traffic flow will lead to savings of up to 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year.

Funding for this project is currently included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2014-2019 Proposed Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Program at an estimated cost of $475 Million, with $151 Million included in Fiscal Year 2014 for bridge replacement, city street work, design and construction engineering.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Alfred Chan [email protected] (847)420-3362 125 S. Jefferson St. 3110 Chicago, IL 60661

4/2/2013 CS # 5358

I can't attend the hearing tomorrow. The design (http://www.circleinterchange.org/pdf/rec_pref_alt_0313.pdf) looks good. I especially like the northbound C-D road. however, some suggested improvements: e) maintain separation of the on-ramps from the off-ramps on the northbound C-D road under madison...people flying by to get off vs. people wanting to get on could be problematic...should try to extend the jackson/adams on-ramp past madison and onto the kennedy, rather than merge into a single lane right under the madison bridge f) make something similar to the C-D road for the lake/randolph/madison on-ramps to the southbound kennedy...the increase efficiency of the southbound kennedy makes the left-hand merges even more tricky at the higher speeds...so i tend to avoid it by taking clinton/des plaines south to roosevelt... feel free to contact me if you wish.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:02 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Chan, Alfred_Web Comment_04-02-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Chan:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

You have expressed your support for the project and have suggested that the separation of the on-ramps and off- ramps on the northbound C-D road under Madison Street be maintained and to add a southbound C-D road for the Lake Street\Randolph Street/Madison Street on-ramps.

Thank you for your support of the project. The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962, and has outlived its design life. It is expected that the reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will ease congestion, move people and freight more efficiently, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles. The Preferred Alternative is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent and saving drivers up to 5 million hours annually. This improved traffic flow will lead to savings of up to 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year. The new design incorporates aesthetic features and improves the multi-modal transportation system of the surrounding street network with the inclusion of bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved access to transit. The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will help stimulate the region’s economy by creating thousands of construction jobs, address significant transportation needs, and enhance the surrounding urban areas. In regards to maintaining separation, this suggestion is good in principle. However, spatial limitations require the Adams and Jackson on-ramps to merge with the C-D road prior to the Washington Street, Randolph Street and Lake Street off-ramps.

Concerning the southbound C-D road, unfortunately, the Lake Street/Randolph Street/ Madison Street ramps are outside the project limits and project scope, but would likely be considered as part of future improvements to the Kennedy Expressway in this area.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 03/24/2013-03/31/2013

Paul Chouinard [email protected] 2105 Birchwood Ave Wilmette, IL 60091

3/26/2013 CS # 5327

From what I have read so far it did not appear that the ramp from eastbound Eisenhower to southbound Dan Ryan was going to be expanded to two lanes. This should be included. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:04 AM To: [email protected] Subject: c Attachments: Chouinard, Paul_Web Comment_03-26-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Chouinard:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the design of the eastbound I-290 to southbound I-90/94 ramp (Ramp ES).

The proposed condition will maintain Ramp ES as a two lane ramp, which is appropriate for the projected 2040 traffic.

The existing eastbound I-290 exit ramps to I-90/94 often become congested due to a lack of capacity on the eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 ramp (Ramp EN). There are multiple causes for this congestion problem, including a single traffic lane with tight horizontal and vertical geometry. In addition, there are often backups on Ramp EN due to a short merge between traffic on Ramp EN and the westbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 ramp (Ramp WN), followed quickly by a weave section on northbound I-90/94. When Ramp EN becomes congested, aggressive drivers often use adjacent lanes intended for Congress Parkway to bypass congestion before making abrupt lane changes into Ramp EN. The Preferred Alternative for the Circle Interchange Project provides a reconstructed Ramp EN that will improve safety and mobility. The new Ramp EN will carry two lanes of traffic, and includes a smoother transition onto northbound I-90/94.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012

Kenneth DeMuth [email protected] 640 N. LaSalle Chicago, IL 60654

9/6/2012 CS # 2713

Dear IDOT, While the whole of this interchange is sub standard by current metrics, yet another highway widening and lane adding scheme is just another bandaid to go along with all previous efforts. The congestion will just move along to another bottleneck while ignoring the deficiencies in public transportation and other alternative initiatives. Disappointing is the lack of any mention of efforts to improve the streetscape/neighborhoods that adjoin this mess. I wonder how many of the IDOT planners live near this or have ever made the effort to get out and walk the streets. UofI Campus deserves a better link to the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Adjoining residences, businesses, restaurants and pedestrians need something other than smog, noise and an expanded concrete horizon. How bout the following: A structural deck covering the entire area in question. The deck could generate developable lots along Halsted, Van Buren and Harrison suitable to retail, housing and institutional/education. Improve the function of road networks while improving our neighbohods. Let's stop building automobile centric environments.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:11 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. DeMuth:

This correspondence is in response to your comment submitted via the project website on September 6, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted the need to address public transportation and other modes of travel, consider streetscape enhancements for the neighborhoods adjoining the interchange, and cover the interchange with a structural deck.

An important goal of the project is improving pedestrian as well as bicycle access and transit connections around the interchange area. Both the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department have adopted “Complete Streets” policies and practices which outline how best to incorporate pedestrian, bicycle and transit access into roadway projects so that connections between neighborhoods are maintained or enhanced. Improvements to the local street network are currently being incorporated into the recommended alternative. These improvements include wider sidewalks, marked crosswalks and striped bicycle lanes.

Also, Chicago has one of the most comprehensive transit systems in the United States including buses, subways, elevated rapid transit lines, and commuter rail. The I-290 corridor was the nation’s first multi-modal corridor to accommodate highways, heavy (freight) rail, and light (CTA) rail. The Department is working with these multi-modal connections as part of the Circle Interchange design in order to improve access to all modes of travel.

In terms of aesthetics, the Aesthetics Master Plan was completed in 2009 and aesthetic treatments including landscaping and architectural elements recommended in the plan will be studied for inclusion into various design features of the Circle Interchange. In addition, various streetscape elements are being considered to enhance the streets and neighborhoods surrounding the interchange.

With regard to your suggestion on covering the interchange with a structural deck, the cost is far beyond anything the Department could consider funding and will therefore, not be pursued.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012

Roger Deschner [email protected] 5466 S Cornell Ave Chicago, IL 60615

9/7/2012 CS # 2716

I attended the Aug 30 meeting, and was impressed with some of the plans. Plan 5 seemed the best, as it accommodated various local access needs the best while speeding through traffic. I especially like your idea of using the existing Morgan Street exit ramp to provide better access to UIC and Greek Town from the Dan Ryan and I-55, while eliminating the dangerous weaving that presently happens to reach it. I also like Plan 5's method of merging the SB Taylor St exit with the WB to SB ramp.

One of the other plans included a flyover ramp from the NB to WB direction that was a left exit, which would impose severe weaving across 4 lanes of heavy traffic on those entering from I-55. This must be a right exit to provide I-55 traffic with access to Morgan Street/Greek Town and the Medical Center.

Traffic volumes suggest that the through ramps between Congress Pkwy and I-290 could be reduced to 2 lanes wide, which opens up a lot of possibilities for new overpass placement etc. Excess CTA right-of- way in the median could even be used.

The CTA should be asked if it ever intends to use the two unused tunnels next to the Blue Line tunnels under the interchange.

The Peoria Street pedestrian overpass, and the abandoned Racine Ave entrance ramp, could both provide more room for additional lanes. The Peoria overpass could be rebuilt as a pedestrian-only bridge at much lower cost than a road bridge. One of the choke points on both directions of I-290 is in the right lanes between Ashland and Peoria.

Do not ignore the severe congestion on Roosevelt Road at I-90/94, which frequently backs up onto the NB mainline, and can back up Roosevelt itself from Canal to Morgan. The overpass needs to be wider. The presence of Des Plaines Street at this intersection causes signal timing to be very restrictive (long reds; short greens) - perhaps it could be vacated, with traffic on Des Plaines wishing to access I-90/94 or Roosevelt routed to the west side of the expressway using Taylor Street.

Currently traffic entering NB from Canalport/Cermak is directed to exit at Roosevelt to enter I-90/94. NOBODY follows these signs, as the congested Roosevelt exit and intersection can add 5 minutes to a trip. Just take the signs down and allow for this weaving. This will not reduce congestion at Roosevelt, because nobody follows these signs anyway.

As a daily user of the Circle Interchange, and as one who also frequently bypasses it due to congestion, I applaud this effort.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:15 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Deschner:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website on September 7, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted your support for Preliminary Concept #5 with several design suggestions and comments.

Since the public meeting, numerous alternatives have been evaluated and presented at three Project Working Group meetings. As shown during our third Project Working Group meeting, a recommended alternative has been developed to address the project purpose and need. It includes four elements that you suggested in your comments: 1) Morgan Street can only be accessed from the northbound to westbound ramp to eliminate the weaving area; 2) southbound Taylor Street exit ramp merges with the westbound to southbound ramp; 3) the northbound to westbound ramp exits from the right side of northbound I-90/94; and 4) the throughways from I-290 to Congress Parkway are reduced to two lanes based on our traffic analysis.

The recommended alternative also includes new bridges at Morgan, Peoria and Halsted Streets to accommodate additional lanes on I-290, as you suggest. The issues you raised concerning Roosevelt Road and how those impact I- 90/94 are currently being evaluated with the City.

With regard to your suggestion to see if the project could utilize the CTA Blue Line tunnels, we have met with the CTA and they have asked that we avoid any impacts to their right-of-way so future expansion of their facilities is not constrained or limited.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Roger Deschner

[email protected]

3/7/2013

CS # 5293

I'm a member of the PWG, and I participated in the design charrette. I have one idea to add. Jackson and Adams across the Kennedy Expressway were once part of legendary US Route 66, and are currently signed by IDOT as "Historic US 66". These rebuilt highway overpasses could acknowledge this highway history, decoratively. The cement railings or other structures on these two overpasses could incorporate a shield enclosing the number "66". There may be other creative ways to tie this historic US 66 crossing into the design in a way that would boost both local history awareness and tourism. I will see you on March 1. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 10:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

March 23, 2013

Dear Mr. Deschner:

Thank you for the suggestion of introducing the Historic US Route 66 theme into the project area, specifically along Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard. It is an interesting idea and one in which we will examine further with the study team. We thank you for your participating with the PWG and look forward to seeing you at the public hearing to be held on Wednesday, April 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at:

Marriott Chicago at Medical District/UIC 625 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60607

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 10/01/2012-10/07/2012

Christopher Diers [email protected] 659 W. Randolph Street #1220 Chicago, IL 60661 10/1/2012 CS # 2777

Please add me to the mailing list. Thank you,

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 12:59 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

October 29, 2012

Dear Christopher Diers:

Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Department of Transportation's Circle Interchange Project. This is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on October 1, 2012 regarding your interest in being added to our mailing list.

You have been added to the mailing list and again, thank you for your interest in the Project. IDOT is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 David Given [email protected] 411 S. Sangamon St. 5C Chicago, IL 60607

8/31/2012 CS # 2698

This work would take place directly outise of our Condominium Association. We are concerned about the structural integrity of our foundation and any majoy work takes place.

We also also concerned about the impact on our homes and lives as work is scheduled for outside of our bedrooms.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:19 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Given:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website on August 31, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted your concerns about how the Circle Interchange construction will impact the condominiums structural integrity and impact the residents.

As with any construction project, implementing the Circle Interchange improvements will result in construction noise and dust. However, the Department has strict construction guidelines and standards in place that each contractor must follow to minimize any impacts on adjacent properties. These include specifications for dust control watering and vibration monitoring. Given the close proximity of some buildings to the construction site, the Department will specify drilling for foundation construction rather than pile driving. This will reduce noise and vibrations. These details will be developed as the project moves into the detailed design phase.

Thank you for your interest in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as they go through their decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012

Connie Herrera [email protected] 1444 N. Farnsworth Ave Suite 505 Aurora, IL 60505

9/5/2012 CS # 2708

The construction of additional lanes and ramps can and will reduce traffic.

How traffic is managed should also be considered espectially when stats confirm that about 26,000 trucks use the interchange.

When adding more lanes maybe one of the lanes should be reserved for trucks only.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:21 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Herrera:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website and by comment form as part of the August 30, 2012 public meeting regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

The recommended alternative provides additional lanes on the I-90/94 mainline as well as on the northbound to westbound ramp and eastbound to northbound ramp. Improved geometry has been provided that will improve safety and mobility through the interchange. Due to the limited space within the Circle Interchange area, a dedicated truck lane on the mainline or ramps would not be feasible.

A detailed public meeting summary is included on the project’s website. From the meeting summary, you can identify any engineering, consulting and contracting firms that attended the public meeting. In addition, the audio-visual presentation from the public meeting is included and can be accessed directly from the Home Page if you click on the “Information Center” Tab. Information presented at the three Project Working Group meetings held over the past several months is also available on the website.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Karen Johnson [email protected]

933 W. Van Buren #501 Chicago, IL 60607

CS # 5288 Please install noise barriers. Our condo building would appreciate the barriers between Sangamon and Morgan Streets, though I'm sure barriers further east and further west would be great for the whole neighborhood. Thank you. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 9:32 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

April 1, 2013

Dear Ms. Johnson:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you requested that a noise barrier be installed between Sangamon and Morgan Streets along your condominium building located at 993 W. Van Buren Street.

The process to determine if noise barriers should be installed follows a federal process as regulated under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Noise Abatement Criteria. As part of the noise analysis for the Circle Interchange project, sensitive noise receptors (such as residential, schools, hospitals) in the project area were identified and analyzed using computer modeling. One hundred fifty four (154) locations or “receptors” including your condominium building were analyzed. A sample of these receptor sites were field measured in order to validate the accuracy of the model. Before a receptor site can qualify for a noise barrier, it must meet minimum standards for projected noise levels and noise reduction goals. The installation of a noise barrier must be feasible and economically reasonable.

The results of the noise analysis concluded that five sites were likely noise abatement sites. Your condominium is proximate to the likely noise abatement measure site identified as “Outdoor Courtyard, Sangamon Street”. The potential noise wall at this location would be located across the Sangamon Street right-of-way at the I-290 boundary, but the wall would not extend the entire distance to Morgan Street. You will be contacted by IDOT through the mail with regard to additional information on the potential noise wall.

The potential noise wall locations and the next steps will be shown at the upcoming public hearing to be held on Wednesday, April 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following location:

Marriott Chicago at Medical District/UIC 625 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60607

Thank you for your interest in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 Kevin Johnson [email protected] 411 S. Sangamon 2D Chicago, IL 60607

8/31/2012 CS # 2692

I live in the neighborhood and am the President of my condo board. The association didn't receive information about the public hearing until a day after the meeting took place.

Is there an opportunity for additional public review and comments?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:24 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Johnson:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on August 31, 2012 about receiving information regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

We apologize that you didn’t hear about the Circle Interchange Public Meeting until after it was held. We have since added your information to the stakeholder listing. Since that time, you should have been receiving periodic e-blasts and will receive a postcard invitation to the Public Hearing, tentatively planned for April 2013.

Please visit the project website at www.circleinterchange.org to view the audio-visual presentation, exhibit boards and the preliminary concepts that were presented at the Public Meeting as well as information presented at three Project Working Group meetings held over the past several months. From the website you may also take an online transportation survey and submit any comments or questions you have regarding the project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 03/24/2013-03/31/2013

Adele LeGere [email protected] (773)-775-2794 6421 North Leoti Avenue Chicago, IL 60646

3/26/2013 CS # 5325

With this new construction project, might there be available a position for a 55-year-old mechanical engineer (degree from Northwestern University plus a MBA also from Northwestern) with additional experience in marketing and consulting? He has been without a job for over a year now through no fault of his own (company downsizing).

As you well know, the job market today is really tough, even for womeone with his education and experience.

If you feel there might be such a position available, please let me know and I will contact him.

Thank you. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:36 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: LeGere, Adele_Web Comment_03-26-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. LeGere:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to finding employment opportunities with the Circle Interchange Project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012

Craig Leslie [email protected] 728 West Jackson Blvd #1112 Chicago, IL 60661

9/4/2012 CS # 2707

Which of the proposed designs involve issues with Haberdasher Square Lofts? And with what impact to HSL?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:29 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Leslie:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website on September 4, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you asked which design alternatives impact Haberdasher Square Lofts.

