1. Project Description Section 4(f) De minimis Impact Documentation Wadsworth Road at Kilbourne Road Section No. 13-00999-47-ES Lake County Forest Preserve District Lake County, Illinois a. Project Number: P-91-992-15 (Lake County Division of Transportation lead) b. Project Name: Wadsworth Road at Kilbourne Road c. Location: Lake County d. Project Type: Roadway widening and sidewalk e. Project Length: 0.34 miles f. NEPA Class of Action: Federal Approved Categorical Exclusion g. Purpose and Need of the Project: The purpose of the project is to provide an improved transportation system to address safety, mobility, and operational deficiencies, as well as filling in a gap in the non-motorized network. h. Project Status: Phase I Engineering and Environmental Studies are nearing completion with a Public Information Meeting held on April 19, 2017 and Design Approval anticipated early summer 2017. 2. Section 4(f) Resource a. Name of Resource: Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve b. Type of Resource: Forest preserve c. Official with Jurisdiction (OWJ): Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) d. Description of role/significance in the community: Prior to purchase by the LCFPD, the land on which the Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve is located was previously farmed land. Currently there are no existing recreational facilities on this property and there are no future plans to implement recreational facilities on this property. The LCFPD preserves this previously farmed land with the goal of returning to its natural state.
3. Description of Intended Section 4(f) Resource Use a. Type and Acres of Impact: Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve: 0.11 acres i. Fee Simple Acquisition (FSA): 0.02 acres for northwest corner intersection improvements at Wadsworth Road and Kilbourne Road. ii. Temporary Easement: 0.09 acres for Kilbourne Road widening and grading. b. Existing Function of Impacted Acres: The impacted area is located northwest of the Wadsworth Road and Kilbourne Road intersection adjacent to both roadways. Currently, there are no recreational facilities within and adjacent to the impacted area. LCFPD stated that currently there are no planned or programmed improvements to this holding and that there would be no major impacts to their property with the proposed improvement. The LCFPD preserves the impacted area with the goal of returning to its natural state. There will be no adverse impact to the Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve s function or use based on this acquisition. 4. Description of Efforts to Avoid, Minimize, and Mitigate/Enhance the Resource a. Avoidance and minimization efforts made and benefits to resource: The Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve is adjacent to both Wadsworth Road and Kilbourne Road. Roadway widening is required to provide the southbound right turn lane to meet the project purpose and need. Shifting the alignment east to avoid the Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve could not be performed because the shift would increase impacts to residential properties located east of Kilbourne Road. b. Commitments for mitigation or enhancement: The proposed design does not show any pedestrian crossing of Wadsworth Road because the Village of Wadsworth does not have any plans for improved pedestrian facilities along Kilbourne Road. Along with the intersection improvement, a sidewalk is proposed along the south side of Wadsworth Road from Cashmore Road to Kilbourne Road, which connects to existing pedestrian facilities on both sides of Wadsworth Road between Chicago Avenue and the Canadian Pacific at-grade railroad crossing to the west. The proposed sidewalk will be under the jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility of the Village of Wadsworth and LCFPD is in support of the sidewalk improvement, which helps provide connectivity between the Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve and the Des Plaines River canoe launch which is 0.80 miles west of the Wadsworth Road at Kilbourne Road project area.
