Route 53 extension

[BlackHawksfan102]

question, does anyone really think the 53 extension has a chance of being built? its been going on for so long, since the 60's.

[Avengerfire]

You already asked this.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...extension.html

In fact this subject was brought up twice before you brought it up the first time.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...extension.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...build-rte.html

[Superion2K9]

Yes, I'm resurrecting an old theme, but because of this: Voters endorse idea of Route 53 extension in Lake County | Clout Street - local political coverage, I'd thought I would like to see people's opinions. Furthermore, since I'm new to Chicago, I'm not really familiar with the specifics. Only that it reminds me of I-275 in SE Michigan (those from that area would know what I speak of). A highway that was proposed, but stopped half-way because of the concern for sprawl, but no one could agree on an alternative. The sprawl came anyway, and now it's too late to build the road, and it probably wouldn't matter anyway as the sprawl is out of control now.

I was wondering, since this referendum passed, that maybe a compromised could be had where something could be built to please everyone. I know when I worked in Hoffman Estates, the traffic was impossible, so I can't fathom why there is no effort to bring a solution. Even if the design is different than originally thought of.

Ryctor!

[Avengerfire]

Dude, search the forum. There were already three threads about the I-53 extension!

[cubssoxfan]

Ryctor,
The affluent, politically connected, wealthy inhabitants of Long Grove and Hawthorn Woods have a HUGE case of NIMBY on this project. Pretty much everyone else wants the project. The sprawl is 3/4 there already and will continue with or without this needed highway. They were also supposed to build a tollway/expressway that would mirror IL Rte 120 WEST and then have it curve north to connect with the US12 expressway that starts at the Wisconsin border. But it makes too much sense to have an alternate route to Madison WI to alleviate the heavy traffic on Interstate 90

[reppin_the_847]

I really don't get it. If Highland Park, Lake Forest & Lake Bluff can survive with Highway 41 going through their towns, how can Highway 53 possibly screw up the Long Grove & Hawthorn Woods? Oh, and let's not forget that the 94 toll road cuts right through wealthy towns like Deerfield/Bannockburn/Lincolnshire, Mettawa/Libertyville/Green Oaks, Gurnee, etc. If anything the toll-way enabled these areas & their surrounding towns to become corporate & retail hubs surrounded by very desirable housing.

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

Ryctor,
The affluent, politically connected, wealthy inhabitants of Long Grove and Hawthorn Woods have a HUGE case of NIMBY on this project. Pretty much everyone else wants the project. The sprawl is 3/4 there already and will continue with or without this needed highway. They were also supposed to build a tollway/expressway that would mirror IL Rte 120 WEST and then have it curve north to connect with the US12 expressway that starts at the Wisconsin border. But it makes too much sense to have an alternate route to Madison WI to alleviate the heavy traffic on Interstate 90

[rshanks66]

Built the thing and make it a tollway so it pays for itself. Route 12 is a dangerous road, day or night. Morons who built houses along a proposed freeway route are of the same mindset as the people who built homes right up next to O'Hare. What on Earth were they thinking?!

[Orangeish]

Meh, living next to a freeway is way more tolerable than an airport imho. Rt 12 is a bad road and speed trap between 120 and 176.

[SJaye]

Does anyone know which roads would have exchanges with the new highway? I would assume 22, 83/60, and 176- any others?

[cuba libre]

Originally Posted by reppin_the_847

I really don't get it. If Highland Park, Lake Forest & Lake Bluff can survive with Highway 41 going through their towns, how can Highway 53 possibly screw up the Long Grove & Hawthorn Woods? Oh, and let's not forget that the 94 toll road cuts right through wealthy towns like Deerfield/Bannockburn/Lincolnshire, Mettawa/Libertyville/Green Oaks...

Those areas are much higher density than Long Grove and Hawthorn Woods. Superhighways are much better suited for those kinds of areas. Think of it this way, the easements and infrastructure were already in place to built Rt. 41 and I-94, including transmission lines (electricity) fit for large cities and railroad easements, which facilitate the construction of long, wide highways. In Long Grove, you are going through numerous protected wetlands, natural forests, and you would kill the oldest and best preserved town in Northern Illinois.

Originally Posted by reppin_the_847

, Gurnee, etc. If anything the toll-way enabled these areas & their surrounding towns to become corporate & retail hubs surrounded by very desirable housing.

Gurnee is a decaying city with no curb appeal. Just take the dying Gurnee Mills, which is filled with nothing but "urban" and maternity clothing stores for its blossoming low-IQ population. Add to this the drab influence from the Navy base, and Gurnee is to be avoided. Gurnee should be excluded from your list of desirable towns that have a highway through them.