Since the public meeting, the project team has been working with the Project Working Group and other stakeholders to narrow the numerous alternatives down to a recommended alternative that best meets the project’s purpose and need. The recommended alternative, Alternative 7.1C, has no right-of-way impacts to the Haberdasher Square Lofts. To view this alternative, please visit the Home Page of the project website at the address below. The recommended alternative will be presented at a Public Hearing tentatively planned for April 2013.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 Nicholas Liveris [email protected] 1036 N. Dearborn Street # 403 Chicago, IL 60610

8/31/2012 CS # 2676

I am glad the government is finally doing this. It's disappointing my generation has had to suffer endless travel frustrations and millions of wasted hours caused by your poor planning and inadequate engineering over 50 years ago. It is horribly unfair how the previous generation got to experience something nice while my generation was simply told to shut up and wait. But it doesn't stop here, the Eisenhower the Edens, and the Stevenson are all poorly designed and feature all sorts of traffic strangling lane reductions. We need more lanes, not smoke & mirrors tricks like high occupancy vehicle lanes or toll lanes. You need more lanes. You are the United States government. You can do anything you want: buy up private land, do whatever is necessary to build more lanes.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:31 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Liveris:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website on August 31, 2012 concerning the Illinois Department Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

The Circle Interchange was built in the 1960s along with most of the interstate system. It serves as a vital hub for local, regional, and national freight traffic and carries in excess of 300,000 vehicles per day. Since then, the growth in population and number of vehicle miles traveled has far outpaced the level of investment in transportation infrastructure. As a result, the transportation needs exceed the available funds. Given that the Circle Interchange has been ranked as one of the worst freight bottlenecks in the Country, this project will address existing and future transportation needs; improve safety, mobility, and traffic operations; as well as address the condition of this interchange. The limits of this project extend north to Lake Street and south to Roosevelt Road. A goal of this project is to ensure that future long term projects will not be precluded by the work of this project. Several different alternatives have been considered and evaluated to date, and a recommended alternative, Alternative 7.1C, has been selected. To view this alternative, please visit the Home Page of the project website at the address below. The recommended alternative will be presented at a Public Hearing tentatively planned for April 2013.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 09/10/2012-09/16/2012

Leslie Marshall 700 W. Van Buren St. PH5 Chicago, IL 60607 312-360-3126

9/12/2012 CS # 2765

I was not aware of the first information meeting in August, but I am very interested in attending future meetings and have signed up for the alerts. A few other comments. 1) I was hoping to see the preliminary concepts presented in the first meeting online. Please advise if they are available as I can't find them. 2) Also, I live above the Circle and have observed a very specific safety issue with respect to the North Bound Dan Ryan exit to the Eisenhower. In the winter with even minor snow or ice, there is an inflection point at the curve just beyond where Congress breaks off that causes cars and trucks to repeatedly get stuck on the exit, shutting down the exit until minutemen arrive. I have seen it shut down again immediately after the minute men leave as another car gets stuck before the salt trucks arrive. Clearly the elevation change in cold/wet conditions is incorrect. 2) I have never understood why the Monroe exit off the Kennedy was closed. It served to allow all the feeder highway traffic from the Ike/Congress to exit directly to the city without additional crossover (although some illegal) from the northbound Kennedy. Now all the feeder traffic as well as the Kennedy traffic must use the Madison exit. More exits to downtown would seem to aleviate problems. Remove/restricting on- ramps, I understand, but exits, especialy if a restrictive median (preventing the Kennedy traffic from exiting) could be added seems to make sense. 3) Visibiility at the top of the Monroe exit is seriously impaired by the height of the walls, slowing exit ramp traffic (not too mention, east bound Monroe traffic must now head south on DesPlaines, to then head east on Monroe). 4) I have seen some very theoretical musings over the years of "covering" the circle to create a park. I love the idea as a way to pull together the near west side, the cities new "office"district west of Wacker/east of the Kennedy, UIC and the industrial district south of congress, north of roosevelt which is already evolving on its southeast section. It is inevitable over the long term that this section of town would and should be redeveloped for high density use given the transportation linkages and proximity to downtown. With the construction of the Greek Museum and the blue line access, it is a natural anchor to a community park that would bring together the area versus expanding a further psychological barrier between the neighborhoods. So many communities have covered highways that create barriers (Seattle, now Hartford, Boston, etc.) that it appears to be a tremendous long range plan opportunity. 5) Creating a community park over the circle would signficantly reduce noise from what will be effectively be fourteen or more? lanes of traffic with extra lanes, on and off ramps. 6). By either "covering" the circle or installing sound absorbing noise barriers on the sides and under aerial ramps to alleviate the extra traffic noise, the neighborhoods around the expressway hopefully would not have to endure more than the existing noise. I appreciate that a balance is needed, and that nearby residents should expect at a minimum the existing noise, but incorporating sound control as a goal would assist in keeping those close in neighborhoods more viable for continued residential density. I look forward to learning more about the project. Thank you.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:32 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Marshall:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website on September 12, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

By signing up for the project’s mailing list, you should have been receiving periodic e-blasts and will receive an invitation to the Public Hearing tentatively planned for April 2013. Please visit the project website at www.circleinterchange.org and click on the “Information Center” Tab at the top of the Home Page to view the audio-visual presentation, exhibit boards and the preliminary concepts that were presented at the public meeting back in August, as well as exhibits and other materials from three Project Working Group meetings held over the past several months. We appreciate the information you have provided us based on your insights as a nearby resident and welcome your future participation. We would like to address each of your comments below:

The recommended alternative for the Circle Interchange provides a reconstructed northbound to westbound ramp that will increase its mobility and safety. The grades are less steep so the likelihood of vehicles being stuck in wintry weather will be greatly reduced or eliminated. Also, safety on this ramp is improved by adding a second lane to the ramp.

With regard to your suggestion on covering the interchange with a structural deck, the cost is far beyond anything the Department could consider funding and will therefore, not be pursued. Your concerns about noise will be addressed in a Noise Analysis Report as part of this project. Noise findings will be presented at a Public Hearing tentatively planned for April 2013.

The former northbound exit ramp to Monroe Street was removed to eliminate a short weaving area. The exit to Monroe Street was located only 500 feet downstream of the westbound to northbound ramp merge with the eastbound to northbound ramp. In addition, despite the solid white line, motorists on northbound I-90/94 would cut across the weaving area to access Monroe Street. It was not possible to place a physical barrier to prevent this maneuver, as available width in that area is limited by the Haberdasher Square Lofts. So in order to improve safety, the northbound exit to Monroe Street was removed.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 Jason [email protected] Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

9/3/2012 CS # 2705

The Dan Ryan express lanes and the Kennedy reversibles do need to be connected. There is absolutely no reason why incoming traffic on I-90/94 needs to go through the traffic-clogged interchange (especially in both directions) if they are staying on those two roads.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:33 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Math:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 Annette Mauro [email protected] 14921 Evers Dolton, IL 60419

8/31/2012 CS # 2675

Can’t wait for this to happen!!!!!!!!!!

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Mauro:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on August 31, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Thank you for expressing support for the Circle Interchange Project. Since the Public Meeting, we have held three Project Working Group meetings. Exhibits and other documents are posted on the project website so you can follow the progress. We encourage you to sign up for the project’s mailing list, if you haven’t done so already. By doing so, you will receive periodic e-blasts as well as receive an invitation to the Public Hearing, tentatively planned for April 2013.

The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:35 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. McClendon:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via comment forms as part of the August 30, 2012 public meeting and the October 26, 2012 Project Working Group (PWG) Meeting regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

As a PWG member, you are aware we have narrowed the alternatives down to a recommended alternative that was presented at Project Working Group Meeting #3. The project study team investigated numerous alternatives to try to avoid going higher than the current interchange. The existing Circle Interchange design includes eight individual ramp movements in a constrained two-level space. In order to improve safety and mobility, it became necessary to propose a third level to the interchange for two movements: the northbound to westbound movement, resulting in a flyover over the east side of Harrison Street and Halsted Street; and the westbound to southbound movement, resulting in a flyover over the west side of Harrison Street. For several reasons, we believe the recommended alternative best addresses the project’s purpose and need. It provides better horizontal and vertical geometry for the northbound to westbound ramp, maintains the relatively straight alignment for Congress Parkway and has clear constructability advantages.

We agree that ease of construction should not be the primary criterion for this improvement. However, limiting disruption to traffic flow during construction is important for many reasons. These include environmental considerations, such as air pollution, and economic considerations in terms of delayed traffic, among others.

Regarding speed through turning movements, the recommended alternative provides flatter ramp grades and, in many cases, larger radii to increase mobility of the ramps. The design speed of the proposed ramps is on the order of 25 to 40 mph, which is on the low to middle range of ramp speeds according to the Department guidelines. This proposed speed range is an improvement over existing conditions. Providing lesser design speeds would not meet the project purpose and need.

The recommended alternative maintains the Morgan Street exit, but only for northbound to westbound ramp traffic. Traffic studies show that the northbound to westbound movement contributes the most use of the Morgan Street ramp. By limiting access to this ramp, it eliminates the short, complex weaving movement that exists today at this location.

The recommended alternative maintains all eight interchange movements, including the southbound to eastbound movement. Improvements to Des Plaines Street under Congress Parkway are currently being studied to improve lighting and aesthetics.

Thank you for your interest and participation in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 01/20/2013-01/27/2013

Ryan Mentkowski [email protected] 3838 Scenic Way Franksville, WI 53126

1/21/2013 CS # 5260

I think reconstruction which will benefit downtown will be a better use of dollars than some of the other CMAP capital projects. Therefore, I think it should be put on the amended list of CMAP capital projects.

Thanks for asking for our input.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 9:37 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

March 23, 2013

Dear Mr. Ryan Mentkowski:

We agree that that there are numerous benefits with the Circle Interchange Project. The Circle Interchange is one of the worst bottlenecks in the country for traffic congestion. Over 400,000 vehicles, including 33,000 trucks, travel through the interchange daily. The interchange experiences breakdown conditions for many hours of the day, causing substantial backups in every direction. There have been no major improvements to the Circle Interchange since its construction in the 1950’s. It is important to address the current condition of the Circle Interchange to better serve the motoring public now and into the future.

The project is in the 2010-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) administered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), (i.e. Project No. 01-12-0019). In the CMAP Go to 2040 Plan it states that the biggest challenge to trucking in the region is highway congestion. The proposed improvements to the Circle Interchange will help alleviate the congestion issues as well as improve safety, mobility and facility deficiencies of the mainline and interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012

Christopher Michalek [email protected] 4020 N Bell Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

9/7/2012 CS # 2715

I my opinion- the entire inner-city 'expressway' system should be removed. Ike east of Cicero, Kennedy south of Lawerence, Dan Ryan North of 35th, the entire stretch of LSD. (oops, I think I just heard some traffic engineer's head explode) Take them all down, provide better public transit, promote multi-use avenues for circulation. These giant gashes in the city fabric do more harm than good.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:41 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Michalek:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on September 7, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

The Interstate Highway System plays a vital role in the movement of people and goods, not only locally but regionally and nationally as well. The economic vitality of the city and the region is directly linked to a strong transportation system. The Circle Interchange was built in the 1960s along with most of the interstate system. Since then, the growth in population and number of vehicle miles traveled has far outpaced the level of investment in transportation infrastructure. As a result, the transportation needs exceed the available funds. Given that the Circle Interchange has been ranked as one of the worst freight bottlenecks in the Country, this project will address existing and future transportation needs, improve safety, mobility, and traffic operations as well as address the condition of this interchange.

With that said, another important goal of the project is improving pedestrian as well as bicycle access and transit connections around the interchange area. Both the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department have adopted “Complete Streets” policies and practices which outline how best to incorporate pedestrian, bicycle and transit access into roadway projects so that connections between neighborhoods are maintained or enhanced. Improvements to the local street network are currently being incorporated into the recommended alternative. These improvements include wider sidewalks, marked crosswalks and striped bicycle lanes. Also, Chicago has one of the most comprehensive transit systems in the United States including buses, subways, elevated rapid transit lines, and commuter rail. The I-290 corridor was the nation’s first multi-modal corridor to accommodate highways, heavy (freight) rail, and light (CTA) rail. The Department is working with these multi-modal connections as part of the Circle Interchange design in order to improve access to all modes of travel.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 01/03/2013-01/09/2013

Kevin Miller [email protected] 333 S. Halsted st. Chicago, IL 60661

Comment No. 1: 1/3/2013 CS # 5253

Improvements are planed on both the van buren and halsted bridges. Our museum sits on corner where these two meets. we would like to a see a barrier on vanburen between the street and our glass walls. Current only a small curb prevents a car from driving through our walls.

Comment No. 2: 1/3/2013 CS # 5254

Current plans call for changes in lane configuration on the halsted bridge and improvement of the Van Buren bridge. We have concerns how the traffic will be on Halsted from vanburen to Jackson. Traffic is already congested through there and because of the parking on the west side of halsted we could not have a bus drop off in front of the musuem. Currently when buses drop off children at the museum it must block the north bound lane. I would like to see the configuration and parking on this section of halsted re-evaluated as part of this plan as, the current plan calls for changes in traffic flow in the area.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 9:50 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

March 23, 2013

Dear Mr. Kevin Miller:

Your comments raised two issues concerning the Hellenic Museum: 1) shielding of the south glass façade of the museum from errant vehicles and 2) bus drop-off accommodations on Halsted Street. We are also glad that you raised these issues at the Design Charette on January 22nd.

The streetscape of Van Buren Street is currently being evaluated by the Department and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). Certain aesthetic treatments in consideration may reduce the likelihood of an errant vehicle from entering the museum. These may include planters, decorative walls or bollards. Specific placement of aesthetic treatments at this location is yet to be determined and requires coordination with CDOT.

Halsted Street north of Van Buren Street is outside of the current project limits. Widening to accommodate buses is not practical in this location due to the buildings on each side of the street, as well as the parking located on the west side of the street. This parking serves local businesses and restaurants in the neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 Mark Morgan [email protected] Chicago, IL 60643

9/1/2012 CS # 2699

Where are the concepts pics or drawings developed so far?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 9:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

April 1, 2013

Dear Mr. Mark Morgan:

Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Circle Interchange Project. This is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on September 1, 2012 regarding where the Preliminary Alternative Concepts are on the website.

The Recommended Preferred Alternative is highlighted on the top of the Home page on the Circle Interchange website, www.circleinterchange.org. The five Preliminary Alternative Concepts can be found under the Information Center Tab, and then scroll down to PWG 3 Alternatives Packet, dated December 12, 2012. In addition, from the Home Page, you can link to the audio-visual presentation that was presented to the public at the August 30, 2012 public meeting under “Older News & Events” on the right hand side. In addition, a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at:

Marriott Chicago at Medical District/UIC 625 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60607

Again, thank you for your interest in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as they go through their decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Tara Orbon

Baxter & Woodman

[email protected]

8840 W 192nd Street

Mokena, IL 60448

3/14/2013

CS # 5304

Just wondering why the Circle Interchange project was omitted from GOTO2040 in the first place? CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:05 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Orbon, Tara_Web Comment 03-14-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Orbon:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to why the Circle Interchange project was omitted from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) original GOTO 2040 Plan.

The Circle Interchange project was not part of the CMAP’s GOTO 2040 Plan as it started as a maintenance project to rehabilitate the bridges that were constructed over fifty years ago. Realizing the importance of correcting the safety and mobility issues that affect the Circle Interchange, the Department moved forward with a study that would look into correcting these issues. On March 14, 2013, after a thirty day comment period, CMAP amended the GOTO 2040 Plan to include the Circle Interchange project as a fiscally constrained major capital project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012 Fay Peters [email protected] 728 W. Jackson Blvd. #1106 Chicago, IL 60661

9/3/2012 CS # 2704

I am on the Board of the Haberdasher Square Lofts Home Owner's Association. I would like to stay informed about this project on behalf of our residents as the project could have an impact on our building.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:43 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Ms. Peters:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on September 3, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

By signing up for the project’s mailing list, you should have been receiving periodic e-blasts and will receive an invitation to the Public Hearing, tentatively planned for April 2013. Please visit the project website at www.circleinterchange.org and click on the “Information Center” Tab on top of the Home Page to view the audio-visual presentation, exhibit boards and the preliminary concepts that were presented at the public meeting back in August, as well as exhibits and other materials from three Project Working Group meetings held over the past several months. We are pleased to have you as part of our Project Working Group.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 03/24/2013-03/31/2013

Nick Pokrifcak [email protected] (847)-584-9225 210 S Des Plaines St #506 Chicago, IL 60661

3/28/2013 CS # 5335

Will you be tearing down The Habidashery or just tearing down the back part that butts up to the expressway? CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:07 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Pokrifcak, Nick_Web Comment_03-28-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Pokrifcak:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related impacts to the Haberdasher Lofts due to the project.

Please note that the Circle Interchange Project will not impact the Haberdasher Loft building. All construction in the vicinity of the Haberdasher Lofts will be contained within the existing highway right-of-way.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 01/07/2013-01/14/2013

Alan Robinson [email protected] 1700 E. 56th St. # 2810 Chicago, IL 60637

1/9/2013 CS # 5256

Are the traffic volumes and time saved on the NE and EN ramps sufficient to warrant the expense, extra decision points, and merging (especially on the EN), of installing the ramps in a rebuild? Is it also worth having 4 through lanes on the mainline, even if you could build it for free, if it means having to merge an extra lane both north and south of the interchange. I'd imagine that there’s no difference or very minimal in mainline throughput by changing this while improving ramp throughput and safety.

It looks like a good set of alternatives was considered and the best selected so far. Without the full costing, I'll put my support behind alternative 15, although I'd be supportive of consideration by the designers for tweeks or refinements on the basic concept. Thank you.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 9:39 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

April 1, 2013

Dear Mr. Robinson:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website and by comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. In your comments, you asked about the warrants behind improving Ramp NE (interpreted to mean Ramp NW) and Ramp EN, as well as adding a fourth through lane in each direction through the interchange on I-90/94. You also stated your support for Alternative A-15.4.

Ramp NW and Ramp EN are critical movements within the Circle Interchange. Today, these ramps carry 34,000 and 27,000 vehicles per day, respectively. These volumes rise above the threshold for single lane ramps. Adding a second lane to these ramps will improve safety and mobility. The new horizontal and vertical alignments of Ramps NW and EN will also address other deficiencies by reducing sharp turns and rolling profiles.

Currently, I-90/94 has five lanes in each direction north and south of the Circle Interchange. The two outer most lanes in each direction become mandatory exit lanes for Ramp SE and Ramp SW from southbound I-90/94 and Ramp NE and Ramp NW from northbound I-90/94. Only the inner most three lanes continue through the interchange in each direction. Each alternative investigated by the Study Team included an additional lane on I-90/94 in each direction to correct this lane balance issue. With the Recommended Alternative A-7.1c, in each direction the inner three lanes continue through the interchange. The fourth lane is an option lane – a vehicle can either continue through the interchange or exit. The fifth lane becomes a mandatory exit lane. This lane configuration reduces the number of weaves and merges improving safety and mobility.

Based on a side-by-side comparison of the Recommended Preferred Alternative, Alternative A-7.1c, to A-15.4, Alternative A-7.1c provided the better design. It best addresses the project’s Purpose & Need, is simpler and easier to construct, has essentially the same costs as Alternative A-15.4 and provides better geometrics. It results in better safety, better addresses driver expectations, and allows Ramp NW to be constructed while maintaining traffic on the existing ramp. Alternative A-7.1c can be viewed on the Home Page of the project website by visiting www.circleinterchange.org.

Thank you for your interest in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 10/01/2012-10/07/2012

Jose Rodriguez [email protected] 233 S Wacker Dr. #800 Chicago, IL 60606 10/5/2012 CS # 2778

I would like to be added to mailing list and informed of meetings/other events pertaining to the Circle Interchange. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 1:06 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

October 29, 2012

Dear Jose Rodriguez:

Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Circle Interchange Project. This is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on October 5, 2012 regarding your interest in being added to the mailing list.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Bob Senase

RKD Construction Supply

[email protected]

11633 West Grand Ave

Northlake, IL 60164

(708)878-1143

CS # 5297

Will there be any formliner treatment on the walls, I have been supplying formliner to many of the road building project for the last 25 years, I also do the Texas Rail inserts that are shown. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:21 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Senase, Bob_Comment 03-14-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Senase:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the formliner treatments within the project area.

Although design has not been finalized, we do anticipate that formliner treatments will be provided on some walls.

Information regarding construction letting is available at www.dot.il.gov under the tab called Lettings & Bidding. You also might be interested in going on the project website at www.circleinterchange.org and selecting the IDOT Office of Business and Workforce Diversity tab at the top of the Home page.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 03/24/2013-03/31/2013

Ginny Sharp Rolling Stones Cartage [email protected] (815)546-0366 16621 w 144th place Lockport, IL 60441

3/26/2013 CS # 5323

Very interested in working on this project please keep us informed CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:25 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Sharp, Ginny_Web Comment_ 03-26-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Sharp:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to employment opportunities with the Circle Interchange project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments 02/10/2013-02/16/2013

Laura Stukus [email protected] 312-930-0952 728 W. Jackson Blvd # 608 Chicago, IL 60661

2/11/2013 CS # 5283

I couldn't find a reference to Alternative A-7.1C on the site. Please provide direction or explanation as to what this new alternative entails CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 9:54 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

March 23, 2013

Dear Ms. Stukus:

This correspondence is in response to the comments you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you requested information on where you can view the Recommended Preferred Alternative and an explanation of what Alternative A-7.1C entails.