5. Evidence of Opportunity for Public Review and Comment: a. Type of public availability: A Public Information Meeting was held on April 19, 2017 at the St. Mark s Lutheran Church from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Public Information Meeting was advertised in the Lake County News - Sun on April 4, 2017 and April 12, 2017, on the project website, on the LCDOT website, Facebook, and Twitter feed. Invitation letters were mailed to all residents and business adjacent to the proposed roadway improvements, as well as local, state and federal agencies, and elected officials. Variable message boards were placed near the corridor to advertise the Public Information Meeting. Exhibits were displayed during the hearing that highlighted the areas for which Section 4(f) coordination is required. The Section 4(f) documentation was available at LCDOT (600 W. Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048), at the LCFPD (1899 W. Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048), and posted on the Wadsworth Road at Kilbourne Road project website www.wadsworthintersections.com from April 19, 2017 through May 10, 2017. b. The public meeting and Section 4(f) comment period was from April 19, 2017 through May 10, 2017. 6. Evidence of Coordination with Official(s) with Jurisdiction a. April 17, 2014: Summary of LCFPD Coordination Meeting #1 b. April 14, 2015: Summary of LCFPD Coordination Meeting #2 c. December 4, 2015: Summary of LCFPD Coordination Meeting #3 d. February 24, 2016: Email correspondence from LCFPD to LCDOT with preferences to Kilbourne Road finalist intersection alternatives e. May 19, 2016: Project Information Meeting #2 invitation to adjacent property owners f. July 12, 2016 Summary of meeting with FHWA discussion pursuing de minimis finding for the Lake County Forest Preserve District property g. July 26, 2016: Email correspondence with LCFPD with comments to Kilbourne Road finalist intersection alternatives h. November 9, 2016 Summary of LCFPD Coordination Meeting #4 7. Supporting Documentation a. Section 4(f) Impact Exhibit b. Project Location Map c. Aerial View Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve d. Coordination e. Roadway Plan and Profile Sheet f. Drainage Plan and Profile Sheet
Attachment A Section 4(f) Impact Exhibit
Legend PROPOSED ROW ACQUISITION PROPOSED TEMPORARY EASEMENT ACQUISITION EXISTING ROW PROPOSED ROW PROPOSED TEMPORARY EASEMENT I 0 20 40 80 Feet 1 inch = 40 feet Lake County Forest Preserve District Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve 03-26-300-011 Temporary Easement Impact = 0.09 Ac 10' Kilbourne Rd Proposed R.O.W. Impact = 0.02 Ac Wadsworth Rd Path: N:\LCDOT\130445\GIS\Exhibits\PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.mxd CLIENT: TITLE: WADSWORTH ROAD AT KILBOURNE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT EXHIBIT DSGN. DWN. CHKD. FILE: SCALE: 1:0 AUTHOR: MHAYES PLOT DATE: 3/14/2017 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS PROJ. NO. DATE: 130445 2/20/2017 SHEET 1 OF 1 DRAWING NO. ATTACHMENT A
Attachment B Project Location Map
I0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Feet 1 inch = 2,000 feet Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve PROJECT LOCATION Path: N:\LCDOT\130445\GIS\Exhibits\LocationMap Wadsworth at Kilbourne.mxd (c) OpenStreetMap and contributors, Creative Commons-Share Alike License (CC-BY-SA) CLIENT: TITLE: PROJ. NO. 130445 WADSWORTH ROAD AT KILBOURNE ROAD LOCATION MAP DSGN. DWN. CHKD. FILE NAME: SCALE: 1 "= 2,000 ' USER: mhayes PLOT DATE: 3/14/2017 LocationMap Wadsworth at Kilbourne DATE: SHEET 1 OF 1 DRAWING NO. 6/23/2015 ATTACHMENT B
Attachment C Aerial View Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve
I0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Feet 1 inch = 2,000 feet IL ROUTE 173 W IL ROUTE 173 W 21ST ST IL ROUTE 173 W 21ST ST W 21ST ST TRI STATE TOLLWAY I-94 N MILL CREEK RD W REED CT N SKOKIE HWY SEDGE W KELLY RD PLAZA LN GOLDEN ROD N CT N DILLEYS RD N US HIGHWAY 41 LN ORCHARD BLUFF LN N US N SKOKIE HWY HIGHWAY 41 Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve W KAISER RD W W KAZMER RD CONCORD CT N KILBOURNE RD W ANDOVER RD WWALDEN LN W JODY LN W DEER CREEK LN N DELANY RD W AUGUST ZUPEC DR W OAK KNOLL RD Path: N:\LCDOT\130445\GIS\Exhibits\Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve.mxd I-94 I-94 I-94 Service Layer Credits: Cook County 2015 Aerial Imagery (Contract No. 13-28-017), 1:1,200-Scale (1 inch = 100 feet) Tiled 4-band (R, G, B, NIR) Digital Orthoimagery for Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will US HIGHWAY 41 W WADSWORTH RD PROJECT LOCATION CLIENT: TITLE: PROJ. NO. 130445 DSGN. DWN. CHKD. FILE NAME: N CHICAGO AVE N OAKCREST WADSWORTH SAVANNA FOREST PRESERVE SCALE: N USER: mhayes PLOT DATE: 3/14/2017 Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve L 1 "= 2,000 ' N BURR OAK LN DATE: N DELANY RD SHEET 1 OF 1 DRAWING NO. 6/23/2015 ATTACHMENT C
Attachment D Coordination
