Lake County Gazette

An $18.8 million RAISE Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help fund the Cedar Lake Road Realignment and Mobility Improvements Project. Cedar Lake Road in downtown Round Lake was transferred to Lake County in 2012.

"This is one of the largest grants we’ve received for a transportation project and is a tremendous boost to the Round Lake downtown and beyond," said John Wasik, chair of the Lake County Board Legislative Committee and District 6 board member, according to a Lake County press release. "Not only will this resolve some serious, long-standing safety issues, but it will pump more than $40 million into Round Lake for economic development and fund the Forest Preserve’s Millennium Trail expansion."

According to the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), improvements proposed include correcting the broken alignment, reconfiguring the railroad station and platform, adding nearly two miles of path to close a gap in the planned Millennium Trail, and upsizing the storm sewer system to alleviate local drainage issues.

The RAISE grant brings federal funding for the project up to $31 million out of the $42 million in estimated construction costs. This amount represents the maximum allowable federal share. According to a Lake County press release, Lake County, the Village of Round Lake, and Metra all plan to contribute to the project.

A dedicated website has been created for the project, with information dating back to the first public meeting. Visit cedarlakeroadrealignment.org for more details.