The Recommended Preferred Alternative incorporates aesthetic features and improves the multi-modal transportation system of the surrounding street network with the inclusion of bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved access to transit. The main geometric features of the recommended Preferred Alternative include: • 4 lanes in each direction on I-90/94 to correct a lane balance issue • 2 lanes on the N-W and E-N ramps to improve safety and mobility • A Collector-Distributor (C-D) road from northbound I-90/94 to downtown exit ramps to improve safety by eliminating weaves and short merges • A C-D road from southbound I-90/94 to Taylor Street exit to improve safety by eliminating a weave, and • 3 flyovers: N-W ramp over Harrison Street and Halsted Street, and a W-S ramp over Harrison Street to improve mobility

The Recommended Preferred Alternative can be viewed by clicking on the link “View the Recommended Preferred Alternative” located in the center of the project website Home page,www.circleinterchange.org.

Thank you for your interest in the Circle Interchange Project. The Department is considering all stakeholder input and comments as we go through the decision making process. We look forward to your ongoing participation, and encourage you to continue to visit our website for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 08/01/2012-09/09/2012

Ryan Westrom [email protected] Chicago, IL 60647

9/6/2012 CS # 2710

Public Hearing Comment:

I was unable to attend the first meeting, but wanted to pass on my initial input. I'm excited about the Circle project, and my hope is that it can bring greater access to the surrounding area.

My comments are: e) Improve connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists across all four legs. I hope IDOT is able to work with CDOT to incorporate elements from both their pedestrian and bike plans. Every expressway crossing should be a complete street. f) Improve connectivity for motorists to all quadrants. Right now it is easy to get to/from the loop or Greektown north of Congress via the many exits, but to the south it is very difficult. I would suggest that all current connections be maintained, but in addition that further connections be considered for areas to the south. Roosevelt should be converted to a full interchange, with connections also added to Taylor. As well, the ability to at least exit to Harrison should be added. And connection to Polk, with consideration for making it a through street across the expressway should also be considered. Greater access to the South Loop and UIC will provide significant economic benefit to the City of Chicago and the entire region. And distributing much of the traffic that currently must wait to exit at Congress across these additional access points may also help congestion. g) Incorporate as much green landscaping is can be imagined. Make this an opportunity to not only create a world-class new interchange, but the most green sustainable one possible.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment, and I look forward to seeing the results of this study!

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:48 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Westrom:

An important goal of the project is improving pedestrian as well as bicycle access around the interchange area. Both the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department have adopted “Complete Streets” policies and practices which outline how best to incorporate pedestrian, bicycle and transit access into roadway projects so that connections between neighborhoods are maintained or enhanced. Improvements to the local street network are currently being incorporated into the recommended alternative. These improvements include wider sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and striped bicycle lanes.

You also expressed a desire to increase access points in the vicinity of the Circle Interchange. In the current conditions, the vicinity of the Circle Interchange is saturated with access points. This results in shorter merge, diverge and weaving areas and affects the ability to provide adequate guide signs for wayfinding. The purpose and need of the project includes improving safety and mobility. Adding new access points would run counter to these goals. However, adding wayfinding signs for the UIC and South Loop areas are being considered as part of or in conjunction with the improvement.

In terms of aesthetics and landscaping, an Aesthetic Master Plan was completed in 2009 and aesthetic treatments including landscaping and architectural elements recommended in the plan will be studied for inclusion into various design features of the Circle Interchange. In addition, various streetscape elements are being considered to enhance the streets and neighborhoods surrounding the interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments 11/05/2012-11/12/2012 Curt Winkle [email protected] 700 W. Van Buren St. Chicago, IL 60607

11/8/2012 CS # 5220

NO LOUD WORK AT NIGHT.

Plans should require that any noisy work be done during the day. The hundreds of residents in condos and dorms near the interchange will find their homes unlivable. Neighbors are well organized and have the resources to challenge night work, so please find ways to make it simple for all. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2013 12:53 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange

February 16, 2013

Dear Mr. Winkle:

This correspondence is in response to the comment you submitted via the project website on November 8, 2012 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange. Specifically, you noted your concern about construction noise at night.

As with any construction project, implementing the Circle Interchange improvements will result in construction noise. However, the Department has strict construction guidelines and standards in place that each contractor must follow to minimize any impacts on adjacent properties. For example, given the close proximity of some buildings to the construction site, the Department will specify drilling for foundation construction rather than pile driving. This will reduce noise and vibration. Unfortunately, some of the construction will need to be accomplished at night in order to maximize safety, minimize traffic impacts, and keep the project on schedule. The Department will be reviewing the constructability of this project and work closely with the contractor to minimize night-time noise impacts to you and the many neighbors of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Public Hearing #1 to Public Hearing #2

April 3, 2013 to June 26, 2014

Web Comments

Ramone Adams [email protected] 123 N Damen St 403 Chicago, IL 60612

4/4/2013 CS # 5375

One of the biggest problems that exists presently is that the ES Ramp is not fully accessible until a few feet before the ramp. Will this lane be in clear sight with two easily accessible unblocked lanes after construction?

Secondly, could the heavier more congestion prone, either EN or ES, ramp que along the wall area of I- 290 so that traffic is not blocked?

Lastly, could the crappy Lake, Randolph, and Madison entrance ramps on the Eastbound I-94 section be included in the project. These ramps are accident prone and reconstructing them could potentially realign the approach into Westbound 290. A southbound (eastbound) collector distributor roadway for downtown exits on I-94 should work in this instance also.

Submitted via website

R. Adams

PBCMS # 5677

The Northbound I-94 will likely stay backed up regardless of whats done in the project. Wouldn't it be better for its traffic to not impede southbound I-94 traffic. I am suggesting that Eastbound I-290 to Northbound I-94 traffic be moved to the far right along the wall where it can que happily. East 290 to South I-94 should approach from the inner lanes. East to SouthTraffic can just zip by rather than getting stuck by the northbounders as they attempt to weave. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:43 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Adams, Ramone_Web Comments.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Adams:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments stated that Ramp ES is not fully accessible until shortly before the ramp gore and asked if this will be improved as part of the project. Your comments also asked if the heavier Ramp EN traffic could queue along the wall area of eastbound I-290 so that traffic is not blocked.

The existing eastbound I-290 exit ramps to I-90/94 often become congested due to a lack of capacity on the eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 ramp (Ramp EN). There are multiple causes for this congestion problem including a single traffic lane with tight horizontal and vertical geometry. In addition, there are often backups on Ramp EN due to a short merge between traffic on Ramp EN and the westbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 ramp (Ramp WN), followed quickly by a weave section on northbound I-90/94. As you mentioned, when Ramp EN becomes congested, aggressive drivers often use adjacent lanes for Congress Parkway to bypass congestion before making abrupt lane changes into Ramp EN. The Preferred Alternative addresses this issue by providing seven lanes on eastbound I-290 approaching the Circe Interchange (two lanes for Congress Parkway, two lanes for Ramp EN, two lanes for Ramp ES, and one lane for Taylor Street). These improvements are anticipated to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.

Your comment also asked if the Lake, Randolph, and Madison entrance ramps on the eastbound I-90/94 section could be included in the new design. A number of exit and entrance ramps to and from I-90/94 need to be maintained in the design. Given the close proximity of the exit and entrance ramps, some remain located on the left side of I- 90/94. However, I-90/94 will be expanded from three through lanes to four through lanes in this section, providing more gaps in traffic in which entering traffic could merge. Merge tapers are also being lengthened to improve entrance ramp operations. Also, eastbound I-90/94 traffic destined for I-290 will diverge from the mainline north of Madison Street which is much further north than it does today. A barrier median will be constructed between the exit ramps and eastbound I-90/94, preventing traffic entering from Madison Street to use the exit ramps. However, traffic from Lake and Randolph Streets will still be physically capable of weaving across I-90/94 to reach the ramps. The project has been designed so that it will not preclude a future southbound collector-distributor road that could fully separate these movements.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Sunil Agnani [email protected] Chicago, IL 60625

4/17/2013 CS # 5412

I live in Lincoln Square, Chicago (60625) and commute to UIC by bike. More than anything, I would like you create a protected bike lane on Harrison St across this circle exchange running East from our campus to the lake. This would allow a large number of bike commuters to safely reach the Dearborn Protected bike lane, and the lakefront trail, which is how I and many others going North and South get home by bike. I should add: I am not a reckless kid on a bike. I'm 45 with two kids, and would like a safe way to commute by bike. Bike lanes need to be given an even higher priority to make Chicago more livable. More car lanes will only increase traffic. Please consult with Active Transportation Alliance on this.

My next request as an employee/faculty member at the University of Illinois at Chicago: what holds our campus back from being integrated to the neighborhoods to the North are the unfriendly and rusty fences along the CTA overpasses. I use the CTA Blue line instead of driving (when I am not biking). I would like the see these become far more pedestrian friendly. The bridges near IIT seem much better.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Agnani, Sunil_Web Comment_04-17-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Sunil Agnani:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments were specifically in regards to a protected bike lane on Harrison Street and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) integration.

Bicycle and pedestrian improvements are a significant consideration in the Circle Interchange Project. We have been working with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian accommodations into the design of the local street network. In addition, the Active Transportation Alliance was invited to participate as a member of the Project Working Group (PWG) for this project.

The proposed typical section on Harrison Street, as part of the Preferred Alternative, includes implementation of a “road diet” with a reduced four lane cross section to two lanes between Halsted Street and Des Plaines Street and a seven-foot bicycle lane with a three-foot buffer in each direction. Wider sidewalks are also being accommodated on the Halsted Street Bridge. Harrison Street, east of Des Plaines Street is outside of the Circle Interchange project limits but is a “recommended bike route” per the City of Chicago’s Chicago Bicycle Program.

Your comment also discusses campus integration with the neighborhoods to the north and the need for more pedestrian friendly treatments on the bridges. The Department is meeting frequently with UIC to discuss the Circle Interchange Project and UIC members are part of the Project Working Group (PWG). Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations have been included on the local streets and bridges, including Halsted Street, Peoria Street and Morgan Street. A design charette was held with the PWG to identify appropriate pedestrian accommodations and design elements including treatments on piers, retaining walls, flyovers, fencing and landscaping. The recommended design for retaining walls is the “Chicago Wall”. On Halsted Street, a mid-block pedestrian crossing and pedestrian activated traffic signal will be installed in front of the CTA Halsted Street Station entrance to improve safety and access. In addition, a decorative canopy is planned to connect both sides of the Halsted Street. At the CTA Peoria Street Station, improvements include a redesign of the station entrance, creation of a pedestrian plaza, installation of bike racks, and the installation of an elevator.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Maurice Ball [email protected] 630-334-1371 933 Front Street Lisle, IL 60532

4/30/2013 CS # 5416

This is a grand idea. I love it, love it, love it. It is long overdue! I believe the blueline station in this area should be upgraded also. The Halsted station looks very old and outdated and not very attractive. It should also consider the increasing ridership in this area coming in the future.

Maurice Ball [email protected]

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:48 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Ball, Maurice_Web Comment_04-30-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Ball:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

You have expressed your support for the project and have suggested that the Halsted Street Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Station be upgraded.

Thank you for your support of the project. The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962, and has outlived its design life. It is expected that the reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will ease congestion, move people and freight more efficiently, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles. The Preferred Alternative is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent and saving drivers up to 5 million hours annually. This improved traffic flow will lead to savings of up to 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year. The new design incorporates aesthetic features and improves the multi-modal transportation system of the surrounding street network with the inclusion of bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved access to transit. The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will help stimulate the region’s economy by creating thousands of construction jobs, address significant transportation needs, and enhance the surrounding urban areas. The Preferred Alternative also includes improvements to the CTA Halsted Street and Peoria Street Stations on the Blue Line. A mid-block pedestrian crossing and pedestrian activated traffic signal will be installed in front of the Halsted Street station entrance to improve safety and access. In addition, a decorative canopy is planned to connect both sides of the Halsted Street Bridge. At the Peoria Street Station, improvements include a redesign of the station entrance, creation of a pedestrian plaza, installation of bike racks, and the installation of an elevator.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Ed Barry Laborers LMCC [email protected] (630)688-5000 x 443 999 McClintock Dr. #301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5399

I support the Circle Interchange I -290 I-90/94. The project will create jobs and reduce traffic congestion.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:51 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Barry, Ed_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Barry:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962, and has outlived its design life. It is expected that the reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will ease congestion, move people and freight more efficiently, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles. The Preferred Alternative is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent and saving drivers up to 5 million hours annually. This improved traffic flow will lead to savings of up to 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year. The new design incorporates aesthetic features and improves the multi-modal transportation system of the surrounding street network with the inclusion of bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved access to transit. The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will help stimulate the region’s economy by creating thousands of construction jobs, address significant transportation needs, and enhance the surrounding urban areas.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Brad Bowersox [email protected] (845)536-2033 1127 w. Madison Chicago, IL 60607

4/8/2013 CS # 5395

Please do not go forward with the current plans for the circle interchange renovations. It moves the roads far too close to the buildings of the west loop, including The Rice Building and Green St. Lofts.

Are there other plans we can pursue? thanks, b

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:52 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Bowersox, Brad_Web Comment_04-08-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Bowersox:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the proximity of the Circle Interchange improvements to building in the West Loop area.

A vibration monitoring program has been established as part of the Circle Interchange Project. Approximately 29 buildings that front the interchange will be part of the vibration monitoring program. Monitors will be installed in each building to monitor vibrations during construction. If vibrations reach a predetermined threshold during construction, there will be immediate action taken to stop the activity causing that vibration. The contractor will then be required to adjust their means and methods to stay below the vibration threshold. These procedures will be controlled by contract special provisions that will be included into the contract documents. Similar efforts were part of the recent Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project. The goal of the Department is to avoid all impacts to buildings near the construction area. The Department’s existing and pre-construction inspection reports will be shared with Board members.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Ryan Clark [email protected] (312)451-2854 3445 S. Rhodes Avenue 905 Chicago, IL 60616

4/3/2013 CS # 5371

I'm a budding young architecture student and I would like to help with the design process if possible.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:08 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Clark, Ryan_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Clark:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to finding architectural employment opportunities with the Circle Interchange.

We appreciate your interest in the Circle Interchange Project and suggest you continue to review information on the website as the project moves forward into Phase II (contract document preparation phase). You can share any design ideas you may have by commenting through the website.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Tony Critchell [email protected] 770 W.Gladys Ave Unit # 701 Chicago, IL 60661

6/13/2013 CS # 5636

There is a lot of concern in the Greektown community that the 94NB-290WB bridge over Halsted will cause a psychological barrier preventing persons from deciding to go north. Female pedestrians particularly may feel uneasy about this. I hope efforts are underway to assure aesthetics to minimize this.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:14 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Critchell, Tony_Web Comment_06-16-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Critchell:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website and returned viewpoint form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the flyover over Halsted Street due to the concern that it will create a psychological barrier to Greektown and suggest that aesthetic features be included to minimize the impact. You also submitted your viewpoint in regards to the potential noise abatement at the 770 Lofts.

In the early stages of the project, stakeholders had indicated that a flyover was not a desirable feature of the proposed design; the Department worked rigorously and investigated over 30 alternatives, 12 (over one-third) of which did not include a flyover over Halsted Street. Alternatives were investigated that placed Ramp NW under the interchange in a tunnel. However, the tunnel would be in direct conflict with underground utilities, main drain storm sewers, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line tunnel, water distribution tunnels, and existing foundations. In addition, any tunnel below grade (underneath the Circle Interchange) would be very susceptible to flooding. The underground impacts and the high flooding risk made tunnel options infeasible. The most feasible alternative that did not include a flyover over Halsted Street was an alternative called 15.4. This alternative had issues due to horizontal stopping sight distance limiting speed to 35 mph on westbound I-290, a “roller coaster” profile on eastbound I-290 limiting speeds to 30 mph, a 6% downgrade on a fully superelevated horizontal curve on Ramp NW, a left-handed exit ramp for Ramp WN, and profile grades on other ramps would be steeper than the existing condition. This alternative was studied in great detail to determine if anything could be done to improve the design. Ultimately, it was an unacceptable design for safety reasons and was dropped from consideration.

Substantial resources have been invested to create a new facility that balances the community’s needs for connectivity, walkability, bicycle accommodations, access to transit, landscaping and gateway features with transportation’s needs for improving safety and mobility and replacing the aging infrastructure. Communities thrive on good transportation infrastructure, connectivity with neighbors, and safe, inviting surroundings. These are all features of the proposed plan. The Department is working with stakeholders to create urban green spaces. The landscaping will be designed in a manner that will soften views from the neighborhoods, calm traffic, improve air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect.

A detailed traffic noise study was conducted as part of the Circle Interchange Project. For noise abatement measures to be considered, a receptor must be impacted by the projected build noise levels from the proposed project (66 dB(A)) or greater for exterior residential uses). A receptor location is typically an area of frequent outdoor use such as a balcony. The noise wall must then be both feasible and reasonable meaning they are constructible, achieve at least a 5 dB(A) reduction for at least one impacted receptor, achieve at least an 8 dB(A) reduction for at least one benefited receptor, cost less than $24,000 - $37,000 per benefited receptor (depending upon cost adjustments as listed in IDOT policy), and must be supported by greater than 50% of the benefited receptors. As described above, a benefited receptor is a unit that receives at least a 5 dB(A) traffic noise reduction as a result of a noise barrier. This is because the human ear perceives a 5 dB(A) change in noise as readily perceptible. Based on the noise study, noise barriers were found to be feasible and reasonable at six locations and have the potential to be implemented into the project, of which five will likely be implemented, based upon the viewpoints of the benefited receptors.