MEETING SUMMARY Meeting Date: April 17, 2014 Location: Project: Lake County Division of Transportation Wadsworth Road Intersection Improvements Purpose: LCSMC & LCFPD Coordination Meeting #1 Attendees Representing Email Emily Karry LCDOT ekarry@lakecountyil.gov Darrell Kuntz LCDOT dkuntz@lakecountyil.gov Randy Seebach LCFPD rseebach@lcfpd.org John Nelson LCFPD jenelson@lcfpd.org Glenn Westman LCSMC gwestman@lakecountyil.gov Bob Gardiner LCSMC rgardiner@lakecountyil.gov Mike Matkovic CBBEL mmatkovic@cbbel.com Matt Huffman CBBEL mhuffman@cbbel.com A coordination meeting was held at the Lake County Division of Transportation on April 17, 2014 for the Wadsworth Road at Dilleys Road, U.S. Route 41, and Kilbourne Road intersection improvement project. An agenda was distributed and an aerial GIS exhibit was displayed for discussion purposes. Introductions were made and an explanation of the project team was made with Christopher B. Burke Engineering (CBBEL) as the lead consultant for Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT). Darrell Kuntz is the project manager for Lake County Division of Transportation with Matt Huffman the project manager for CBBEL. The general project scope was discussed, which includes intersection improvements to Dilleys Road at Wadsworth Road, U.S. Route 41 at Wadsworth Road, and Kilbourne Road at Wadsworth Road. The project will include topographic survey to cover the section of Wadsworth Road from the east I-94 bridge abutment to the west Des Plaines River bridge abutment as well as from Cashmore Road to the west leg of the Delany Road intersection, which allows the possibility of including improvements to Wadsworth Road that meet the limits of prior projects within the corridor (I-94 to Delany Road). LCDOT will make a decision of the improvement limits as the project progresses through the project development process and as a preferred alternative is selected. This project is being developed through the Federal Project Development process to make the project eligible for future federal funds. To date no federal funds have been obtained for this project. LCDOT initiated this project in February 2014 and CBBEL has begun data collection for the project, which includes initial meetings with the Village of Wadsworth, Newport Township, Lake County
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 4/17/2014 Page 2 Forest Preserve District (LCFPD), and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (LCSMC). Traffic counts have been completed and coordination with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is forthcoming. Topographic survey is anticipated to begin in early May. CBBEL will coordinate with LCFPD to obtain proper access permission. Environmental field surveys will also occur around this time to delineate wetlands and Waters of the U.S. Subsequently, coordination will occur with LCSMC to verify and review the wetland delineations. Trees will not be tagged during the tree identification and survey process. LCFPD provided several plans including the Conceptual Master Plan for Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve as well as the Master Plan Regional Trail Connections for the Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve. It was stated that the proposed regional trail location was changed from Wadsworth Road to IL Route 173. LCFPD would like to see a sidewalk or bike path facility constructed along the south side of Wadsworth Road from Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve to the west, however they did not express interest in being a cost participating local agency at this time. Recently a sidewalk was added along the south side of Wadsworth Road from the Canoe Launch at the Des Plaines River to Cashmore Avenue. There are no plans to make improvements to the LCFPD holding that is a part of the Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve at the northwest corner of the Kilbourne Road and Wadsworth Road. LCSMC and LCFPD indicated that there are wetland banking and research sites south of Wadsworth Road west of the Des Plaines River located within the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve. LCFPD provided plans of the parking lot reconstruction at the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve located west of the Des Plaines River. The Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve located north of Wadsworth Road at the Des Plaines River is a designated Nature Preserve. Previously LCDOT worked with LCFPD on establishing a buffer area between the north Wadsworth Road right-of-way and the boundary of the nature preserve area. LCDOT (Karry) mentioned that depending on what improvements are made to the U.S. Route 41 intersection, access to the northeast parcel may be affected and that access alternatives would be investigated. One idea would be to potentially make a new access point east of the parcel to line up with the LCFPD Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot access to Wadsworth Road. LCSMC stated