Taking advantage of an invitation to guide the design process for new infrastructure, Grayslake plans to take an active role in the Illinois Toll Authority’s imminent construction of an extension and bypass along Routes 53/120.
With the tollway’s governing board having recently approved funding, an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will commence over the course of several years to assess potential ecological effects of the proposed construction.
In a public statement, Mayor Rhett Taylor updated constituents regarding the project’s background. Unlike previous EIS endeavors, the study will consider newly developed design criteria prepared by the Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee (BRAC) before extending Route 53 and creating a Route 120 bypass.
BRAC, established by the Illinois Tollway, proposes that the project be a “21st century urban highway,” with a four-lane road and a small footprint designed to protect Lake County’s natural environment and preserve its character. Its benefits will include relieving traffic congestion and possibly reducing local travel time by up to 30 percent.
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has rated the project highly in the past, further validating the current studies.
Taylor announced that details and an FAQ list are available to the public and will be updated as plans continue.
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