Based on the noise analysis conducted, your unit was not identified as a benefited receptor since it did not receive at least a 5 dB(A) traffic noise reduction as a result of a noise barrier. Per the Department’s policy on noise abatement, only viewpoints received from benefited receptors are tallied as votes regarding noise wall construction. Based on viewpoints collected from the benefited receptors, highway traffic noise abatement measures will not be implemented

1 at your location. For additional information regarding noise abatement, please contact Sam Mead, Environmental Unit Head, at (847) 705-4101.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

2 Web Comments

Andy DeVito Laborers LMCC [email protected] (630)655-9525 999 McClintock # 301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5407

I support the Circle Interchange it will generate jobs and reduce the traffic congestion. Thank you.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:51 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: DeVito, Andy_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. DeVito:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Frank DiGiovanni Laborers Local 5 [email protected] (708) 754-6100 x3 134 N. Halsted Chicago Heights, IL 60411

4/15/2013 CS # 5402

Our workers need infrastructure and jobs like this one. They are qualified and trained to perform various scopes if this work.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:12 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: DiGiovanni, Frank_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. DiGiovanni:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Chris DiPrima [email protected] 516 S Hi-Lusi Ave Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

4/4/2013 CS # 5386

I would like to voice my support for IDOT's plan and its approach to the planning process. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, and the Circle Interchange improvements proposed will help far more people than they will harm.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:19 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: DiPrima_Chris_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. DiPrima:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Robert Gibout [email protected] (312)951-8364 1122 N Clark St. #3108 Chicago, IL 60610

6/24/2013 CS # 5642 if I am looking at the new design correctly it looks to me like the two biggest problems, 1) N I-94 to W I- 90 and 2) E I-90 to N I-94 are being address but just to the point of only stretching out the the curved ramps. Why are you not doing fly-over ramps like many cities have, i.e., Atlanta on the I-75/I-285 interchange on the northeast side of Atlanta???

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:47 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Gibout, Robert_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Gibout:

Thank you for the comments you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the movement on N I-94 to W I-90 (corrected to W I-290), the movement on E I-90 (corrected to E I-290) to N I-94 (corrected to N I-90/94), and the use of more flyover ramps similar to other cities like Atlanta.

It is expected that the reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent. In addition, thousands of construction related jobs are expected to be created due to this project which will help stimulate the region’s economy.

The preferred plan reduces the bottleneck on I-90/94 by going from 3 to 4 lanes in each direction through the interchange and doubles the number of lanes on the two most congested ramps – northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290 (Ramp NW) and eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 (Ramp EN). These lane additions, coupled with smoother curves and flatter profiles on all the ramps, will enhance the mobility of vehicles and freight.

The preferred plan includes the construction of two flyover ramps, Ramp NW and Ramp WS. The Circle Interchange is located in a constricted urban environment, and alternatives involving more expansive flyovers were dismissed because of excessive right-of-way needs, building removals, and other impacts to the human environment.

The Circle Interchange Study process is carefully considering the views of all stakeholders, and is focused upon balancing safety, mobility, community, and environment objectives. We encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information. Your attached comments are part of the official public hearing record.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Lisa Giglio Byczek [email protected] 1250 W. Van Buren St. 514 Chicago, IL 60607

4/3/2013 CS # 5365

PLEASE move forward with the plan to build a sound wall on Van Buren between Racine and Loomis. It will greatly help the expressway noise in my unit while windows and screen doors are open and will help with property resale value in the area

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:21 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Giglio Byczek, Lisa_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Giglio-Byczek:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to building a noise wall on Van Buren Street between Racine Avenue and Loomis Street.

Based on viewpoints collected, highway traffic noise abatement measures are likely to be implemented along Van Buren Street from the I-290 entrance to Throop Street based on preliminary design. The noise abatement measures may need to be modified or removed from the project plans. A final decision on the installation of abatement measures will be made upon completion of the project’s final design and continued coordination with the public. For additional information regarding noise abatement, please contact Sam Mead, Environmental Unit Head, at (847) 705- 4101.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Joseph Glynn IBEW 134 [email protected] 708.259.8337 Chicago, IL 60658

4/3/2013 CS # 5366

With IDOT use light fixtures that comply with the Cook County Starlight Ordinance that was passed last Feb 2010? Using light fixtures that are both energy effiecent and designed to pollute less light would greatly increase the amount of energy saved to illuminate the circle interchange.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:22 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Glynn, Joseph_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Glynn:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to whether or not the proposed light fixtures comply with the Cook County Starlight Ordinance.

The Cook County Starlight Code applies to all new and replacement lighting on roadways, developments, properties, buildings or structures under the jurisdiction of Cook County Highway Department. The Kennedy Expressway, Dan Ryan Expressway, Eisenhower Expressway and system ramps are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation. For lighting on the interstate and ramps, the Department follows ANSI/IES RP-8 and AASHTO guidelines and uses full cut-off lighting fixtures. These lighting fixtures are designed to limit glare and light only target areas at target levels, thus saving electricity and supporting “dark skies”. Lighting on the local streets will follow City standards. The City is currently using cut-off and semi-cut off light fixtures that direct light down onto the roadway and sidewalk.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Jairo Gomez Laborers LMCC [email protected] 999 McClintock Dr. # 301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5408

It would help with commuters and businesses, and create some much needed construction jobs.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:24 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Gomez, Jairo_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Gomez:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Adam Hubbard [email protected] (708)833-7202 360 Providence Drive Matteson, IL 60443

4/15/2013 CS # 5409

The Ramps at Canal St should be removed, because it's Dangerous weaving and tight squeeze merging from the EB exit and WB entrance leading to the 290 WB along with the Ramp leading to outbound Kennedy And Dan Ryan Expressways. The ramps should be longer from the WB 290 to the Outboud Dan Ryan And Kennedy and a Divider should be added. There should be a 2 lane long slip ramp one that leads from the Post Office to Kennedy And one to the Outbound Dan Ryan Expressways. The Ramps at Canal St should Be removed completely in order to make the new slip ramp from the post office the 90/94!!!

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Hubbard, Adam_Web Comment_04-15-2013.pdf

September 5 , 2013

Dear Mr. Hubbard:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the proximity of the ramps serving Canal Street from Congress Parkway and those serving the Circle Interchange.

One project goal is to maintain all existing connections, including to Canal Street. While the spacing between the Canal Street ramps and the Circle Interchange ramps are not ideal, traffic modeling indicates that it would operate at a satisfactory level of service in the Preferred Alternative condition. Crash data also does not indicate an unusually high level of crashes between those ramps.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Roy Jain (312)436-1174 [email protected] 2150 W. McLean Ave. Unit 2W Chicago, IL 60647

4/17/2013 CS # 5411

For the changes to traffic flow in downtown, I would suggest that all incoming ramps from downtown be moved to the right side of the highway and a lane added in each direction the the left side (where the ramps would be removed). Right now, you have theoretically high speed traffic that is subject to a merge on the left side. On the right side, I would alternate feeder roads to the highway and off-ramps from the highway so that each street (Randolph, Washington, Madison, etc.) does NOT have both on-ramps and off ramps. That change should allow faster traffic flow on the left hand lanes. Additional segmentation for local/express through downtown may help as well. Finally, if there is any way to move the 290 merge from 94 coming northbound to a point that's earlier, that may also ease congestion.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Jain, Roy_Web Comment_04-17-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Jain:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment specifically related to moving all entrance ramps to the right side of the expressway along I-90/94 north of the Circle interchange.

In general, right-side entrance ramps are preferable over left-side entrance ramps; however there are additional considerations in the case of the Preferred Alternative. For example, in the northbound direction, left-handed entrances from Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street onto the collector-distributor roadway (serving local traffic) better serves the flow of mainline traffic than routing those ramps onto the right side of the mainline expressway. This is due to the large influx of traffic from Ramp EN (eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94) merging on the right side of the mainline roadway in nearly the same location.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Corey Johnson Laborers Local 149 [email protected] (630)907-1674 2418 W. Indian Trail Unit C Aurora, IL 60560

4/15/2013 CS # 5405

I am writing in support of the proposed improvements as it will provide jobs and reduce congestion.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:29 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Johnson, Corey_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Robert S. Kondic Enviroscape 6, LLC. (312)560-3134 [email protected] 100 E. Bellevue Place 20C Chicago, IL 60611

6/24/2013 CS # 5644

Urban Planner.

Rerouting of Blue Line North or South of 290 should be considered.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:39 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Kondic, Robert S._Web Comment_06-24-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Kondic:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to the location of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line. You suggested that the Blue Line be rerouted south or north of I-290.

The Circle Interchange Study Team has been working closely with the CTA since the beginning of the project. The CTA is undertaking a Blue Line-Forest Park Branch Vision Study to assess future right-of-way requirements, station access and generally modest redesign opportunities. For purposes of the Circle Interchange project, it is assumed that the Blue Line right-of-way will remain in its current location. This is especially important as the Blue Line enters a tunnel system under the interchange itself. As a result, significant shifts in the location of the Blue Line would not be practical.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Lisa Kulisek [email protected] 312-738-2187 1260 W. Lexington St. Chicago, IL 60607

4/3/2013 CS # 5369

I would like to know more about the proposed noise abatement measures. I think that the pavement design and possibility of including some noise-absorbing surfaces would improve our quality of life as neighbors to the highway - so I appreciate your studying the issue. If there is someone to whom I can address questions about noise abatement and who might be willing to explain the proposed measures to me I would greatly appreciate it. I was unable to attend this evening's Open House. I live parallel to and just south of I-290 as it feeds the existing Circle Interchange and can hear noise both from the feeders west of the circle and south of the circle depending on the weather. I would be happy to be contacted by email, phone, or to make an appointment to meet a noise expert in person.

Thank you! Sincerely, Lisa Kulisek

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:30 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Kulisek, Lisa_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Kulisek:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

You comment was specifically related to noise abatement measures and pavement design.

Based on the Department’s manual and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines, the Circle Interchange noise study area is defined as the land uses within 500 feet along each side of the interstate highways. The project limits extend to Loomis Street on the west, the Old Post Office on the east, Roosevelt Road on the south and Lake Street on the north. Your address at 1260 W. Lexington Street falls outside of the noise analysis study area. Please note that the Department is currently studying improvements to the Eisenhower Expressway, from Mannheim Road to Racine Avenue. Please visit the project website at www.eisenhowerexpressway.com or contract Mr. Mark Peterson, project manager, at (847) 705-4569.

Quiet pavements are eligible for federal funding only in states that have approved Quiet Pavement Research Programs. The Department does not currently have an approved program. As pavement texture varies with time, the performance of this measure is difficult to predict for noise abatement. For example, asphalt pavement breaks apart, while concrete textures wear down over time. In addition, noise created at the tire and pavement interface is only one of several traffic noise sources that include engine, exhaust and auto body vibrations. Therefore, altering the pavement material would not result in substantial noise reductions.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Juan Lara [email protected] Chicopee, MA 01014

CS # 5568

Why the project is so expensive? What is the breakdown of the expenses?

Thank you, Juan Diego Lara CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:51 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Lara, Juan_Web Comment_05-22-2013.pdf.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Lara:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the project cost estimate.

The estimated cost of construction for the Preferred Alternative is approximately $420 million. The project includes the reconstruction and widening of 2.7 miles of mainline freeways, reconstruction of all eight system ramps, and reconstruction of eight cross street bridges (Peoria Street, Taylor Street, Harrison Street, Halsted Street, Van Buren Street, Jackson Boulevard, Adams Street, and Monroe Street), streetscape treatments along all local roads surrounding the interchange (i.e. wider sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping), noise walls, and other appurtenances including signage, lighting, traffic signals, utility adjustments, and construction oversight. Reconstruction of the Circle Interchange is a major undertaking and will take approximately 4 years to construct. The following is a breakdown of the estimated construction costs for the project.

Item Cost Removal & Earthwork $ 6,800,000 Landscaping & Aesthetics $ 10,600,000 Drainage $ 16,000,000 Pavement $ 41,400,000 Traffic Control $ 27,200,000 Miscellaneous $ 25,500,000 Lighting & ITS $ 23,500,000 Structures $ 269,000,000 Total $ 420,000,000

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Vince LiFonti [email protected] (630)918-3062 440 N McClurg Ct 603 Chicago, IL 60611

4/3/2013 CS # 5374

Make the Left Lane of 290E an express lane from Damen to just before Canal. There are always people in the left lane that wait to the last minute to merge right to 90/94 and it holds up people trying to get to Congress. With an express lane starting at Damen, you also won't get the United Center/UIC traffic affecting people coming from the west side to the city.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: LiFonti, Vince_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. LiFonti:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to implementing an express lane on eastbound Interstate 290 (I-290) from Damen Avenue to just before Canal Street.

The existing eastbound I-290 exit ramps to I-90/94 ramps often become congested due to a lack of capacity on the eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 ramp (Ramp EN). There are multiple causes for this congestion problem, including a single traffic lane with tight horizontal and vertical geometry. In addition, there are often back-ups on the Ramp EN due to a short merge between traffic on the Ramp EN and the westbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 ramp, followed quickly by a weave section on northbound I-90/94.

The recommended alternative for the Circle Interchange provides a reconstructed Ramp EN that will improve its safety and mobility. The new Ramp EN will carry two lanes of traffic and provide improved geometry along the ramp. In addition to this, the Ramp EN will no longer be forced to merge into the northbound I-90/94 traffic lanes and will instead be provided with additional lanes that will allow Ramp EN traffic to enter the northbound I-90/94 traffic stream under free flow conditions.

The Department also has a separate ongoing preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) for the improvement of I-290 between Manheim Road and Racine Avenue. This study includes concepts such as managed lanes. Please visit the project website, www.eisenhowerexpressway.com for the most current information on the development of this project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Grace Loehr [email protected]

Chicago, IL 60618

CS # 5567

I have a job now where I'm stuck in traffic on this every evening, driving north from the southern suburbs to the north side where I live. It is a nightmare. So I am interested to learn how the heck one problem solves a solution to such a big problem ... I also continue to have faith that the infrastructure of this raised highway will hold up and not collapse under the millions of tons of vehicle pounding it day in and day out. Thank you all for your hard work on this. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:57 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Loehr, Grace_Web Comment_05-22-2013.pdf.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Loehr:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the delay you experience when driving in the evening between the southern suburbs and the north side of Chicago and you wanted to know how this problem will be solved.

The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962, and has outlived its design life. In addition, the Circle Interchange has safety and congestion concerns, with an average of 940 crashes each year, and long backups as motorists attempt to pass through the interchange or access local destinations. More than 400,000 vehicles, including 33,000 trucks, travel through the Circle Interchange daily, and this location has been highlighted as the top freight bottleneck in the nation. The existing interchange is also in close proximity to a variety of dense urban land uses, including residential and commercial buildings, educational institutions, and public transportation facilities.

Over 30 alternatives were investigated, and the preferred plan represents a comprehensive improvement that will address transportation needs. Overall daily traffic delays will be reduced by 50% and the potential for severe crashes will be reduced by up to 25%. At the same time, the project will provide improved community connections, walkability, bicycle accommodations, access to transit, and urban green spaces. The Department is working with stakeholders to create urban green spaces and landscaping concepts that will soften views from the neighborhoods, calm traffic, improve air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect. The Circle Interchange project will create thousands of construction jobs that will help stimulate the region’s economy, address significant transportation needs, and enhance the surrounding urban areas.

The preferred plan will provide significant benefits to highway users, users of the adjacent local roadway network, and pedestrians and bicyclists in the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, the improvements on the mainline will accommodate the potential for managed lanes in the future.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Michael Mmaggio Laborers LDC/LMCC [email protected] (630)655-9525 999 McClintock Drive # 301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5401

The Country needs jobs and infrastructure, this creates both.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:39 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Maggio, Michael_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Maggio:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Mattlin, Martin_PH Comment Form_04-08-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Mattlin:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

You comment was specifically related to holding future Public Hearings in an area where parking is more accessible and less costly.

We appreciate you attending the public hearing and understand your concern about the cost of the parking. When we plan public meetings, our goal is to locate a facility within or close to the project study area that can accommodate a large group of people and is accessible to public transportation and parking. We researched several locations within and close to the Circle Interchange Project area and unfortunately, all had costs associated with parking. The Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC location met our criteria in terms of location and meeting space. It’s proximity to both CTA bus lines and the CTA Blue Line was also a consideration. For convenience, all the information presented at the public hearings is available on the project website along with the ability to submit comments.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Jim McConachie Laborers LMCC [email protected] (630)655-9525 999 McClintock # 301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5406

I support the circle interchange I -290 I-90/94 project as it will create jobs and reduce traffic congestion.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:42 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: McConachie, Jim_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. McConachie:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Hugh McLaughlin [email protected] 708-945-3258 411 S. Sangamon Suite B Chicago, IL 60607

4/3/2013 CS # 5372

Please keep me informed. As a condo board member in a building that is next to the Eisenhower, we have an interest in this project. We have also had major building settlement issues since the last time the Eisenhower was worked on, and are very concerned with what this would do to our building.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: McLaughlin, Hugh_Web Comment_04-05-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. McLaughlin:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to building foundation monitoring.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Decker, Diana L.

From: Schneider, Paul A. Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 10:42 PM To: Decker, Diana L.; 'Cathy Valente' Cc: Schilke, Steven E; Baczek, John A Subject: FW: Public comment on IDOT Circle Interchange

1`HCVQIIVJ 8 EruHpbhvy)wrup5thvypd Urqh6 vy %! "()#&QH TpuvyxrTrr@0Tpurvqr Qhy60Tpurvqr 6G QiyvpprD9PU8v pyrDr puhtr

Hi,

I have a public comment about the proposed Circle Interchange Expansion

I oppose any redesign that includes a flyover over Halsted Avenue. A flyover would be a permanent barrier to the integration of the UIC/Greektown and near West Loop neighborhoods. At a point in time where the blight of 1980s and 90s is receding and the economic activity of downtown is radiating out in a wave, you are proposing building a giant physical barrier to the movement of Chicago residents in the vicinity of the exchange. Overpasses kill pedestrian traffic and continuity in daily living.

Also, I believe IDOT is remiss in focusing on a physical solution to the congestion problems associated with the existing Circle Interchange. When UPS wants to improve routing and transit times, they improve their communication and information technology and route their trucks in a more efficient manner. IDOT pours concrete. The same $400 million dollars devoted to improved communication and routing with commercial trucking interests that use IDOT roadways would yield far greater gains than this new exchange. If IDOT took the lead in developing routing information systems and offered incentives to interstate trucking to reduce congestion by travelling through the exchange at off-peak times it would make the state a leader nationwide.

Smarter systems beat dumb concrete every time.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Joseph Musco Chicago, IL 773-426-7187

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:04 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Musco, Joseph_Comment_04-16-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Musco:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via email dated April 16 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

You have state your opposition to an alternative that includes a flyover and suggest using smart technologies to deal with the congestion issues.

Your letter also discusses smart technologies versus physical solutions. The Department has long employed smart technologies throughout its system. The dynamic messages signs (DMS) and travel times mentioned on television and the radio all emanate from the Department’s real-time data collection efforts. The Circle Interchange is 60 years old. Physical improvements to the interchange are crucial in promoting a safer and more efficient facility. In addition, the improvements on the mainline will accommodate the potential for managed lanes in the future.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Martha Pollak [email protected] 312-413-2465 935 West Harrison Street 202A Chicago, IL 60608

4/3/2013 CS # 5367 it is surprising that the new design does not include an exit to Peoria Street from the highway.