they would like drainage structures placed where field tiles enter the right-of-way. LCSMC (Westman) mentioned that the parcel along Kilbourne Road approximately 400 north of Wadsworth Road feet to the east may have received dedication from IDNR for restoration work they performed on their property. LCSMC noted that there may be a drainage issue on the north side of Wadsworth Road, east of Kilbourne Road. The only floodplain and floodway is along the Des Plaines River. The scope of this project does not include any modifications to the existing Wadsworth Road bridge structure over the Des Plaines River. Once the project is further along and drainage design is initiated, the project team may reach out to LCFPD regarding potential for detention and BMP locations along Wadsworth Road. CBBEL (Huffman) stated that this project is anticipated to be approximately 30 months to complete the Phase I Engineering. The project will begin with an initial intersection/interchange feasibility study for the U.S. Route 41 and Wadsworth Road intersection, which is anticipated to be completed in August 2014. Upon completion of the feasibility study, the more formal Phase I project development
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 4/17/2014 Page 3 process will begin. Phase II Engineering and construction for the intersections are in the County's multiyear program. The three intersections are currently programmed with construction of Dilleys Road in 2017, Kilbourne Road in 2018, and U.S. Route 41 in 2019; however, the schedules could be modified depending on the final proposed improvements as well as land acquisition. This project will include various public involvement strategies which consist of a Public Involvement Plan, series of Public Meetings, establishment of a Stakeholder Involvement Group, and project website to solicit input from stakeholders early and often throughout the project. LFCPD and LCSMC will eventually both be asked to participate in the Stakeholder Involvement Group. An initial Public Involvement Meeting will be held after the feasibility study is completed sometime in late summer 2014. At this meeting, the project team will be soliciting comments regarding the project as well as seek involvement on the Stakeholder Involvement Group. Action Items: Email project GIS exhibits in pdf form to John Nelson (LCFPD) Submitted By: Matt Huffman - CBBEL
MEETING SUMMARY Meeting Date: April 14, 2015 Location: Project: Lake County Forest Preserve District Wadsworth Road Intersect Purpose: LCFPD Coordination Meeting #2 Attendees Representing Email Emily Karry LCDOT ekarry@lakecountyil.gov Darrell Kuntz LCDOT dkuntz@lakecountyil.gov Randy Seebach LCFPD rseebach@lcfpd.org Matt Huffman CBBEL mhuffman@cbbel.com A coordination meeting was held at the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) on April 14, 2015 for the Wadsworth Road at Dilleys Road, U.S. Route 41, and Kilbourne Road intersection improvement project. An agenda was distributed and an aerial GIS exhibit was displayed for discussion purposes. The purpose of the coordination meeting was to discuss the status of the project and preview the initial concept alternatives that will be presented at the second Stakeholder Involvement Group meeting being held on April 29 th, 2015. A review of the LCFPD holdings within the project study area was conducted: Wadsworth Prairie Nature Preserve (Wadsworth Savanna) is north of Wadsworth Road. There is an existing 75 foot setback from the existing northern right-of-way of Wadsworth Road to the southern limit of the nature preserve buffer. Randy is going to look into the boundary of the nature preserve and buffer. Prior discussions with the LCFPD occurred regarding potential use of the buffer for relocated access to the northeast corner development to address some safety issues near the US-41 intersection. Currently, the segment of Wadsworth Road east of US 41 had been identified by IDOT as a 5 percent location, meaning that has a statistically higher crash severity rate for that roadway classification within the State of Illinois. The crashes likely result due to the proximity of access points to the US 41 intersection. The Dilleys Road intersection is also classified as a 5 percent location. There are no planned enhancements to the Forest Preserve. Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve is located south of Wadsworth Road. A portion of this Forest Preserve was utilized as a wetland research area, which recently concluded, and is the location of wetland banking sites. Funding was received from the USACE regarding the wetland banking sites. Randy is going to look into the boundary and restrictions of the wetland banking site. LCDOT and CBBEL were going to investigate if they had any information regarding the wetland bank and would inform LCFPD. A parking lot was recently
