DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS

EBB&V: JENNIFER "SIS" KILLEN, P.E, PTOE EEKBBS ^ SUPERINTENDENT m" w 69 West Washington Street, 24th Floor • , 60602 (312)603-1601 ^•L

Plainfield Road Corridor Study Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways PRESIDENT Cook County Board July 2, 2021 of Commissioners

JeffereyA.Koza,P.E,CFM BRANDON JOHNSON Director of Engineering Services/Village Engineer 1st District Village of Western Springs 740 Hillgrove Avenue 2nd District Western Springs, IL 60558

BILL LOWRY 3rd District DearJefferey Koza:

STANLEY MOORE Thank you for your letter citing concerns about the alternatives and improvements being 4th District evaluated in the Plainfield Road Corridor Study. The Cook County Department of Transportation

DEBORAH SIMS and Highways (DoTH) is still in the process of evaluating multiple alternatives for this project, and 5th District a decision on a preferred alternative has not yet been made. A variety of factors will be considered when determining a preferred alternative, including but not limited to safety, operational efficiency / mobility, pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations, roadway and 6th District drainage needs, costs, impacts to both properties and environmental resources, as well as public ALMA E. ANAYA input. 7th District There are two separate alternatives, Alternative 2 and Alternative 3A, that are currently being LUIS ARROYO, JR evaluated between County Line Road and Wolf Road based on projected 2050 traffic volumes. 8th District Additional details on each of these alternatives are included below: PETER N. SILVESTRJ 9th District Alternative 2 includes a 3-1ane section with a continuous sidewalk and shared use path for the entirety of the project, just east of County Line Road to East Avenue. 10th District Alternative 3A includes a 5-1ane section with continuous sidewalk and shared use path JOHN P. DALEY between County Line Road and Wolf Road and a 3-1ane section with a continuous 11th District sidewalk and shared use path between Wolf Road and East Avenue.

BRIDGET DEGNEN 12th District In accordance with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) design criteria, the projected 2050 traffic volumes between County Line Road and Wolf Road are high enough to justify a 5- lane section. Design exceptions from both IDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 13th District will be required to eliminate Alternative 3A from further consideration. Feedback received from SCOTT R. BRITTON local municipalities and the public will be considered as an important component of the design 14th District exception evaluation, in addition to other factors noted at the beginning of this letter.

KEVIN B. MORRISON Property impacts will be evaluated after the selection of the preferred alternative. The Project 15th District Team will make attempts to best utilize the existing right-of-way and minimize impacts to

FRANK AGUILAR property owners, however property acquisition and construction easements are anticipated to 16th District

SEAN M. MORR1SON 17th District $ Fiscal Responsibility ^ Innovative Leadership ^| Transparency fi< Accouniabiiity Q' improved Sot\'iccs JeffereyA. Koza, P.E., CFM July 2, 2021 Director of Engineering Services/Village Engineer Village of Western Springs

Re: Plainfield Road Corridor Study

accommodate the planned roadway and pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Once the study is further along and a preferred alternative has been confirmed, the County will notify all property owners where right-of-way acquisition or an easement is anticipated for the proposed improvement plan. All land to be acquired will follow IDOT and Cook County land acquisition policies and processes.

Your comment regarding the desire for a crosswalk to connect the Timber Trails subdivision with the shared-use path on the south side of Plainfield Road is noted. The Project Team will evaluate existing and any requested crosswalks from a safety perspective during the next stage of the study after a preferred alternative is selected.

The Project Team is aware of the drainage concerns within the Ridgewood Subdivision. A proposed drainage plan will be developed after the selection of a preferred alternative. The proposed drainage.system will be designed to comply with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance requirements.

As noted earlier, the Cook County DoTH has not yet identified a preferred alternative for this project. The Project Team anticipates presenting the preferred alternative to the Corridor Advisory Committee (CAC) toward the end of the year, as well as hosting a second public meeting in mid-2022 to present the preferred alternative to the public for feedback. We encourage you to attend the CAC meeting and to encourage your constituents to attend the public meeting.

We welcome any additional comments or questions that you may have and hope you will continue to engage with our Project Team. The attached newsletter provides additional summary of project, what we heard from the community, and next steps. The project website (ImprovePlainfieldRoad.org) will also continue to be a source of information about the project throughout the study.