Despite the huge highway interchange at our doorstep, the UIC campus continues to be unapproachable from the lake and the Loop--

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:15 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Pollak, Martha_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Pollak:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) campus being unapproachable from the Lake and the Loop. You also question why the new design does not include an exit to Peoria Street.

An exit ramp from westbound I-290 to Peoria Street is not feasible for several key reasons: 1) a ramp to Peoria Street would only provide access north of the expressway since Peoria street over I-290 is a pedestrian bridge only; 2) the width of the highway corridor cannot accommodate an additional ramp at Peoria Street without impacts to neighboring buildings; and 3) a ramp to Peoria Street would be in conflict with the merges along westbound I-290, Ramp NW and Ramp SW. However the Preferred Alternative maintains access to Morgan Street from Ramp NW, which provides access to the UIC campus. In addition, signage will be placed directing visitors traveling from the north and west to UIC to exit at Taylor Street. There are several proposed design improvements to the local street network that will improve accessibility to UIC from the other areas of the city including the Lake and the Loop.

For example on the Halsted Street Bridge, dedicated bikes lanes in both directions are proposed, currently the southbound bicyclists share the roadway with vehicles while northbound bicyclists have a dedicated bike lane. In addition, the sidewalks will be widened to 10 feet from the existing width of 7 feet. The Halsted Street public transportation experience will improve at the UIC-Halsted CTA Blue Line Station which will include a mid-block pedestrian crossing as well as a traffic signal and a decorative canopy.

Improvements will be implemented on the Peoria Street Bridge as well. The existing CTA head house will be removed to provide more space for a proposed pedestrian plaza that will better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists coming to/from the UIC area. Furthermore, this proposed pedestrian plaza may include several aesthetic treatments such as decorative railings with aesthetic lighting, new trees/flowers, pedestrian benches, and bicycle racks.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Gary Roberts Property Net [email protected] IL 60555

4/7/2013 CS # 5387

One of the major problems with the Circle interchange could be improved immediately. The traffic waiting to exit the various ramps is usually backed up greatly because bone head drivers zoom up next to the exit lane and dash into traffic that has properly queued, this isn't right. However, this could be easily corrected by installing plastic fins for 1500 feet along the exit lane prior to the ramp to stop these lazy bastards from cutting in. If they break the plastic fins, then erect concrete barriers (low islands) and if those don't work, set up Jersey barriers along the stretch to teach these ignorant fools how to properly drive.... the barriers could be put in place for a 1/2 mile from the actual exit. That will teach them! And, that will solve half the problem!

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:17 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Roberts, Gary_Web Comment_04-07-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Roberts:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the aggressive driving behavior where motorists circumvent queues before abruptly changing lanes at the last moment.

The Preferred Alternative includes measures to address this issue. It provides an additional lane in each direction along I-90/94 through the interchange, and an additional lane on Ramp NW (northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290) and Ramp EN (eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94). The Preferred Alternative also includes northbound and southbound collector-distributor roadway systems, which essentially provides local and express lanes along I-90/94 through the interchange area which are separated from the mainline with a barrier wall. Improved horizontal alignments and vertical profiles throughout the interchange should also reduce congestion.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

John Robinson [email protected] (931)668-3360 138 Oak Brook Drive McMinnnville, TN 37110

4/7/2013 CS # 5388

Long needed

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:18 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Robinson, John_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Robinson:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Sagan, Bruce_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Sagan:

Thank you for the comments you submitted via fax regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of Circle Interchange.

Your comments were related to project notification and public outreach as well as impacts to your property including right-of-way, noise, air quality, and foundation stability. You also expressed concern regarding access and operation during construction. You requested the dimensions (horizontal and vertical) from your building to Ramp NW in addition to retaining wall plans. You also requested a meeting with the Department to discuss your property at 815- 822 W. Van Buren, known as the Rice Building.

The Rice Building was included in the stakeholder mailing list since the beginning of the public outreach effort. All mailings were sent to Plymouth Partners LP at 815 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 550. The mailings included a postcard invite and newsletter for the August 30, 2012 Public Meeting as well as invitations to the April 3, 2013 and June 27, 2013 Public Hearings. Also, a “Drive to the Website” postcard was mailed in late January 2013. The advertisements for the public meeting and hearings were published in numerous newspapers include the Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Journal, Greek Star, Chicago Reader and UIC News. In addition, news articles regarding the project were published in the Daily Herald, Chicago Sun-Times, Gazette, Chicago Journal, and Chicago Tribune newspapers as well as the WLS-TV web blog. News coverage of the public events also aired on the evening news stations. Since the April 3, 2013 Public Hearing, the Department has met with you on three occasions including April 29, 2013, June 4, 2013 and June 10, 2013 to discuss your concerns.

Right-of-way is not needed from the Rice Building to construct the project. However, the land that is owned by the Department and leased for parking by your building may be needed during construction.

A detailed traffic noise study was conducted as part of the Circle Interchange Project based on the Department’s Highway Traffic Noise Assessment Manual. For noise abatement measures to be considered, a receptor must be impacted by the projected build noise levels from the proposed project. A receptor location is typically an area of frequent outdoor use such as a balcony. The noise wall must then be both feasible and reasonable meaning they are constructible, achieve at least a 5 dB(A) reduction for at least one impacted receptor, achieve at least an 8 dB(A) reduction for at least one benefited receptor, cost less than $24,000 - $37,000 per benefited receptor (depending upon cost adjustments as listed in IDOT policy), and must be supported by greater than 50% of the benefited receptors. As described above, a benefited receptor is a unit that receives at least a 5 dB(A) traffic noise reduction as a result of a noise barrier. This is because the human ear perceives a 5 dB(A) change in noise as readily perceptible. Based on the noise study, noise barriers were found to be feasible and reasonable at six locations and have the potential to be implemented into the project, of which five will likely be implemented, based upon the viewpoints of the benefited receptors.

At the Rice Building, our studies found that a noise impact was not identified at the entrances on both sides of the building. The existing noise level is 55 dB(A) for the west side entrance and 65 dB(A) for the east side entrance, which does not exceed the criteria of 72 dB(A). The predicted noise level for the preferred plan would be 60 dB(A) at the west side entrance and 66 dB(A) at the east side entrance. However, as determined by viewpoints collected, highway traffic noise abatement measures are likely to be implemented at Green Street Lofts, the building just west of your location based on preliminary design. The noise wall height is approximately 24 feet and is approximately 422 feet long. The noise wall will be located on top of the retaining wall for Ramp NW from Peoria Street to the mid-point of your building.

Studies indicate that the air quality will be improved with the project by reducing the idling of trucks and cars which causes air quality concerns in the area. The annual Onroad CO2 Emissions from the project area will be reduced by one-third from 122,444 metric tons in 2012 to 81,197 metric tons in 2040. The Department will be implementing an

1 air quality monitoring program to monitor the air quality in and around construction activities throughout the duration of the reconstruction project. All applicable standard specifications and special provisions for air quality matters will be included in contract documents as appropriate.

A vibration monitoring program has been established as part of the Circle Interchange Project. Approximately 29 buildings that front the interchange, including the Rice Building, will be part of the vibration monitoring program. Gauges will be installed in each building to monitor vibrations during construction. If vibrations reach a predetermined threshold during construction, there will be immediate action taken to stop the activity causing that vibration. The contractor will then be required to adjust their means and methods to stay below the vibration threshold. These procedures will be controlled by contract special provisions included in the contract documents. Similar efforts were part of the recent Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project. The goal of the Department is to avoid all impacts to buildings near the construction area.

The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to complete. This improvement is included in the Department’s FY 2014-2019 Proposed Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Program. We will construct the project in stages so that impacts can be minimized for each of the interstates as well as the local streets surrounding the interchange. Stage 1 will include the reconstruction of most cross street bridges. Stage 2 will include reconstruction of I-290/Congress Parkway. Stage 3 will include reconstruction of I-90/94. The first cross street bridges have target lettings for later this fall. Contract plans and specifications for construction will be available as part of the bid documents when they are published in the Department’s Transportation Bulletin. For instance, the contract documents for Ramp NW, which is currently targeted for the June 13, 2014 letting, will be published in the May 9, 2014 Transportation Bulletin.

Since the April 3, 2013 Public Hearing, the Department has continued to modify Alternative 7.1c to increase the offset between Ramp NW and your building. The Federal Highway Administration recently granted the Department a design exception which allows the use of narrow shoulders on Ramp NW adjacent to Green Street Lofts and near the Rice Building. The resulting design will provide a minimum 70 foot separation between the Rice Building and the Ramp NW parapet wall. Ramp NW is approximately 18 feet high above Halsted Street and continues to drop as it moves westward to the point it passes under Peoria Street. This revised design was presented at the June 27, 2013 Public Hearing.

The Department will continue to coordinate with the Rice Building regarding landscaping and visual screening along Ramp NW adjacent to your building as well as the potential for leasing additional land for parking.

The Circle Interchange Study process is carefully considering the views of all stakeholders, and is focused upon balancing safety, mobility, community, and environmental objectives. We encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information. Your attached comments are part of the official public hearing record.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Roland Solinski [email protected] 21096 N Taylor Ln Barrington, IL 60010

4/3/2013 CS # 5368

Can the designers please consider filleting/rounding the inside corner of the piers? Such a design is shown on page 15 of the Charrette Ratings Booklet. (I am not responding to the formliner, which also includes wavy lines). Filleting this corner makes the pier look much less harsh and angular, without resorting to some of the more extreme designs shown in the booklet. With a well-designed and well- proportioned profile, I think only a very simple formliner, or none at all, is appropriate.

I also think, given the contemporary nature of the interchange, that a traditional/"historic" wrought iron design is inappropriate. If wrought-iron is used, the design should be as simple as possible, avoiding finials and using only vertical pickets.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Solinski, Roland_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Solinski:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to aesthetic issues, including filleting/rounding of the inside corners of piers and the use of wrought iron fencing.

Through detailed engineering analysis, it was determined that piers with filleting/rounding of the inside corner would not meet vertical clearance requirements in the Preferred Alternative. Details concerning fencing and other aesthetic elements will continue to evolve through Phase II of the project (contract plan preparation). The Department and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) agree that a contemporary interchange design, with simple aesthetic features, would fit the context of the location and are working to develop such a plan.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Steve Stoynoff Laborers LMCC [email protected] 999 McClintock # 301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5403

I fully support the Circle Interchange Project. It will create much needed Jobs for Chicago, along with correcting a massive congestion problem we have with the current Interchange.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Stoynoff, Steve_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Stoynoff:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Amy Van Aalst [email protected] 312-714-0014 700 S. Des Plaines Chicago, IL 60607

4/4/2013 CS # 5382

Our facility at 700-750 S. Des Plaines functions as a recording and video studio. It is located in a "Category F" CNE. Effect on exterior sound impact has not been considered for this area. The northbound east ramp will be well above grade level at our building and will most likely greatly impact our exterior noise level. We are very concerned for our business. Currently we have little highway noise because of the retaining wall. This will no longer be the case with the existing scheme. Has an alternative been considered? What remediation can you offer us?

4/4/2013 CS # 5383

Our buildings at 700-750 S. Des Plaines experienced significant settlement during the original construction of the Dan Ryan. We continue to see repercussions of this settlement and are very concerned with additional settlement as a result of the upcoming construction as the property abuts the expressway on a retaining wall. Please let us know plans to prevent settlement during the construction process. Will IDOT be monitoring movement of prior to, during, and post construction?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Van Aalst, Amy_Web Comments_130405.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Van Aalst:

Your comments expressed a concern about noise impacts to your recording studio at 700-750 South Des Plaines Street. The noise analysis was re-evaluated. The Activity Category for the studio was revised from Category F to Category D and a separate CNE (common noise environment), CNE 35B, was designated. The NAC (noise abatement criteria) for Activity Category D is 52 dB(A), interior noise level. The noise model predicted an existing interior noise level of 40 dB(A) and a 2040 Build interior noise level of 41 dB(A), an increase of 1 dB(A). Based on the modeling of the predicted noise levels at your location, a noise impact was not identified. The NAC level was not approached or exceeded and the difference between the existing and 2040 Build levels was not substantial.

Your comments also expressed a concern about settlement issues with your building. A vibration monitoring program has been established as part of the Circle Interchange Project which includes approximately 29 buildings that front the interchange. Gauges will be installed in each building to monitor vibrations during construction. If vibrations reach a predetermined threshold during construction, there will be immediate action taken to stop the activity causing that vibration. The contractor will then be required to adjust their means and methods to stay below the vibration threshold. These procedures will be controlled by special provisions that will be included in the contract documents. Similar efforts were part of the recent Wacker Drive Reconstruction Project. The goal of the Department is to avoid all impacts to buildings near the construction area. The Department’s existing and pre-construction inspection reports will be shared with building owners.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Anna Van Heukelem [email protected] 1126 Dobson Evanston, IL 60202

4/3/2013 CS # 5360

Did Parsons Brinckerhoff submit a plan for the circle interchange? When will the contract be awarded? Will the engineering firm who gets the contract be identified?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:30 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Van Heukelem, Anna_Web Comment_04-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Van Heukelem:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment asks if Parsons Brinckerhoff submitted a plan for the Circle Interchange and when the engineering firm who receives the contract will be identified.

The joint venture team of AECOM and TranSystems was awarded a Phase I and Phase II design engineering contract in the summer of 2012 and is currently working on the project. Their team is made up of a variety of sub consultants, including Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Circle Interchange Comments

Steven Vance [email protected] (312) 593-4857

4/17/2013

Hi Steven,

I left you a voicemail on April 16 at 9:41, seeking information about the Circle Interchange.

All documents on IDOT's website show 5 lanes on Alternative 15.4, but a drawing at the public hearing on April 3 shows 6 lanes. The evidential images are attached.

Can you explain the discrepancy?

Steven 312-593-4857

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:32 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Vance, Steven_Comment_04-17-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Vance:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the number of westbound I-290 lanes shown on Alternative 15.4.

Back in December 2012, alternatives 7.1c and 15.4 only had provision for five total outbound lanes, two from Congress Parkway, two from Ramp NW and one from Ramp SW. Now, both alternatives require six outbound lanes (three from Congress Parkway, two from Ramp NW, and one from Ramp SW). In addition, our safety studies showed that a barrier median is needed at the Morgan Street exit so only the adjacent ramp traffic can exit. The information on the website has been updated.

Please note that after careful consideration, Alternative 15.4 is no longer being pursued by the Department.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Circle Interchange Comments

Adam R. Walker Townhomes of Vernon Park Condominium Association [email protected]

4/17/2013

Dear Mr. Schilke:

I am the President of the Board of a 49-unit condominium association, the Townhomes of Vernon Park Condominium Association, which is located at West Vernon Park and S. Morgan, just a block or so southwest of the Circle Interchange. I am writing on behalf of our 49 unit owners. I have copied my Board colleagues and our property management with this email.

Please enter this communication into the official record of the April 3d public hearing. We were unable to send a representative to the meeting itself.

The Association has two important concerns involving road noise:

1. The use of 'jake' brakes (slowing down by engaging a lower gear) by 18-wheel trucks must be discouraged at the interchange. This technique creates a very loud noise at our complex, especially during the overnight hours. We request a regulation and signage at all locations near the interchange (especially eastbound on 290, approaching the interchange) prohibiting the use of this braking technique.

2. The two major new 'flyover' ramps will be above the prevailing grade of the surrounding neighborhood, and this will result in road noise spreading farther from the interchange than it currently does. We request that the design of these ramps include the most sophisticated noise abatement features possible to help reduce the 'splash' of road noise into an already high ambient noise environment.

Please contact me if you would like more information.

Please reply to indicate that you have received this and will be appending this to the public hearing record.

Regards - Adam R. Walker CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Walker, Adam_Comment_04-17-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Walker:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments were specifically related to the Department prohibiting “jake” braking and noise abatement measures.

Section 12-602 of the Illinois Vehicle Code only permits signs prohibiting “jake” brakes in advance of interstate weigh stations that are within ½ mile of residential areas. Other than for this specific use, the signs are not permitted on other parts of freeways or freeway ramps. Since there are no weigh stations within the Circle Interchange project area, signs prohibiting “jake” braking are not permitted.

No noise walls are proposed for the new flyover ramps. Based on the results of the noise analysis completed for the project, the majority of the noise in the project area is generated by the mainline expressways and not the ramps since the mainline expressways carry so much more traffic. For example, I-290 carries nearly 200,000 vehicles per day while the highest of the proposed flyover ramps carries 32,500 vehicles per day.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Anthony Wallk Laborers LMCC [email protected] (630)655-9525 999 McClintock # 301 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5404

I support the Circle Interchange this will generate Jobs and ultimately decrease traffic congestion.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:35 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Wallk, Anthony_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Wallk:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Marquis Walton (312)560-1128 [email protected] 500 S. Clinton #315 Chicago, IL 60607

6/24/2013 CS # 5657

Main concerns are jobs and security/ safety within the loop areas CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:07 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Walton, Marquis_Web Comment_06-24-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Walton:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to jobs, security, and safety within the loop areas.

The preferred alternative includes changes in access to enhance safety. These include:

• Southbound traffic heading to Taylor Street will exit north of the Circle Interchange to eliminate weaving at the Taylor Street intersection. • Northbound traffic heading to one of the four downtown street ramps will exit I-90/94 south of the Circle Interchange and avoid mixing with traffic entering from I-290 and Congress. It will be physically separated from mainline I-90/94 by a barrier wall. • Access to the Morgan Street exit will only be available for traffic traveling from northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290 (Ramp NW) to eliminate weaving and merging in this area.

The improvement will create a safer environment for the motoring public by reducing the predicted number of severe crashes by up to 25%. In addition, new access control fencing will be installed which will reduce the likelihood of pedestrians gaining access to the roadways.

Pedestrian safety will be improved on the local streets and bridges surrounding the Circle Interchange by installing wider sidewalks in addition to a mid-block pedestrian crossing in front of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Halsted Street station. The reconstruction of the Peoria Street Bridge will improve pedestrian safety and access by the proposed removal of the existing head house making room for a wide a pedestrian plaza, and the installation of an elevator to enhance access to the CTA station. Safety for cyclists will be improved by installing dedicated bike lanes as well as buffered bike lanes on the cross street bridges. For example, on Halsted Street there is a shared bike lane in the southbound direction today, while the proposed improvements will replace this with a dedicated bike lane to improve safety.

The security of the surrounding area will be improved by enhancing the lighting and making the area more open. The flyovers will be properly lit which will help pedestrians feel safer while they are passing under them. The enhancements to the CTA stations will also including enhanced lighting which will serve to make the environment more welcoming to pedestrians.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Public Hearing #2 and Afterwards

June 27, 2013 through Submittal

Decker, Diana L.

