Des Plaines River Road, Illinois Department of Transportation

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project consists of the reconstruction of Des Plaines River Road from Devon Avenue to US Route 12 (Rand Road), a distance of 4.2 miles.  Existing Des Plaines River Road consists of a four lane rural section with substandard lane widths and poor drainage along its entire length.  The nine signalized intersections within the project limits operate at a poor level of service, lack adequate turn lane storage and turning radii, and have substandard taper rates.  Many of the approach legs lack necessary left and right turn lanes based on existing traffic volumes and movements.  In addition, the existing pavement is in poor condition and much of the pavement is subject to flooding from the Des Plaines River.

The proposed improvements to Des Plaines River Road will include the following:

• Reconstructed pavement to provide five 11 foot lanes bound by B-6.24 curb and gutter.

• A flush two-way left turn lane median will be provided due to the high number of approaches and side streets.

• The intersections of Devon Avenue, Touhy Avenue, Oakton Street, Algonquin Road, US Route 14 (Dempster/Miner Street), Perry Street, Elk Boulevard, and US Route 12 (Rand Road) will be upgraded by improving channelization and modernizing traffic signals.  Interconnected coordinated traffic signal systems will be used to smooth vehicle flow and minimize travel delays.

• A new closed drainage system will be provided throughout the length of the project.

• The profile of the roadway will be raised to the extent practicable to reduce the probability of pavement flooding.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

CBBEL performed Phase I services including the preparation of a Combined Design Report and management of an Environmental Class of Action Determination (ECAD) Record and Document prepared by Woolpert as a subconsultant to CBBEL.  Major Phase I services include:

• Development of horizontal and vertical geometry in accordance with FHWA/IDOT policies and procedures including processing design exceptions.

• Preparation of Intersection Design Studies (IDS’s) for the nine signalized intersections within the project limits.

• Preparation of a Location Drainage Study and a Floodplain Encroachment Evaluation for a Category 5 encroachment.

• Preparation of Public Hearing Exhibits and presentation of materials at a Public Hearing held in May of 2002.

• Coordination with the City of Des Plaines, FHWA, IDOT, ICC, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, IHPA, Pace and Metra.

In addition, CBBEL provided an integral role in supporting the environmental subconsultant in the preparation of the ECAD Record and Document.  CBBEL attended all FHWA/IDOT Coordination Meetings at which issue and resource areas were presented and closed.  The issue areas closed with “Impacts Present” were Changes in Travel Patterns, Economic Impacts, Permits, Flood Plains, Special Waste, and Special Lands.  CBBEL provided critical information and analysis for the social economic, natural resources, flood plain, wetland and 4(f) issue areas.