Sincerely,

^J^t^i^dA. /5^/ /^^^•(,t»

Jennifer "Sis" Killen, P.E., PTOE Superintendent Department of Transportation and Highways Cook County, Illinois

CC: Ingrid Velkme, Village Manager, Village of Western Springs Casey Biernaki, Deputy Village Manager, Village of Western Springs Matthew Support, Director of Municipal Services, Village of Western Springs

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$ Fiscal Responsibility ^ Innovative Leaclersliip ^) Transparency & Accountability Q Improved Services 0 8Wm2l2 PLAINFIELD ROAD m ^ vw Corridor Study

Summer 2021 Newsletter ImprovePlainfieldRoad.org Proposed Alternatives and Improvements Sftl liwis: Presented at the Virtual Public Information fr'. Meeting Safety improvements for ail users Thank you to everyone who participated in the Virtual Public Information Meeting for the Plainfield Road , Enhance connectivity and Corridor Study on April 14, 2021! To ensure accessibility s accommodations for bicycl'sts for those without internet access, hard copies of all I w i l\V and pedestrians meeting materials, along with pre-stamped comment 's, cards, were provided at six public locations throughout I Reconstruct and make the corridor. More than 60 community members attended I updates to the roadway and the meeting and over 270 comments were received CTItN during the official comment period (April 7, 2021 through I drainage infrastructure May 5, 2021). During the meeting, the Cook County Accommodate the projected Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) reviewed existing conditions along the corridor and year 2050 travel demands and presented the developed alternatives for consideration. improve operational efficiency Following the presentation, the Project Team held a ^ along the corridor question-and-answer session. Read more about what we heard from the public on page 3. engineering and environmental studies, and preliminary feedback received from our Corridor Advisory Committee Why is this project taking place? and Virtual Public Survey. Due to the projected needs Cook County DoTH initiated the Plainfield Road and impacts to the community, only two alternatives Corridor Study in 2020 to address known community are recommended to be further evaluated for selection concerns such as the existing roadway and drainage of the preferred corridor alternative: Alternative 2 and deficiencies, pedestrian/bicycle accommodations and Alternative 3(A and B). Please visit the project website to other mobility and safety issues. All pavement sections view all alternatives: improveplainfieldroad.org. have also reached the end of their useful service life Continued page 2.... and require improvement. Near County Line Road the concrete pavement is more than 40 years old and in Inside this Issue page other areas along the corridor the pavement is more than • Proposed Alternatives Presented at Virtual 1 -2 60 years old. It is anticipated that the pavement will be Public Information Meeting reconstructed throughout the entire project area. • Public Survey Highlights 2 What are the proposed alternatives? • Public Comment Themes 3-4 • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 5 During the Virtual Public Information Meeting, the Project Team presented four (4) alternatives which were • Project Schedule 5 developed based on various data collection activities • Next Steps 5 including existing conditions data analysis, multiple

For questions or comments, contact GONNEGTING Jennifer (Sis) Killen. RE.. PTOE, Superintendent Sanjay Joshi, RE.. Project Manager COOK COUNTY Department of Transportation & Highways Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways Beyond Transportation www.connectin9cookcounty.or9 69 W. Washington St., 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602 Email: [email protected] Proposed Alternatives Alternative 2: Typical Section ...continued from page 1 The following alternatives are being further evaluated: • Alternative 2 includes various intersection capacity improvements, a 3-1ane roadway section with curb and gutter and an enclosed drainage system in addition to continuous sidewalk and shared-use path throughout the corridor. • Alternative 3 includes all the Alternative 2 ^ recommendations and introduces two sub- alternatives (Alternative 3A and Alternative 3B) that provide 5-1ane segments of roadway along the m. Plainfield Road Corridor. The first segment (Alternative 3A) is between County Line Road and Wolf Road. The "J 11' 11' 11' 10'- Sidewalk Lane ' Lane ' Lane Shared- second segment (Alternative 3B) is between Brainard Use Path Avenue and 55th Street. The projected 2050 traffic volumes within these Alternative 3A and 3B: Typical Section* segments warrant additional through lanes per the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) design criteria and have resulted in the investigation of the s 5-1ane segments along Plainfield Road. It is important to note that the evaluation of these alternatives will K?« s be based on various factors including public input, property, environmental and other impacts in addition to future traffic needs prior to determining a preferred ;f. alternative. If Alternative 3 is included in the final stages of the project, both segments could stand alone or be combined and result in an Alternative 3C. A continuous 5-1ane roadway for the entire corridor

is not recommended as it is not warranted through ^ :.' many segments of the corridor. *• TJ 11' 11' ir 11 11 10'- The proposed alternatives address existing roadway and Sidewalk Lane Lane Lane Lane ' Lane Shared- drainage infrastructure deficiencies, enhance pedestrian Use Path and bicycle accommodations and improve safety and "Five-lane alternative only provided between County Line Road and Wolf Road for operational efficiency/mobility for all users along the Alternative 3A and between Brainard Avenue and 55"' Street for Alternative 3B. Plainfield Road Corridor.