From: Circle Interchange Project [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Altenburg, David_Web Comment_07-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Altenburg:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project and suggested that alternative forms of transportation should be considered.

Due to dense urban land uses, nominal traffic growth of 2-5% is projected by the year 2040. The improvements included in the Preferred Alternative address safety, mobility, and facility deficiency issues that affect the Circle Interchange. Expansion of traffic lanes in the Preferred Alternative is limited to three locations, northbound/southbound I-90/94, Ramp NW, and Ramp EN.

Pedestrian and bicycle improvements are included into the design on the local streets surrounding the Circle Interchange as part of the Preferred Alternative. The design is based on the City of Chicago’s Bike 2015 Plan and several coordination meetings between the Department and the City of Chicago. The design incorporates dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks to improve the multi-modal transportation in the area as well as enhancing streetscape and aesthetic features.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

TJ Anderson [email protected] (708)990-4780 540 Irving Hillside, IL 60162

7/23/2013 CS # 5710

While I am glad for any highway improvement for this area. The real way to relieve circle congestion would have been the crosstown xway which was stupidly cancelled as an in city bypass and business generator. Also I would rather see the western Eisenhower widened before this having suffered over 20 years with its congestion. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Anderson, TJ_ Web Comment_07-25-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Thank you for your comments submitted via comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment supported the project but suggested that the Crosstown Expressway would be a better way to relieve some of the congestion problems in the city and that widening I-290 west of the Circle Interchange should be done before the Circle Interchange is reconstructed.

As you noted, the Crosstown Expressway is not an active project, and as commercial and residential development has continued in the corridor, the potential impacts of building this project will likely exceed any benefits gained.

Please note that the Department is currently studying improvements to the Eisenhower Expressway, from Mannheim Road to Racine Avenue. Each of the four alternatives being advanced includes adding a lane to the Eisenhower Expressway between Mannheim Road and Austin Boulevard, as well as an extension of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line westward to Mannheim Road. At this time, only the study phase is funded for this project. Please visit the project website at www.eisenhowerexpressway.com or contact Mr. Mark Peterson, project manager, at (847) 705-4569 for additional information.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:10 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Andres, Robert_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Andres:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Dear Stakeholder:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Submitted via the website

Anonymous

PBCMS # 5682

I am opposed to the entire Circle Interchange project. It is unnecessary, ugly, and will divide the community. It will only serve to bring more cars to the area and thus, more traffic. Invest in better rail infrastructure instead. Dear Stakeholder:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project since it will divide the community and increases traffic. You also suggested investing in rail infrastructure instead.

Due to dense urban land use, nominal traffic growth of 2-5% is projected by the year 2040. The improvements included in the Preferred Alternative address safety, mobility, and facility deficiency issues that affect the Circle Interchange. Expansion of traffic lanes in the Preferred Alternative is limited to three locations, northbound/southbound I-90/94, Ramp NW, and Ramp EN.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Tony Bartolotta Wilson Dow Group Inc. [email protected] 1006 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60605

6/24/2013 CS # 5643

During the construction period what additional delays can be expected on the inbound Eisenhower, Stevenson and Kennedy expressways?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:05 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project_Revised Attachments: Bartolotta, Tony_Web Comment_06-24-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Bartolotta:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the additional delays on the inbound Eisenhower, Stevenson, and Kennedy Expressways during construction.

The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to construct. It is difficult to predict the amount of additional delays that will be experienced during construction because it depends on the number of drivers that use alternative routes, take mass transit, or just don’t make as many trips.

We will be constructing the project in stages so that impacts can be minimized for each of the interstates. Generally speaking, Stage 1 will include the reconstruction of most cross road bridges, Stage 2 will include reconstruction of I- 290/Congress Parkway, and Stage 3 will include reconstruction of I-90/94. A minimum of three lanes in each direction will be kept open during construction, although some temporary lane closures may be required from time to time. A Maintenance of Traffic plan will be developed for each stage of construction and will identify ways to minimize impacts during peak and off peak hours.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Jean Bax [email protected] 728 W. Jackson Blvd #709 Chicago, IL 60661

6/27/2013 CS # 5667

As a resident of the West Loop, I am opposed to IDOT's proposed project. I am unable to attend tonight's public hearing, but I wanted to voice my opposition to the project due to the noise, the increased traffic and the environmental impact on my neighborhood.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:35 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Bax, Jean_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Bax:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project due to noise, increased traffic and environmental impacts on your neighborhood.

Studies indicate that the air quality will be improved with the project. The annual Onroad CO2 Emissions from the project area will be reduced by one-third from 122,444 metric tons in 2012 to 81,197 metric tons in 2040. The Department will be implementing an air quality monitoring program in and around construction activities throughout the duration of the reconstruction project. All applicable standard specifications and special provisions for air quality will be included in contract documents as appropriate.

As part of the Circle Interchange project, substantial resources have been invested to create a new facility that balances the community’s needs for connectivity, walkability, bicycle accommodations, access to transit, landscaping and gateway features with transportation’s needs for improving safety and mobility and replacing the aging infrastructure. Communities thrive on good transportation infrastructure, connectivity with neighbors, and safe, inviting surroundings. These are all features of the proposed plan. The Department is working with stakeholders to create urban green spaces. The landscaping will be designed in a manner that will soften views from the neighborhoods, calm traffic, improve air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect. 1 The Circle Interchange Study process is carefully considering the views of all stakeholders, and is focused upon balancing safety, mobility, community, and environmental objectives. We encourage you to continue to visit the project website at www.circleinterchange.org for the most current information. Your attached comment is part of the official public hearing record.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:39 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Berktan, Tugrul_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Tugrul Berktan:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Anne Blank [email protected] 708-596-4123 15408 S. Dearborn South Holland, IL 60473

7/25/2013 CS # 5714

We travel to Greektown weekly. Will the Madison Street Exit and Entrance to Greektown be available during and after construction? Thanks for your response. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:43 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Blank, Anne_Web Comment_07-29-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Blank:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to maintaining the entrance and exit ramps for Madison Street during and after construction.

Over 30 alternatives were investigated, and the preferred plan represents a comprehensive improvement that will address transportation needs – overall daily traffic delays will be reduced by 50%, and the potential for severe crashes will be reduced by up to 25%. More specifically, the plan includes an additional lane in each direction on I- 90/94 through the interchange, and expanding the east to north and the north to west ramps from one lane to two lanes. The preferred plan also includes the addition of collector-distributor (C-D) along northbound I- 90/94. Northbound traffic heading to one of the four downtown street ramps (Madison Street, Washington Street, Randolph Street and Lake Street) will exit I-90/94 south of the Circle Interchange onto the C-D road which will be physically separated from the mainline I-90/94 by a barrier wall. The southbound exit ramp to Madison Street will remain unchanged; the southbound entrance ramp from Madison Street will be lengthened to provide additional area for traffic to merge.

The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to complete. This improvement is included in the Department’s FY 2014-2019 Proposed Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Plan. The project will be constructed in stages to minimize impacts on the interstates as well as the local streets surrounding the interchange. The first stage includes the reconstruction of the cross street bridges over I- 290, the second stage includes the reconstruction of I-290/Congress Parkway, and the last stage includes the reconstruction of I-90/94 and the cross street bridges over I-90/94. The reconstruction of the Madison Street ramps will take place in the last stage and is estimated to begin in 2016. Ramp closures are anticipated for the Madison Street ramps to accommodate traffic shifts on I-90/94 during construction as well as the construction of the collector- distributor road.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:47 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: [email protected]_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Stakeholder:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Josh Campbell [email protected] 1000 W Washington Unit #131 Chicago, IL 60607

6/27/2013 CS # 5661

"We don't believe ramps over Halsted and Harrison streets are good for our communities. CNU (Congress for New Urbanism) says safety, property values, health will be negatively impacted by this expansion and flyover ramps.

We don't believe the benefits of this project outweigh the negative consequences. We think this project should go back to the drawing board until a solution acceptable to our community is found."

6/27/2013 CS # 5662

"We feel that IDOT and its engineering firm have not done proper design due diligence on this project. The design alternatives are short-sighted and have a negative impact on the community, landscape and the environment.

We expect IDOT to introduce a workable plan that does not go over Halsted or Harrison Street. As the interchange today does neither of those things. The goals of the community need to be taken into account relative to the bottom line of an engineering firm or an IDOT budget."

6/27/2013 CS # 5663

"What is the cost $$$ and Time of only repairing the aging roads and bridges.

We feel the community and taxpayers see this to be a viable alternative and expects IDOT to preset it as an option." CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:52 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Campbell, Josh_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Campbell:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the flyovers over Halsted Street and Harrison due to safety, property values and health impacts. You also stated that the Department should continue to develop alternatives which do not have flyovers and should consider repairing the aging road and bridges as an alternative.

A No-Build Alternative, which would rehabilitate the existing interchange, but not make any other improvements, was also investigated. The No-Build Alternative does not address the safety, mobility, and facility deficiency issues that affect the Circle Interchange. Expansion of traffic lanes in the Preferred Alternative is limited to three locations, northbound/southbound I-90/94, Ramp NW and Ramp EN. The expansion of I-90/94 is a correction of an existing lane balance issue, and the ramp expansions are in response to the heavy volume of traffic that uses them on a daily basis. In addition, the proposed improvements do not preclude future improvements that could include managed lanes. The improvements in safety and mobility are based on improved ramp configurations and the reduction of weaving and merging areas.

1 Studies indicate that the air quality will be improved with the project. The annual Onroad CO2 Emissions from the project area will be reduced by one-third from 122,444 metric tons in 2012 to 81,197 metric tons in 2040. The Department has committed to implementing an air quality monitoring program in and around construction activities throughout the duration of the reconstruction project. All applicable standard specifications and special provisions for air quality will be included in contract documents as appropriate.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

2 Submitted via the website

Matt Carley

PBCMS # 5674

Dear IDOT,

Why do you ignore the data that highway and road expansion actually increases traffic? We must focus on expanding transit options to reduce the number of cars on the road and enhance the walkability and health of the community.

I travel extensively around the globe and I can assure you that monstrous highway overpasses and circle interchange behemoths do not enhance neighborhoods.

Don't believe me? Which would you rather visit - Detroit? Or Munich? Copenhagen? Paris? Melbourne?

The first step in this project should be passports and plane tickets for all involved to visit and appreciate cities that prioritize walking and transit over cars.

Imagine the transit and neighborhood improvements we could achieve with these funds.

http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/05/31/study-building-roads-to-cure-congestion-is-an-exercise-in-futility/

Regards,

Mr. Carley CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:00 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Carley, Matt_Web Comment_07-02-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Carley:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project due to increased traffic and the negative impacts to the surrounding community. You suggested that alternative forms of transportation and community enhancements should be considered.

Due to the dense urban land uses, nominal traffic growth of 2-5% is projected by the year 2040. The improvements included in the Preferred Alternative address safety, mobility, and facility deficiency issues that affect the Circle Interchange. Expansion of traffic lanes in the Preferred Alternative is limited to three locations, northbound/southbound I-90/94, Ramp NW, and Ramp EN.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 3:38 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Cook, Delauren_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Cook:

Thank you for the forum comment of support you submitted on the June 27, 2013 Public Hearing regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Melissa Cullina [email protected] 9848 S Seeley Ave. Chicago, IL 60643

7/18/2013 CS # 5697

I’m an unemployed union carpenter how do I get a job on this project? I have several years’ experience in heavy and highway. Web Comments

Melissa Cullina [email protected] 9848 S. Seeley Ave. Chicago, IL 60643

7/27/2013 CS # 5718

I would like to get the IDOT number for this project. I am trying to find who the contractor is

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Cullina, Melissa_Web Comment_07-18-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Cullina:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments were specifically related to requesting the contract number for the Circle Interchange project as well as the name of the contractor. You also stated you are looking for employment as a union carpenter.

We would suggest contacting your local union representative regarding potential employment opportunities.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 3:45 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Culver, Shawn_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Culver:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Daum, James _Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Daum:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Fischer, Audrey_PH Comment Form_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Fischer:

Thank you for your comments submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to light pollution.

We appreciate your thoughts on lighting standards related to the project to reduce light pollution. For lighting on the interstate and ramps, the Department follows ANSI/IES RP-8 and AASHTO guidelines and uses full cut-off lighting fixtures. These lighting fixtures are designed to limit glare and light only target areas at target levels, thus saving electricity and supporting “dark skies”. Lighting on the local streets will follow City standards. The City is currently using cut-off and semi-cut off light fixtures that direct light down onto the roadway and sidewalk.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Dear Marisa:

Thank you for the forum comment you submitted via the comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to employment opportunities for African Americans.

The Department has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). It is the Department’s policy to ensure that DBE’s have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT assisted contracts. This policy is to provide a level playing field in which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts.

Therefore by state policy, the Circle Interchange project requires participation for firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The project is comprised of several contracts that have a very significant portion of work going to minority owned groups. Most recently, the State put into law the Disadvantaged Business Revolving Loan Program and allows the Department to provide low interest loans to minority-owned firms to help them compete better in state construction projects. The Department is a strong advocate for promoting business and employment opportunities for all the citizens of Illinois and seeks to engage a population that reflects the diversity of this great state. Please visit the IDOT Office of Business and Workforce Diversity website at http://www.diversity.dot.illinois.gov for more information.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team Web Comments

Louis Gallucci V3 Companies of Illinois [email protected] (312)656-6672 7325 Janes Avenue Woodridge, IL 60517

6/28/2013 CS # 5670

The Circle Interchange project is a critical project for the thousands of daily commuters and other travelers who travel on the expressways through Chicago's loop. This nasty bottleneck costs countless hours of unproductive time and frustration for drivers. The many vehicles idling in traffic also adds greatly to the local air pollution, and contributes to the poor air quality and respiratory issues of many who live in the area. Chicago is a world class City - we need to resolve our congestion issues to remain economically vibrant.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Gallucci, Louis_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Gallucci:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:51 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Gill, Thomas_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Gill:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 1:31 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Goldstein, Martha_Exhibit Room_07-23-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Goldstein:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the court reported at the June 27, 2013 Public Hearing regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the flyover and requested that the Department consider an underpass (tunnel) as an alternative.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Via website

July 3, 2013

PBCMS #5878

Scott Halver

Please do not expand the Circle Interchange in Chicago. As one who works and lives near the interchange, this will be very detrimental to the community.

This project seems to be focusing on increasing throughput when that shouldn't really be the goal this day and age. We should focus on reducing carbon emissions and unnecessary car trips. Also, by increasing throughput, you're usually only helping people pass through and those of us that live near by are stuck with the negative externalities of their passing through (pollution, noise, etc.)

Tolling should be implemented on all Chicago expressways to control capacity and significant investment in transportation alternatives should be made. The circle interchange as is is fine. Replace the ONE structurally deficient bridge/ramp and be done with it.

Scott Halver

Chicago, IL CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:57 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Halver, Scott_Web Comment_07-03-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Halver:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project due to the negative impacts to the surrounding community including pollution and noise. You also suggested that tolling and alternative forms of transportation should be considered as a way of controlling congestion.

Pedestrian, bicycle, and transit improvements are included into the design on the local streets surrounding the Circle Interchange as part of the Preferred Alternative. The design is based on the City of Chicago’s Bike 2015 Plan and several coordination meetings between the Department and the City of Chicago. The design incorporates dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks to improve the multi-modal transportation in the area as well as enhancing streetscape and aesthetic features. 1 Substantial resources have been invested to create a new facility that balances the community’s needs for connectivity, walkability, bicycle accommodations, access to transit, landscaping and gateway features with transportation’s needs for improving safety and mobility and replacing the aging infrastructure. Communities thrive on good transportation infrastructure, connectivity with neighbors, and safe, inviting surroundings. These are all features of the proposed plan. The Department is working with stakeholders to create urban green spaces. The landscaping will be designed in a manner that will soften views from the neighborhoods, calm traffic, improve air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

2 Web Comments

Jacob Hannan [email protected] Forest Park, IL 60130

6/27/2013 CS # 5665

Living near the Eisenhower in Forest Park, I am well aware of impact that the expressway can have on the pedestrian environment. If I have a choice, I avoid making trips by foot if it will require me to cross 290 (by overpass). The experience of walking under a fly-over is even worse, since the space beneath them is inevitably grimy and roar of traffic overwhelming. Because of this, I strongly oppose the proposed Circle Interchange alternative that includes a fly-over over Halstead. The reality is that nothing IDOT does will achieve free-flowing traffic through interchange. Instead, IDOT should work on improving safety by reducing the speed of traffic as it approaches the area and redesign the approaches so that there is less of the last-minute merging and lane-changing that produces much of the delay and danger. The Circle Interchange could only be brought up to “Interstate standards” through a radical expansion in size; this is both undesirable and unrealistic given its urban environment. Please acknowledge this and work to rework the expressways leading into it to accommodate its limited capacity.

Respectfully, Jacob Hannan. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:03 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Hannan, Jacob_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Hannan:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the flyover over Halsted Street due to the impacts to the pedestrian environment. You suggested that the Department consider reducing the speed and improving the weaving/merging areas to improve safety.

The posted speed limit within the study limits on I-290 and I-90/94 is 45 mph, which is less than the typical posted speed limit of 55 mph for interstates. A comprehensive crash analysis of existing conditions was completed. An average of 940 crashes occurs per year within the study area. Traffic congestion was identified as the primary contributor to the number of crashes, based on 90% of the crashes being rear-end and sideswipe collisions. Areas of concern were identified by the first responders – last minute cut-ins on the collector-distributor (C-D) road for Ramp NW and Ramp NE, triple divergence from eastbound I-290, Ramp EN and Ramp ES, and speed differential between westbound I-290 at the merge with Ramp SW and Ramp NW.

The preferred plan addressed the concerns identified by the first responders. Last minute cut-ins will be eliminated along Ramp NW by adding a second lane and a standard exit terminal for Ramp NE. The removal of the triple 1 divergence for eastbound I-290, Ramp EN and Ramp ES was not feasible due to neighborhood impacts, and right-of- way and geometric constraints. To mitigate the problem, lane balance issues have been addressed by providing seven lanes at the divergence point - two lanes for traffic continuing on I-290/Congress Parkway, two lanes for Ramp EN, two lanes for Ramp ES, and one lane for the Taylor Street exit. Adding an additional lane to Ramp EN will eliminate the queuing that currently makes this area uncomfortable and a safety concern. Signage and striping will direct traffic into the correct lanes for their destination well in advance of the physical divergence of the ramps. The speed differential between westbound I-290 at the merge with Ramp SW and Ramp NW will be eliminated by separating the merge points and by providing each ramp with its own lane as it merges with I-290. In addition, another lane will be provided along I-90/94 through the interchange. These improvements, coupled with smoother curves and flatter profiles on all the ramps, will enhance mobility and safety through the interchange by reducing the daily traffic delays by up to 50% and the potential for severe crashes by up to 25%.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

2 Web Comments

Daniel Hazel NM Transfer Co. Inc. [email protected] 920-521-1030 630 Muttart Rd. Neenah, WI 54956

7/26/2013 CS # 5716

When is construction supposed to start? CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:18 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Hazel, Daniel_Web Comment_07-26-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Hazel:

Thank you for your comment submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the start of construction.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Julia Hodges Catholic Charities Veterans Employment Program [email protected] 773-808-2953 6212 S Sangamon Ave Chicago, IL 60621

7/17/2013 CS # 5694

Our organization represent veterans who are seeking employment opportunities. We have several qualified veterans that would like the opportunity to work in construction. How would a veteran with a construction background be able to apply for a job with this project? CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Hodges, Julia_Web Comment_07-17-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Hodges:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to employment opportunities for veterans. You also inquired how they could apply for employment with the Circle Interchange project.

