Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:What is being done to improve Willow Road in Northfield?
A1: In the fall of 2009, IDOT began an inclusive and transparent study for an improved Willow Road. In addition to a comprehensive technical evaluation, IDOT is using a process known as Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS), which involves frequent and meaningful public outreach at every step in the planning process, as well as the exchange of information and ideas between the stakeholders, which include the four affected communities and IDOT.
Q2: What is the CSS process?
A2: CSS is a State of Illinois requirement for major or complex projects that seeks effective, multi-modal transportation solutions by working with stakeholders to develop, build and maintain cost-effective transportation facilities that fit into and reflect the project's surrounding—its "context." CSS addresses all issues, including safety, mobility, community and environment. Residents, business leaders and local representatives have been engaged in the study through a pair of Public Meetings, a Community Advisory Group (CAG) , newsletters, and a project website. Please see the Stakeholder Involvement Plan (SIP) for more information.
Q3: Why are improvements needed on Willow Road?
A3: Willow Road averages 3 injury crashes per month, experiences severe congestion, has outdated design features, including incomplete or missing pedestrian accommodations, and has an aging bridge and pavement that needs to be replaced. Please see the Purpose and Need document for more information.
Q4: What is the latest status of the Willow Road Study?
A4: Since beginning a comprehensive study of Willow Road in the fall of 2009, IDOT has worked with all stakeholders to define the transportation needs, developed and evaluated over a dozen local and regional solutions, and identified a recommended plan that addresses safety, mobility, community and environment. The recommended plan is being further refined and coordinated with the Village of Northfield. A Public Hearing is anticipated in the spring of 2012.
Q5: What communities are involved in the Willow Road study?
A5: The Willow Road study encompasses the 2 mile stretch of Willow Road which runs between Illinois Route 43 (Waukegan Road) on the west to Interstate 94 (Edens Expressway) on the east. The project area is located primarily within the Village of Northfield, but also affects the Villages of Northbrook, Glenview, and Winnetka. All four villages have played an active role in the CSS process.
Q6: How has this process been different than previous studies on Willow Road?
A6: The many past studies were either not completed, or did not fully resolve the major issues along the Willow Road corridor, such as improving both safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
Q7: Who will make the final decision on improvements to Willow Road?
A7: The goal of the planning process is to achieve consensus of all stakeholders, and since beginning the study in 2009, IDOT has received important feedback that has led to the recommended plan. Through further coordination and plan refinements, IDOT will continue to seek an overall consensus. However, the ultimate decisions remain in the hands of IDOT and the State of Illinois.decisions remain in the hands of IDOT and the State of Illinois.
Q8: How has context been considered in this process?
A8: Prior to beginning the technical analysis, IDOT and the CAG had extensive discussions that focused on the context of the surrounding area. As the process moved into the details, a pedestrian safety toolbox of potential safety tools was presented to the CAG for consideration. Safety has always been of paramount importance throughout the technical analysis. As the project led toward a preferred alternative, IDOT developed an alternative, based on input from the CAG, that reduced the lane width to 10 feet and lowered the speed limit to 30 miles per hour. In the final months of this study, IDOT will coordinate with Northfield on various aesthetic items that can be into the plan..
Q9: How has stakeholder input influenced this process and the selection of the recommended plan?
A9: Stakeholder input has been a part of this entire study. Input from the CAG and the public helped define the needs of the project, first through the Community Context Audit and later through the 3 walking tours hosted by the Village of Northfield. During the alternatives analysis phase, the CAG provided 19 different alternatives that were studied with evaluation criteria that the CAG helped develop. This process kept safety as a primary focus. As the evaluation process was completed, the CAG helped develop a preferred alternative that consists of 10 foot through lanes, 2 feet narrower than a typical 12 foot through lane, with a lowered speed limit to 30 miles per hour.
Q10: What alternatives were studied?
A10: Several local and regional alternatives were studied during the CSS Process. Local alternative proposals for Willow road were considered as well as regional alternatives such as widening parallel routes and improving interchanges on I-94 and I-294. The alternative which was ultimately selected was the 4-Lane with Median alternative. This alternative best satisfies the goals of improving safety and mobility while balancing community and environmental concerns for both pedestrians and vehicles. For more information see the Alternatives Analysis Summary Report.
Q11: What ideas are being considered to improve safety as part of the recommended plan?
A11: Many items from the pedestrian safety toolbox have been included in the recommended plan. Some items that are shown on the plan include pedestrian refuge islands, advance intersection signing, high visibility cross walks, pedestrian countdown signals with actuations, and more. Also, the recommended alternative includes narrower travel lanes 10 feet in width and a reduced speed limit of 30 miles per hour.
Q12: What are the next steps in the process?
A12: Now that the CAG meetings have concluded, IDOT and the Village of Northfield will continue to meet to finalize the details of the preferred plan. A public hearing is planned for Spring of 2012 to present the preferred improvement plans, describe the CSS process, present information from the CAG meetings, show all the alternatives and the results of the studies in addition to opportunities for public input. The Phase I process will conclude in the summer of 2012, after the public hearing. Then the project will move to Phase II which includes the development of contract plans and specifications for a contractor to build the project. It is expected that it will take about 1 year to develop the contract plans and specifications.
Q13: What are the next steps in the process?
A13: Now that the CAG meetings have concluded, IDOT and the Village of Northfield will continue to meet to go over the detailed comments and questions from final CAG meetings. A public hearing is planned for Spring of 2012 to present the preferred improvement plans, describe the CSS process, present information from the CAG meetings, show all the alternatives and the results of the studies in addition to opportunities for public input.
The Phase I process will conclude in the summer of 2012, after the public hearing. Then the project will move to Phase II which includes the development of contract plans and specifications for a contractor to build the project. It is expected that it will take about 1 year to develop the contract plans and specifications.
Q14: When can construction begin?
A14: Depending on the availability of funding, construction could begin in the late summer or early fall of 2013. It is assumed that construction of the project would span across 2 construction seasons.