Public Survey Highlights Respondents' Priorities within the Corridor Pedestrian/Bicyde Concerns As part of the public outreach efforts for the study, !-1% 1% the Project Team completed a Virtual Public Survey in Traffic/Roadway Concerns -1ir-1% fall 2020. Thank you to everyone who took the time to 0% complete the survey! The survey included a welcome Safety •t' u«.d ( questionnaire and an interactive map which allowed Drainage for community input on issues they are seeing or experiencing within the corridor. Public Transit 27% A total of 230 participants completed the survey and 162 AthteUcs comments were provided on the interactive map. Below Other are what participants thought should be the priority focus 30% area in the corridor: Land Use • Pedestrian/bicycle issues, access and accommodations These priority focus areas and tocation-specific comments have been incorporated into the alternative Traffic/roadway improvements designs and will continue to be taken into consideration • General safety as the designs are refined. Read more about the public 2 • Drainage concerns survey on the project website: improveplainfietdroad.org.

•?'-agpw®.^-. r?S.'" What We Heard from You!

The Project Team values your input and comments. selected. The impacts on the community are recognized Community involvement is crucial in determining the and will be taken into consideration as alternatives are most appropriate improvements needed throughout the further evaluated. corridor. Following the community meeting, the Project Team received over 270 comments via voicemail, email Pedestrian and Bicyclist and mailings. Additionally, we received a petition from Accommodations over 400 community members. s Some comments were also %fj'fl^ received regarding pedestrian Primary themes we heard based on comments received and bicyclist accommodations. are outlined below and will be taken into consideration as The majority of these comments requested additional the Project Team develops the preferred alternative. sidewalks and/or bicycle accommodations along Plainfield Road for greater connectivity within their Lane Configuration communities. Some of the feedback received expressed A significant number of comments received, safety concerns regarding the addition of sidewalks including the petition signed by community and/or bicycle lanes due to traffic along Plainfield Road. members, oppose the expansion of any A few comments emphasized the need to ensure that segments of the Plainfield Road corridor sidewalk and shared-use path plans align with the goals to five (5) lanes. Comments in opposition of the 5-1ane of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, configurations conveyed that adding more lanes may some comments received expressed preference for increase traffic, result in higher speeds throughout the an on-road bicycle facility as opposed to an off-street corridor, impact property value and trees/landscaping shared-use path. and cause safety issues - in particular, relating to access to local schools on the corridor. In addition, some The Project Team will evaluate each existing sidewalk comments expressed concerns about the effectiveness and crosswalk for safety throughout the corridor in of County funds being used for this expansion. the next stage of the study. This will result in a better understanding of the appropriate safety improvements Some comments voiced support of Alternative 2 which that are needed and can be incorporated at existing would allow Plainfield Road's existing 5-1ane section crosswalk locations. All pedestrian accommodations will near County Line Road to taper to a 3-1ane section with be ADA accessible, increasing accessibility and safety continuous curb and gutter, sidewalk and a shared-use for all users. path to East Avenue. One of the main goals of the study is to provide The Project Team recognizes the concerns regarding continuous connectivity for pedestrians and bicycles. A a 5-1ane configuration and has received opposition shared-use path is recommended on the south side of from the local municipalities to a 5-1ane roadway. Plainfield Road and a sidewalk is recommended on the Both Alternative 3A and Alternative 3B provide the north side of Plainfield Road throughout the corridor. The recommended capacity to accommodate the projected Project Team found that a shared-use path would be 2050 traffic volumes. The 5-1ane section in Alternative 3A more contextually appropriate along this corridor than also provides a consistent typical section that continues on-street paths and more suitable for all users including through the intersection at County Line Road. The added young children. lanes in Alternative 3B provide continuous right turn lanes to improve safety and reduce rear end crashes Drainage for vehicles using the commercial driveways present A few community members favored between Brainard Avenue and 55th Street. Alternative 2 when seeking options to address the drainage issues. This alternative y/i\\\ While these benefits are recognized, the 5-lanes are would include a curb and gutter with a anticipated to cause additional right-of-way (ROW) closed drainage system, along with a sidewalk and impacts without providing significant operational shared-use path. Others wanted to know whether the benefits. The increase in impervious area would cause study would address the drainage conditions that exist larger storm-water impacts. Additionally, there may be throughout the corridor, particularly in the La Grange larger impacts to the Arrowhead Memorial Park at the Highlands neighborhood and on the north side of intersection of Wolf Road and Plainfield Road. Further Plainfield Road between Wolf Road and 1-294. coordination with IDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is needed for Alternative 2 and Continued page 4.... Alternative 3 before a preferred alternative can be 3 What We Heard from You! w ...continued from page 3 ^