The Department has partnerships with various veteran organizations to increase awareness of the Department’s career opportunities by providing initiatives designed to educate veterans. Veteran outreach opportunities include job fairs, information sessions, workshops and training programs. For additional information on veteran outreach opportunities or how to apply for a position, please visit the Department’s Veteran Outreach Opportunities website, www.diversity.dot.illinois/veteran_outreach_opportunities.aspx.

You also may be interested in the Department’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP), which was initiated in 2009 in an effort to increase access to highway construction jobs for minorities, women and disadvantaged individuals. The HCCTP emphasizes life-long learning and provides opportunities for further education and assistance to improve employability in Illinois’ highway construction industry. The program is administered by the Illinois Community College Board and implemented through ten Community Colleges throughout the state. Each Community College holds one to five training sessions per year in which individuals receive intensive training in highway construction-related skills, such as mathematics for the trades, job site readiness, carpentry, concrete flatwork, blueprint reading orientation, introduction to tools, forklift operation and OSHA 10 certification, etc. Furthermore, each Community College provides its graduates with assistance in obtaining placement in Illinois’ highway construction trade unions, apprenticeship programs and/or with IDOT highway construction contractors. For the most current schedule of the HCCTP program or more information on HCCTP, please see the following Department website at www.dot.state.il.us/sbe/hcctp.html.

Another source for Department employment opportunities is the Engineering Technician Training Program (ETTP), where the Department partners with educational institutions to give a 10-week training course to provide the skills and training needed to successfully pursue a career as an Engineer Technician. For details on the ETTP training course schedule, please see the Department’s Other Opportunities website at www.diversity.dot.illinois.gov/other_opportunities.aspx for the most current information.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Eric Holeman [email protected] P.O. Box #A3717 Chicago, IL 60690

7/11/2013 CS # 5691

"There are serious flaws in the environmental assessment. I will focus my comments on a few of its most glaring.

Firstly, the EA focuses on a very small study area. The Circle is just one of an array of chokepoints, with additional congestion to be found in all four directions. The downtown ramps and the Hubbard overpass to the north, the I-55 interchange to the south, the narrowing of the right-of-way at Cicero Ave. to the west, and the Congress Parkway stoplights to the east all provide downstream chokepoints that will continue to cause congestion. Even if the proposed project were to provide a perfect level of service at the Circle, traffic that clears the Circle would still face congestion in all four directions.

Beyond the adjacent chokepoints, the EA ignores the regional nature of our traffic congestion problem. The GOTO 2040 regional plan – which, upon completion in 2010, did not identify the Circle Interchange as a priority -- emphasizes the need for congestion pricing in the future of our highway system. Our region has taken the initial steps of studying congestion pricing, and we have also seen successful implementation of congestion pricing in numerous projects around the country. Our state already has a well-functioning electronic toll collection system in place, with millions of transponders already in use. If, as IDOT proposes, we try to build our way out of congestion, we will wait a decade or more and spend half a billion dollars before we see the results—even though past experience at the Hillside interchange suggests that congestion merely shifts to the next chokepoint. Congestion pricing can be implemented in a matter of months for a fraction of the cost.

Despite the regional scope of the congestion problem, the EA pays no attention to where the traffic is coming from. The EA presents no origin-destination analysis, not even a license-plate count. The microscopic focus on the Circle doesn’t address the possibility that much of the congestion may result from drivers choosing the free route through downtown Chicago over the circumferential tolled route.

Lastly, the EA does not address the question of priorities, of whether we’re getting sufficient bang for the buck. As of 2010, the Circle Interchange was not a priority project in the region’s transportation plan. And though its very recent insertion into the plan technically makes it one, we can and should ask ourselves if this is the best use of the next half-billion dollars we’ll spend on our regional transportation system. The GOTO 2040 plan, as originally presented, provides an answer to this question: “The region can save money in the long term by making smarter investments focused on maintenance, modernization, and enhancements to mobility and access, compared to expensive major new expansions that prove costly to maintain and operate.”

The Circle Interchange expansion is, in every sense, an expensive major new expansion that will prove costly to build, maintain, and operate. It will also prove expensive as a missed opportunity to make smarter investments." CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:24 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Holeman, Eric_Web Comment_130712.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Holeman,

Thank you for the comments you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the Environmental Assessment (EA) focusing on a small area rather than the entire region. You also stated the need for congestion pricing on the highway system.

The Circle Interchange project focused on both the local and regional transportation network. From a local perspective, the impetus of the project is based on the maintenance needs of the interchange. The Circle Interchange was built in the 1950’s and needs to be reconstructed because it is approaching the end of its design life. The majority of the work is replacing the existing infrastructure. Since the Circle Interchange is such a vital link in the transportation network, the Department is taking this opportunity to update the current configuration which causes daily congestion and safety concerns. Expansion of traffic lanes is limited to only three locations. The first location is along I-90/94 through the Circle Interchange, where the number of lanes will change from three to four in each direction. The second and third locations are on Ramp NW (northbound to westbound) and Ramp EN (eastbound to northbound). These two heavily travelled ramps will go from one to two lanes. Otherwise, the improvements in mobility and safety are based on better ramp configurations and improvements to weaving and merging areas.

From a regional perspective, the project has been designed with a wider inside shoulder along the mainline which could accommodate a potential future managed lane. The Department is also actively pursuing the implementation of managed lanes along a portion of I-290 and I-55. In addition, the Department may consider managed lanes along a portion of I-80. Under current laws and regulations, the Department is not able to collect tolls on its facilities.

An Origin-Destination study was conducted to determine where traffic is coming from and going to. A helicopter was positioned above the Circle Interchange for two hours in the morning and two hours in the late afternoon, video recording all movements. Computer software was used to trace vehicles to determine the movements. This information was extremely beneficial in the reconfiguration studies of the interchange. From a regional perspective, the Department used expressway traffic information gathered by loop detectors in the pavement throughout the system and then utilized the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) regional transportation model to determine future traffic growth, truck percentages, and potential redistribution of traffic as a result of the project.

The Circle Interchange project was not part of CMAP’s GOTO 2040 Plan as it started as a maintenance project to rehabilitate the bridges that were constructed over fifty years ago. Realizing the importance of correcting the safety and mobility issues that affect the Circle Interchange, the Department moved forward with a study that would look into correcting these issues. On March 14, 2013, after a thirty day comment period, CMAP amended the GOTO 2040 Plan to include the Circle Interchange project as a fiscally constrained major capital project.

It is expected that the reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will ease congestion, move people and freight more efficiently, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles resulting in improved air quality. The Preferred Alternative is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent and saving drivers up to 5 million hours annually. In addition, improved traffic flow will lead to savings of up to 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year. The Circle Interchange is just one component of the overall expressway system. Other locations will be addressed as funding becomes available.

1 Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

2 Web Comments

Shaun Jacobsen [email protected] Chicago, IL 60640

6/27/2013 CS # 5666

I am opposed to the Circle Interchange project. Many of the enhancements to the community touted by IDOT can be done without expanding the Circle interchange.

Expansion will cause more demand on this already-congested interchange, not abate it. If IDOT is interested in reducing the amount of congestion, it should assess tolling the road and analyzing the price elasticity of demand for the freeways composing the interchange. It is possible that trips currently being made would otherwise not be made if a small toll, akin to those on other IL tollways, were levied on the current freeways leading into downtown Chicago.

If unnecessary private car traffic were tolled and reduced, it would leave room for freight traffic to travel more efficiently. To date I have seen no analysis on the part of IDOT nor its contractors regarding roadway pricing schemes as a part of its multi-hundred-million dollar plan.

There are certainly aspects of the plan worth public money, such as ensuring the structural integrity of the interchange. However, the additional "enhancements" that will "benefit the community" are not enhancements. They will deteriorate the quality of life of the community by causing more automobile traffic on streets, producing pollution and noise, and making the pedestrian and cyclist experience unpleasant. The City and County have goals about reducing auto usage and creating a less auto- dependent population. IDOT is clearly out-of-sync with the needs and desires of the local community. I do not support the additional enhancements IDOT is touting should, and they should not be built.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Jacobsen, Shaun_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Jacobsen:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 3:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Javadi, Moe_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Javadi:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 1:18 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Johnson, Rashod_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Manida Jones [email protected] 4911 W. Rice St. Chicago, IL 60651

7/21/2013 CS # 5705

When will this project proceed? CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:32 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Jones, Manida_Web Comment_07-21-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Jones:

Thank you for your comment submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the start of construction.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:36 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Joyce, Ryan_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Joyce:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Vasiliki Labros Platinum Tower condo association [email protected] 700 W. Van Buren St. #705 Chicago, IL 60607

7/10/2013 CS # 5687

During the recent construction of the Hillshire Farms building, residents of 700 W Van Buren were significantly affected by air quality deterioration during demolition and construction even with the windows closed. That experience, has the residents of 700 W. Van Buren very concerned about air quality both during and after construction of the Circle Interchange. Has IDOT evaluated air quality today, and expect to enforce standards during and after construction? What measures during construction and on an ongoing basis can be done and are planned to limit the deterioration of air quality? Are there mitigating measures IDOT will implement for residents with health impacts during the extremely long construction period and/or measure to improve indoor air quality, such as ionic air filters or filters for central air units. Filters in the central air units are changed every 3 months but after speaking to a HVAC, they need to be changed every month in instances like construction. Even changing out filters and having one ionic filter in my home, my dust allergies went through the roof. I could not wear my contacts. Are you willing to provide people with ionic filters for each room of their units and reimbursing for the extra filters needed for the central air units? Thank you

7/10/2013 CS # 5688

I am concerned with the landscaping that is going to be done on the sw corner of Van Buren and Des Plaines, the area surrounding the water reclamation station. I have been living at this address for 7 years and the trees were pretty young back then and have grown significantly to a point where we now have green and the trees block sound and the look of the sea of cement. The ramps closest to out south side of the building are hidden which is a good thing. I am hoping that the actual trees will remain intact and maybe pruned and trimmed and landscaping will happen around them. What is the plan for that area? Could they please leave the trees intact or at least the biggest ones. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:47 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Labros, Vasiliki_Web Comment_07-12-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Labros:

Thank you for the comments you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments were specifically related to the air quality standards and mitigation efforts during construction periods. You also inquired about the proposed landscaping at the pump station on the southwest corner of Van Buren Street and Des Plaines Street.

The Department will be implementing an air quality monitoring program in an around construction activities throughout the duration of the reconstruction project. All applicable standard specifications and special provisions for air quality matters will be included in contract documents as appropriate.

As part of the Circle Interchange project, the Department is working with local stakeholders to create urban green spaces. The landscaping will be designed in a manner that will soften views from the neighborhoods, calm traffic, improve air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect. Coordination with stakeholders is ongoing and will continue throughout the project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Abraham Lacy

Far South CDC [email protected]

9923 S Halsted Street, Unit D

Chicago, IL 60628

(773)941-4833

CS # 5303

When will the RFP process begin for construction work so that I could inform our local contractors? CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Lacy, Abraham_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Lacy:

Thank you for the comment you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to the start of the RFP process for the project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:55 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Leonard, Ed_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Leonard:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Bonnee Beth Lugauer [email protected] 1007 Milwaukee Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172

7/30/2013 CS # 5727

"I travel between Milwaukee Wi to South Bend IN driving on ! 94, Edens, Kennedy, Dan Ryan and the Skyway.

How will the construction affect my trip?" CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 4:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Lugauer, Bonnee Beth_130730.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Lugauer,

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to construction on I-90/94.

The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962. Having outlived its design life, the Circle Interchange has safety and congestion concerns. More than 400,000 vehicles, including 33,000 trucks, travel through the Circle Interchange daily, and this location has been highlighted as the top freight bottleneck in the US. The project study area is along I-90/94 from south of Roosevelt Road (on the south) to north of Lake Street (on the north), along I-290 from Loomis Street (on the west) to the Circle Interchange; and along Congress Parkway from the Circle Interchange to Canal Street/Old Post Office (on the east). The existing interchange is also in close proximity to a variety of dense urban land uses, including residential and commercial buildings, educational institutions, and public transportation facilities.

The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to complete. This improvement is included in the Department’s FY 2014-2019 Proposed Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Plan. The project will be constructed in stages to minimize impacts on the interstates as well as the local streets surrounding the interchange. The first stage includes the reconstruction of the cross street bridges over I- 290, the second stage includes the reconstruction of I-290/Congress Parkway, and the last stage includes the reconstruction of I-90/94 and the cross street bridges over I-90/94. A minimum of three lanes in each direction will be kept open during construction, although some temporary lane closures may be required from time to time. A Maintenance of Traffic plan will be developed for each stage of construction and will identify ways to minimize impacts during peak and off peak hours.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:04 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: McCann,Adin_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. McCann:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 July 3, 2013

PBCMS # 5679

Matthew Michel

Please do not further diminish the quality of life in the city with further, anti-urban road construction projects. This will not alleviate congestion and merely add blight to the communities impacted. Please reconsider this plan. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:07 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Michel, Matthew_Web Comment_ 07-08-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Michel:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project due to increased traffic and the negative impacts to the surrounding community.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Anonymous Laborers LMCC [email protected] Burr Ridge, IL 60527

4/15/2013 CS # 5400

I am in support of this project as it will create jobs and cut down on traffic congestion in the area.

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:59 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Montella, J_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Montella:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Submitted via the website

July 2, 2013

PBCMS # 5681

[email protected]

Please stop advancing the Circle Interchange project. Residents don't want it, and it is a massive burden on taxpayers to pay for something which is not projected to noticeably improve transportation in the area. We have a planning process, and this project bypassed that due process. Stop this project! CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Myers, Lisa_Web Comment_07-02-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Myers:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project due to costs and minimal transportation improvements in the area. You also stated that the project bypassed the planning process.

The Circle Interchange project was not part of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) GOTO 2040 Plan as it started as a maintenance project to rehabilitate the bridges that were constructed over fifty years ago. Realizing the importance of correcting the safety and mobility issues that affect the Circle Interchange, the Department moved forward with a study that would look into correcting these issues. On March 14, 2013, after a thirty day comment period, CMAP amended the GOTO 2040 Plan to include the Circle Interchange project as a fiscally constrained major capital project.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

From: Schneider, Paul A. To: "Lucas, Mark (Chicago)"; "[email protected]"; "Cathy Valente"; [email protected] Cc: Schilke, Steven E; Decker, Diana L. Subject: FW: Circle Interchange Flyover PH comment Date: Wednesday, July 03, 2013 6:01:41 PM

PH comment

From: Schilke, Steven E Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2013 6:55 PM To: Schneider, Paul A. Subject: Fw: Circle Interchange Flyover

Public comment

From: Noonan, Michael [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2013 04:49 PM Central Standard Time To: Schilke, Steven E Subject: Circle Interchange Flyover

Mr. Schilke, As a resident of Little Italy neighborhood just outside of the UIC campus, and as someone who may one day invest in a condo or other property in the West Loop area, I feel obligated to voice my objection to the flyover expansion. The project as it stands will likely increase the number of cars on the road, and car trips taken through the area, which is something as a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian, I firmly object. I am aware, first hand, of the traffic issues that this area faces, and the congestion problems surrounding the interchange. However it doesn't seem like the flyover as planned is the best solution. A policy stance that benefits motorists as well as pedestrians and cyclists is the stance IDOT should take in this matter. As it stands, the areas around the interstate are extremely inhospitable to pedestrians, cyclists, and even cars. The interchange separates the downtown area from the neighborhoods immediately West and South of the loop in such a way that makes these areas seem inaccessible by foot or bicycle. All that I and many others ask is that you consider the point of view of the pedestrian, cyclist, and public transportation rider in this project, since we are the ones who live in these areas, we are the eyes on the street, and we are those whose daily lives and daily commutes this project will likely effect the most.

Thank you for your time.

-- Mike Noonan Chicago-Kent College of Law JD Candidate 312.725.0483 CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:22 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Noonan, Michael_Email Comment_07-02-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Noonan:

Thank you for your comments submitted via an email dated July 2, 2013 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project due to the flyovers and increased traffic. You suggested that the Department incorporate more pedestrian and bicycle friendly measures into the design.

Sincerely,

1 Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Oyewole, Yemi_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Oyewole:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Petersen, Scott_Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Petersen:

Thank you for your comments submitted via a comment form and the forum comment you submitted at the June 27, 2013 Public Hearing regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the Preferred Alternative 7.1C and suggested that the Department continue evaluating Alternative 15.4.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Web Comments

Don Rashid Allpoints Security & Detective, Inc. [email protected] (773)955-6700 2112 East 71st Street Chicago, IL 60649

6/28/2013 CS # 5669

Who has been named the contractor for this project? Do you anticipate that physical security services will be utilized?

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:33 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Rashid, Don_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Rashid:

Thank you for the comment submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to inquiry to the name of the contractor for the project and if physical security services will be utilized.

The need for physical security services, as part of the contract documents, is not anticipated.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Alan Robinson [email protected]

7/02/2013

Hi,

Studying the EA and media coverage for this project, I would like to indicate my opposition to its construction. IDOT has touted several benefits for the project, namely: - Providing construction jobs: This is not your mandate! Any project spending 420 million dollars will create jobs, and many other types of projects will create more jobs than road construction. - Reduction of crashes: There are a very large number of crashes at this interchange, however very few of them result in significant injury. In 2011, there were on average 1.1 fatalities per 100 million miles driven in the US. Given the size and traffic volume in the crash study area, 2.6 fatalities per year are expected. Over the 3 year study period analyzed, 8 fatalities occurred, right on the national average. I have not seen any figures presented for how the safety of the existing circle interchange compares to other highways, or what the actual economic cost due to property damage is due to the non-injury collisions that occur. If a 25% reduction of collisions is expected (with no evaluation of uncertainties in this figure), at approximately $10,000 reduced cost per prevented collision, only $40 million of the construction cost will be recovered after 20 years. - Reducing congestion: The analysis for congestion reduction for this project only includes congestion within a few miles of the interchange. The Circle is far from the only traffic bottleneck in the region and the highways outbound from the Circle are at or above capacity. I believe that a regional traffic model by CMAP shows that very minimal reduction in congestion will occur with a new Circle interchange. - Improving freight movement Less than 5% of vehicle moving through the interchange are trucks. A reprioritization of the existing infrastructure for freight would move freight more effectively and for a much reduced project cost. What's needed is pressure on the City of Chicago to develop a freight plan!

