Lake County Gazette

Lake County has announced the closure of the intersection at Winchester Road and Illinois Route 83 (IL 83) starting on the morning of Monday, July 7. The closure is part of an intersection realignment project aimed at improving safety.

According to a press release, the closure is expected to last approximately 90 days. The project will involve replacing the current stop-controlled intersection with a traffic signal and realigning the roads to meet at a safer 90-degree angle with an elevation change. Additionally, drainage improvements will be made by installing a large box culvert to prevent flooding that has previously caused road closures.

The press release also states that additional work will include improving soil stability on the south leg of the intersection to support the new design. During this period, a detour will be implemented using Midlothian Road, Peterson Road, and IL 60. Local traffic will still have access from IL 60 and Midlothian Road, although the intersection itself will remain closed to all traffic.

According to Lake County officials, typical transportation projects in the area begin with identifying necessary work, estimating costs, and incorporating it into a five-year program. Surveys, environmental studies, and public meetings help finalize plans in year two. Years three and four focus on design, land acquisition, and coordination before construction begins. Federally funded projects may take longer.

Several transportation projects are currently in various stages of planning and design across Lake County. Planning efforts include roadway and intersection improvements such as the Fairfield Road study and upgrades on Lewis Avenue between IL137 and IL173. Enhancements are also planned for key locations like York House Road and Riverwoods Road. Design work is underway for major corridor improvements like Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Road, as well as bike and pedestrian paths such as the Butterfield Road Bike Path Extension and Skokie Valley Trail. Safety upgrades at intersections including Hunt Club Road at Stearns School Road are also being considered.