A Proposed Drainage Plan will be prepared after the &^r preferred alternative is selected. The Proposed Drainage ^r: Plan generally focuses on the drainage infrastructure ':^R,\^^ -"fe^ -Wtff^:'?1. needs associated with roadway improvements along ^1 Plainfield Road. This would include improving ditches ~s and storm sewers along the roadway corridor as well as y providing better grading to make sure water makes its .^•fe •''*• way into the ditches and storm sewers. -«• •• s" -» * m ^ !^ All the alternatives being considered include curb and •"* iS^^. «:T gutter to provide an enclosed drainage system along Plainfield Road which collects stormwater runoff prior to leaving the roadway system. The Proposed Drainage Plan will be designed to comply with the Metropolitan I: s. ^ ^r^v. .-c- Water Reclamation District's (MWRD) Watershed ^ Management Ordinance requirements. ;. ^s ^ ^!L<

A few homeowners provided comments highlighting ^ ^ concerns regarding losing property. Also, the Project \ff. Team received comments regarding the potential of SA* ^^ ^ Seai decreasing property values with the expansion of f&^ + Plainfield Road. Additional right-of-way acquisition >'; or construction easements are anticipated for the ^f 2^^^^ • ^-.^ • •^•^- alternatives being considered to accommodate the •> i3 roadway typical section, sidewalk, shared-use path, ^'.^ intersection improvements and grading and drainage improvements. This project improvement, along with pedestrian and drainage improvements, will provide a safer travel environment, improve accessibility and ;•• reinvest in the community to enhance land use and quality of life. The Project Team will develop a more detailed analysis of impacts in the next stage of the study.

^?y>: •SSi.sauSitS.iSSis If you were unable to attend the meeting or would like to review the meeting materials, please visit the project website, www.lmprovePlainfieldRoad.org.

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Frequently Asked Questions ^ What types of safety improvements will be provided Is the project going to remove trees and shrubs? at parks/schools for pedestrians crossing Plainfield The Project Team is making every attempt to mitigate Road? impacts to adjacent properties and environmental Each existing crosswalk will be evaluated for safety resources, however, it is anticipated that some tree throughout the corridor. Investigations provided and bush removal will be required to accommodate in the next stage of the study will result in a better the proposed improvements. All trees that are removed understanding of the possible safety improvements will be replaced ata 1 to 1 ratio. The Project Team will that are needed and can be incorporated at existing develop a more detailed analysis of these impacts in the crosswalk locations. next stage of this study. When wil! Piainfield Road be under construction? How will the study address drainage issues in the I The Project Team expects Phase I to be completed region? by the end of 2022 with Phase II following. Timing of The project's ability to address flooding and provide construction will be dependent on plan readiness, land relief beyond the roadway corridor is limited. As such, acquisition status and funding availability. The earliest we the proposed drainage plan will generally focus on the anticipate construction to begin is 2026. drainage infrastructure needs associated with roadway improvements along Plainfield Road. The proposed L. I am opposed to a 5-1ane section. Why is the County drainage system will be designed to comply with the I; considering this? Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's (MWRD) I I A 5-1ane section has been considered as a potential Watershed Management Ordinance requirements. alternative based on project traffic volumes, but is not warranted throughout all segments of the corridor. There Why is the County proposing two-way left turn lane ! are two segments along Plainfield Road in which the fTWLTL) throughout the corridor limits? projected 2050 traffic volumes are high enough to justify A review of the crash data has shown that 54% of j a 5-1ane section according to IDOT design criteria: reported crashes were rear end crashes. The addition • County Line Road to Wolf Road of a center two-way left turn lane reduces the potential • Brainard Avenue to 55th Street for rear end crashes by providing a refuge area for left turning vehicles and allows through traffic to continue Further investigation and coordination with IDOT and the uninterrupted. Given the high number of rear end crashes FHWA is required to determine if safety and operational reported along the corridor, a center two-way left turn benefits provided justify a 5-1ane section with additional lane is recommended to improve safety and mobility for impacts anticipated. users.

: .S-f-StWWISWSSf:^ -• "«y» fmss:':s':v^ •^•^ Project Schedule

Existing Conditions Review and Scoping Preferred Alternative Design

[Design 2020 2021 2022 [Approval WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL /WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL /WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL I Project I Kick-off IPublic Final 1!I Survey Report

(^TI Stakeholder Meeting Review and Refine Alternatives pp.T'il Corridor Advisory Committee Meeting Ifjpn Public Meeting

Next Steps Please send comments or questions about to the study to: Cook County will continue to review and refine the alternatives, Sanjay Joshi, P.E. meet with local stakeholders and the Corridor Advisory Committee Project Manager and we anticipate presenting a preferred alternative to the public Into® ImprovePtainfieldRoad.org /^/ for comment during the second public information meeting in 2022. •"^^ Phase I is expected to be completed in late 2022, which consists of liT', the development of the preferred alternative, final reports and design approval of the preferred alternative.

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