The sum total of these benefits do not warrant pursuing construction of the project unless the cost were ~1/10th of that proposed. There are also several impacts due to the project including increased noise, increased visual presence of highway infrastructure, and construction related highway delays.

Please include these comments for feedback to the EA.

Thank you,

- Alan Robinson

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:41 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Robinson, Alan_Comment_130703.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Robinson:

Thank you for the comments you submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments were related to project opposition, providing construction jobs, reducing the number of crashes, reducing congestion, improving freight, and impacts such as increased noise, increased visual presence of the highway infrastructure, and construction related delays.

The changes being proposed at this interchange are in response to significant transportation needs. The Circle Interchange was constructed between 1958 and 1962. Having outlived its design life, the Circle Interchange has safety and congestion concerns. More than 400,000 vehicles, including 33,000 trucks, travel through the Circle Interchange daily, and this location has been highlighted as the top freight bottleneck in the US. The existing interchange is also in close proximity to a variety of dense urban land uses, including residential and commercial buildings, educational institutions, and public transportation facilities. The purpose of the project is to provide an improved transportation facility by addressing the existing and 2040 transportation needs. This will be accomplished by improving safety, mobility, and facility deficiencies.

As part of the Circle Interchange project, a comprehensive crash analysis of existing conditions was completed. An average of 940 crashes occurs per year within the study area. Traffic congestion was identified as the primary contributor to the number of crashes, based on 90% of the crashes being rear-end and sideswipe collisions. Areas of concern were identified by the first responders – last minute cut-ins on the collector-distributor (C-D) road for northbound I-90/94 to westbound I- 290 (Ramp NW) and northbound I-90/94 to eastbound I-290 (Ramp NE), triple divergence from eastbound I-290, eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 (Ramp EN) and eastbound I-290 to southbound I-90/94 (Ramp ES), and speed differential between westbound I-290 at the merge with southbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290 (Ramp SW) and Ramp NW.

In addition to the comprehensive crash analysis, the Enhanced Interchange Safety Analysis Tool (ISATe) was used to evaluate the expressway and interchange safety between the preferred plan and the No-Build condition for the design year 2040. ISATe provides information about the relationship between roadway geometric design features and safety. It is based on research that quantifies the relationship between various design elements (e.g., lane width) or design components (e.g., left-turn bay) and expected average crash frequency. The information provided in ISATe is intended to help designers make informed judgments about the safety performance of design alternatives. ISATe automates a safety prediction method that consists of various algorithms and equations. The total predictive average crash frequency for the design year 2040 is approximately 12% less for the recommended alternative as compared to the no-build condition. Fatal and Serious injury crashes are predicted to be 26% less in the preferred plan as compared to the no-build condition.

The Department’s number one priority is safety and we stand committed to reducing the number of fatalities and life-altering injuries to zero on Illinois Roadways. Deaths and injuries resulting from traffic crashes are serious public health concerns and are not conducive to the high quality of life expected in the state of Illinois. Economic impacts within local communities relative to medical costs, lost wages, insurance costs, taxes, police, fire and emergency medical services, and legal and court costs, as well as property damage, are significant. Based on the 2010 Highway Safety Manual, the estimated societal crash cost is approximately $4.0 million for each fatality, $216,000 for each A-injury (disabling injury), $79,000 for each B-injury (evident injury), nearly $45,000 for each C-injury (possible injury), and each property damage crash cost approximately $8,000.

VISSIM microsimulation software was used for traffic analysis; it was used to compare the performance of the preferred plan to the No-Build scenario for the design year 2040. As traffic congestion related to the Circle Interchange routinely extends for miles beyond the project improvement limits, the VISSIM models were developed to cover I-90/94 from north of the Ohio Street Interchange to south of I-55, and along I-290 from Ashland Avenue to Canal Street. Traffic models are based on AM and PM peak hours, defined through analysis of daily traffic patterns to be the periods of 7:00 to 8:00AM and 5:00 to 6:00PM. 2012 AM and PM Existing Base Models were developed to calibrate model conditions as closely as possible to

1 conditions observed in the field. Model parameters were continually adjusted until modeled speed profiles, queue lengths, and flow rates matched that which was collected in the field.

The preferred plan represents a comprehensive improvement that will address transportation needs – overall daily traffic delays will be reduced by 50%, and the potential for severe crashes will be reduced by up to 25%. More specifically, the project includes an additional lane in each direction on I-90/94, and expanding the east to north and north to west ramps from one lane to two lanes.

As stated above, the Federal Highway Administration and the American Transportation Research Institute have identified the Circle Interchange as the number one bottleneck among highways crucial to the nation's freight transportation system. Freight benefits of the preferred plan include significant improvements to merging and weaving areas that are currently difficult for large trucks to navigate. Off-peak, daytime hours will not be as congested, which will increase the reliability for on-time deliveries and there will create an improved travel environment for trucks during inclement weather resulting from improved drainage, lighting, and roadway design.

The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to construct. It is difficult to predict the additional delay that will be experienced during construction; it depends on the number of drivers that use alternative routes, take mass transit, or just don’t make as many trips. We do expect, given the volume of traffic on these routes, that backups will occur.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 4:12 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Robinson, Philip_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Robinson:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Circle Interchange Comments

Scott A. Sanderson Marshall, Gerstein & Borun [email protected] (312) 474-6607 233 South Wacker Drive 6300 Willis Tower Chicago, IL 60606

6/27/2013

Steve,

I am writing regarding the Circle Interchange project to express my sincere opposition. The American Lung Association rates Cook County's air quality as an F. Yet, this project will dump many more motor vehicles into an entirely clogged, polluted, and noisy place. We live and work here, and it is not right to shift the costs onto us of a degraded pedestrian environment and all the attendant ills associated with moving this many vehicles past our homes and businesses. I believe IDOT does not take into account the well-being of Chicago citizens, but rather is laser focused on moving more and more vehicles at whatever the cost to our health and environment. This is not right. The paltry concessions to sidewalks and a "bike lane" in the middle of traffic fall miles short of what is needed to make this area livable.

Please reconsider whether this is worth it, and if you must go forward, think of the road users who are not speeding in motor vehicles, but rather use active forms of transportation such as walking and cycling. We are the ones breathing in the polluted air you are creating by this project, please at least give us some infrastructure so we can navigate this hostile environment with at least some level of protection.

Scott Sanderson

Record of Telephone Conversation

By: Steve Schilke Date: April 17, 2013 Time: AM PM

Project: Circle Interchange

Individual: Scott Sanderson. Title:

Organization: Location:

Phone No.: 312-474-6607

Subject: Public Hearing Comment

Items Discussed: Mr. Sanderson called to submit his comment regarding the Circle Interchange project so it will be included as part of the public record for public hearing held on April 3, 2013.

Mr. Sanderson's comment is that he feels that a strip of white paint on the road to delineate bicycle lanes is not enough. Consider other alternatives. [email protected]

Comments or Action Required:

S:\WP\p&es\CONSULT\Projects - Active\I-90_94 at I-290 (Circle Interchange)\Public Involvement\Public Hearing\Comments\RTC_SSanderson.docx CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:51 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Sanderson, Scott A._Comment_130702.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Sanderson:

Thank you for the comments you submitted via an email dated June 27, 2013 and the telephone conversation you had with Steve Schilke on April 17, 2013 regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange and your opposition to the project.

Your comments were specifically related to air quality concerns and the level of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations as well as bicycle safety.

Studies indicate that the air quality will be improved with the project. The annual Onroad CO2 Emissions from the project area will be reduced by one-third from 122,444 metric tons in 2012 to 81,197 metric tons in 2040. The Department will be implementing an air quality monitoring program and to continue investigating measures which can address air quality in and around construction activities throughout the duration of the reconstruction project. All applicable standard specifications and special provisions for air quality matters will be included in contract documents as appropriate.

The Preferred Plan improves the multi-modal transportation system of the surrounding street network with the inclusion of bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved access to transit. The design is in accordance with the City of Chicago’s Bike 2015 Plan and Streets for Cycling Plan 2020. In addition, the Department has had several coordination meetings with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and has incorporated their suggestions into the design. Both the CDOT and the Department policies provide for several variations of bicycle delineation. Each location is evaluated on an individual basis, considering design speeds, available roadway width, and vehicular needs; where possible, buffered bicycle lanes have been proposed. A bicycle lane delineated by a solid white line is an acceptable approach according to the Department’s policy and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 3:21 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Schulz, David_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Schulz:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

[email protected] Illinois 60604

7/2/2013 CS # 5675

Please don't waste any more time or money on infrastructure that prioritizes cars over people. Focus on complete streets and transit improvements that will benefit more people and the environment. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:56 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: [email protected]_Web Comment_07-10-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Stakeholder,

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project since it prioritizes cars over people. You suggested that the Department focus more on complete streets and transit improvements that benefit more people and the environment.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

Dear Mr. Shade:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 1:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Shimizu, Ronald_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Shimizu:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Decker, Diana L.

From: Esther Shin [[email protected]] Sent: Monday, July 22, 2013 10:21 AM To: Decker, Diana L. Subject: noise barrier wall

Hello,

I was told to contact you in regards to the installation of the noise barrier wall along Van Buren and the ramp. I wanted to give my approval for the project. I own unit 207 in the 1224 Van Buren Lofts. Thank you.

-- Esther Shin

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 1:07 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Shin, Esther_Email Comment_07-22-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Shin

This letter is in response to the viewpoint you submitted regarding the potential noise wall at Van Buren Lofts as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Circle Interchange Study.

Based on the noise analysis conducted, your unit was identified as a benefited receptor since it received at least a 5 dB(A) traffic noise reduction as a result of a noise barrier. The deadline for submitting viewpoints for the potential noise abatement at Van Buren Lofts was July 12, 2013. Only viewpoints received before the deadline have been tallied.

Based on viewpoints collected, highway traffic noise abatement measures are likely to be implemented at your location based on preliminary design. However, additional detailed engineering analysis needs to be completed to verify the likely noise abatement measures are constructible from engineering and cost perspective. As a result, the noise abatement measures may need to be modified or removed from the project plans. A final decision on the installation of abatement measures will be made upon completion of the project’s final design and continued coordination with the public. For additional information regarding noise abatement, please contact Sam Mead, Environmental Unit Head, at (847) 705-4101.

Sincerely

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 1:12 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Project Attachments: Singh, Harvind_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Singh:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Francine Stein [email protected] 914-328-3350 New York 10605

7/2/2013 CS # 5672

I am considering a move to 770 Gladys. Can you please email immediately to tell me when the sound barrier will be constructed and the time table for changes to entrances 51H and 29B to the highways involved? Thank you,

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:42 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Stein, Francine_Web Comment_07-10-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Ms. Stein:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comments are related to the construction timeline for exit 51H (southbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290) and exit 29B (westbound I-290 to Morgan Street) as well as the potential noise wall in front of 770 Lofts (770 W. Gladys).

The reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will be a large undertaking, requiring approximately four years to complete. The project is broken into three stages. In stage one, the cross street bridges will be reconstructed. In stage two, I-290/Congress Parkway will be reconstructed. Finally, in stage three, I-90/94 will be reconstructed.

The Morgan Street exit (Exit 29B), is targeted to be closed from the fall of 2013 through the spring of 2014. Further changes and temporary closures will likely occur through 2015. Once completed, access to the Morgan Street exit will only be available for traffic traveling from northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290. The elimination of the weaving and merging in this area will enhance traffic flow and safety. It is recommended that you use the Adams Street exit from southbound I-90/94 instead.

The southbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290 (Ramp SW, Exit 51H) will likely be constructed in stages in 2015 and 2016. The ramp will likely remain open throughout the project, except for overnight closures for overhead bridge demolition and beam placement.

Based on viewpoints collected, highway traffic noise abatement measures will not be implemented at 770 Lofts. For additional information regarding noise abatement, please contact Sam Mead, Environmental Unit Head, at (847) 705- 4101.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

[email protected] 4911 W. Rice St. Forest Park, IL 60130

7/22/2013 CS # 5709

Any thought about using solid white lines to make drivers commit and maintain their lane for exit earlier? This along with enforcement (tickets) via cameras will eliminate the cutting over of (up to 6 lanes) at the exits. The cutting in at the last minute is an issue that will be a serious problem with all the exits at one location (mainly talking Inbound 290) CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:45 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: teamfury_Web Comment_07-25-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Stakeholder:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to the merging and weaving issues that occur within the Circle Interchange. You specifically mention the triple decision point on eastbound I-290 at Ramp EN and Ramp ES.

We appreciate your thoughts on lane markings related to the project to reduce dangerous maneuvers on the roadway. We will be following city, state, and federal pavement marking guidelines as part of the design of the Circle Interchange and local roads surrounding the interchange.

You also indicated that you were concerned that the triple decision point for eastbound traffic to continue eastbound, southbound, or northbound. This was identified by the Study Team early in the project as a point of concern. As design progressed it became clear that neighborhood impacts, right-of-way, and highway geometric constraints prevented the removal of the triple decision point. To mitigate the problem, lane balance issues have been addressed. The preferred plan provides seven lanes at the divergence point-two lanes for traffic continuing on I-290/Congress Parkway, two lanes for Ramp EN, two lanes for Ramp ES, and one lane for the Taylor Street exit. Adding an additional lane to Ramp EN will eliminate the queuing that currently makes this area a safety concern. Signage and striping will direct traffic into the correct lanes for their destination well in advance of the physical divergence of the ramps.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Harold Turrentine [email protected] (773)478-1054 3636 N Bernard St. Chicago, IL 60618

7/14/2013 CS # 5692

I believe the Circle interchange should have all access ramps from the Downtown Southbound Kennedy entrance ramps stay on an upper level over the center of the expressway until they all are one, and then have the lane merge over the SB lanes into the westbound Eisenhower-290, avoiding any of the traffic cutting across the lanes to exit to 290. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:46 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Turrentine, Harold_Web Comment_07-14-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Turrentine:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to entrance ramps to southbound I-90/94 north of the Circle Interchange, and traffic weaving across the highway from these entrances to reach westbound I-290.

Your suggestion of keeping southbound traffic at the street level could cause safety and operational issues to the local street system due to the addition of a “through” movement. In the Preferred Alternative, southbound traffic destined for I-290 will diverge from the mainline north of Madison Street which is much further north than it does today. A barrier median will be constructed between the exit ramps and southbound I-90/94, preventing traffic entering from Madison Street to use the exit ramps. However, traffic from Lake and Randolph Streets will still be physically capable of weaving across I-90/94 to reach the ramps. The project has been designed so that it will not preclude a future southbound collector-distributor road that could fully separate these movements.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:49 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Tyszkiewicz, Jacek_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Tyszkiewicz:

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:59 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Umbright, Brian_Comment.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Umbright:

Thank you for the comment of support you submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) proposed improvement of the Circle Interchange.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:18 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Valdes, Daniel_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Valdes:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment specifically related to vibration monitoring at 411 South Sangamon.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Anonymous [email protected] Chicago, IL 60660

6/28/2013 CS # 5668

"I couldn't make it to the last meeting on June 27th but I saw the renderings and I'm opposed to an overpass on Halsted. This would be an opposing structure on Halsted for pedestrians and hurt businesses and residents in the area. I'm much more in favor of routing the lane under Halsted.

You'll also win over a lot more urban residents by building more meaningful bike infrastructure than buffered lanes. A protected lane would be a nice bonus to have that would make this project a lot more palatable." CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: [email protected]_Web Comment_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Stakeholder:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the flyover over Halsted Street due to impacts to businesses and residents. You suggested that the Department should incorporate more meaningful bike accommodations such as protected bike lanes.

For example on the Halsted Street Bridge, dedicated bikes lanes in both directions are proposed, currently the southbound bicyclists share the roadway with vehicles while northbound bicyclists have a dedicated bike lane. In addition, the sidewalks will be widened to 10 feet from the existing width of 7 feet. Buffer protected bike lanes were examined as part of the study but it was determined that the cross street bridges are not wide enough to safely incorporate them.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Wittmer, Don_PH Comment Form_07-01-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Wittmer:

Thank you for your comments submitted via a comment form regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was specifically related to supporting the project and concerns regarding the “triple decision point” on eastbound I-290.

Thank you for your support of the Circle Interchange project. It is expected that the reconstruction of the Circle Interchange will ease congestion, move people and freight more efficiently, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles. The Preferred Alternative is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on the three expressways that meet in the heart of Chicago, reducing traffic delays by up to 50 percent and saving drivers up to 5 million hours annually. In addition, improved traffic flow will lead to savings of up to 1.6 million gallons of fuel per year. The new design incorporates aesthetic features and improves the multi-modal transportation system of the surrounding street network with the inclusion of bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved access to transit. In addition, thousands of construction related jobs are expected to be created due to this project which will help stimulate the region’s economy.

You also indicated that you were concerned that the “triple decision point” for eastbound traffic to continue eastbound, southbound, or northbound was not addressed. This was identified by the Study Team early in the project as a point of concern. As design progressed it became clear that neighborhood impacts, right-of-way, and highway geometric constraints prevented the removal of the triple divergence. To mitigate the problem, lane balance issues have been addressed. The preferred plan provides seven lanes at the divergence point - two lanes for traffic continuing on I- 290/Congress Parkway, two lanes for Ramp EN, two lanes for Ramp ES, and one lane for the Taylor Street exit. Adding an additional lane to Ramp EN will eliminate the queuing that currently makes this area uncomfortable and a safety concern. Signage and striping will direct traffic into the correct lanes for their destination well in advance of the physical divergence of the ramps.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team

1 Web Comments

Jack [email protected] Illinois 60657

7/3/2013 CS # 5680

This project is an ineffective use of limited taxpayer dollars. Expanding highway capacity will only encourage more driving and congestion. It will not relieve congestion. IDOT should focus on real transportation options, not just outdated highway building. CH-Brian Holman

From: Circle Interchange Project Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:29 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Circle Interchange Attachments: Wlezien, Jack_Web Comment_07-10-2013.pdf

September 5, 2013

Dear Mr. Wlezien:

Thank you for your comments submitted via the project website regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (Department) Phase I Study of the Circle Interchange.

Your comment was related to your opposition to the project and suggested that alternative forms of transportation should be considered.

Sincerely,

Circle Interchange Study Team