Lake County announced that Russell Road at its intersection with Kenosha Road will close April 13 for approximately 90 days for the construction of a new single-lane roundabout, the first of two planned along Russell Road this year.
The closure is expected to impact local traffic and commuting patterns in the area. The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection, as roundabouts are recognized for reducing fatal and injury-causing crashes.
Russell Road at its intersection with Kenosha Road/47th Avenue will be fully closed to traffic beginning April 13 for roughly 90 days while a new single-lane roundabout is constructed. Two signed detour routes will be in place: Russell Road traffic will be redirected via IL 131/Green Bay Road, 21st Street, and Lewis Avenue, while Kenosha Road/47th Avenue traffic will detour via 9th Street and Lewis Avenue/39th Avenue. Local access will be maintained from both ends of each road up to the construction zone, according to a press release by <a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4654″>Lake County.
Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic moving at slower, consistent speeds in a single direction, and are a nationally recognized safety measure that reduces fatal and injury-causing intersection crashes by an average of 82%. More than 11,000 have been installed across the country, and Lake County currently maintains 11 within its transportation network. This project is the first of two roundabouts planned along Russell Road this year, with a second scheduled later this summer at Lewis Avenue/39th Avenue, according to a press release by <a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4654″>Lake County.
Also beginning April 13, Russell Road will close for 14 days for bridge deck repairs over the Des Plaines River, with a reopening expected the afternoon of April 26. Eastbound traffic will detour via Old US 41, US 41, IL 173, and Kilbourne Road, with the reverse route for westbound drivers. Limited local access will be maintained on both ends of the closure near the Lake County Forest Preserves areas, according to a press release by <a href="https://www.lakecountyil.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4654″>Lake County.
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is responsible for constructing, engineering, planning, and maintaining county highways, ensuring they comply with the Illinois Highway Code. The division also manages the county vehicle fleet, coordinates with township road districts, and oversees federal transportation aid and local public transportation. It reviews proposed roads for new subdivisions and carries out additional functions as required by state statutes and the county board. LCDOT aims to provide a safe, efficient transportation system to improve mobility, economic development, and quality of life while maintaining core values of integrity, safety, community service, accountability, respect, innovation, and environmental responsibility,according to its website.