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 4/14/2015 Page 2 reconstructed with an entrance off of Wadsworth Road, which provides parking for users of the forest preserve and the Des Plaines River Trail. There are no planned enhancements to this Forest Preserve. Wadsworth Savanna is located at the northwest quadrant of the Kilbourne Road intersection and has no existing trails or formal public use. Currently there are no planned enhancements to this forest preserve. Discussion continued regarding connectivity to the Des Plaines River Trail from the east. A sidewalk was recently constructed along the south side of Wadsworth Road from the Canoe Launch to Cashmore Avenue. LCFPD expressed a desire to provide connection from the existing sidewalk to the Des Plaines River Trail along Wadsworth Road. Additionally they would like to see a path between Cashmore and Kilbourne Road to make the connection to the Wadsworth Village Park and Waukegan Savanna. LCDOT discussed their 2040 plan, which shows this connection being constructed by another jurisdiction. The project team developed an initial conceptual range of alternatives for the three intersections. Two concept alternatives will be developed at the Kilbourne Road intersection, a channelization alternative and roundabout alternative. Signals are not warranted at the intersection. There is a low crash experience and adequate traffic operations. A concern heard by many stakeholders is the travel speed approaching the downtown Wadsworth area from the east. Two concept alternatives will be developed at the Dilleys Road intersection, a signalized intersection and roundabout. This intersection experiences congestion and has some safety issues. The US 41 intersection considered a full range of possible transportation solutions, which considered at-grade alternatives and grade separated alternatives. Each alternative was evaluated for transportation performance and was subject to a qualitative comparative analysis of various criteria: safety, wayfinding, non-motorized accommodations, socioeconomic impacts, environmental impacts, constructability, and cost. Alternatives will be recommended to be carried forward for further evaluation or dismissed based on transportation performance, comparative evaluation, and stakeholder input. A brief presentation of each of the fifteen initial concept alternatives at the US 41 intersection was made. Generally, the alternatives were broken up into three groups: improve the existing intersection, other at-grade, and grade separated. Certain alternatives were dismissed based on poor relative transportation performance, high relative socioeconomic impacts, high relative environmental impacts, and high relative cost. The initial concept alternatives being recommended on moving forward are improving the existing intersection, southwest quadrant jug handle (US 41 at-grade), and southwest quadrant jug handle (Wadsworth Road over US 41). In developing the initial concept alternatives, impacts to the nature preserve were not considered feasible. Additionally, any alternative that impacted the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve was also dismissed as there are other feasible alternatives that address the transportation issues. Access along Wadsworth Road and US 41 was not investigated in detail and will be done during the next stage of alternative development.
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 4/14/2015 Page 3 An access roadway east of the commercial developments south of Wadsworth Road near US 41 was discussed, which was presented in two of the initial concept alternatives. LCFPD indicated that any use of their property would need to be justified with explanation of the need for impact, benefits of the transportation improvement, and presentation of other alternatives considered. It was stated that any transaction of LCFPD property must be to another public agency for transportation purposes and cannot be for a private benefit. The second SIG meeting will be on April 29 th. Randy stated they will provide the project team with some general materials regarding nature preserves and forest preserves that may be included in the SIG power point, with the objective being to educate the SIG on nature preserves and forest preserves designations. The second SIG meeting will focus on the initial concept alternatives that are being recommended on moving forward for further development. Subsequently, the project team will address any new alternatives that were proposed by the SIG and will proceed with plan view development and impact evaluation of the initial concept alternatives being moved forward. Action Items: Determine boundary and buffer of Wadsworth Prairie Nature Preserve (LCFPD) Confirm information regarding the boundary and any restrictions of the wetland banking site within Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (LCDOT & CBBEL) Provide nature preserve and forest preserve information for possible inclusion in SIG power point slides (LCFPD) Submitted By: Matt Huffman - CBBEL
MEETING SUMMARY Meeting Date: December 4, 2015 Location: Project: Lake County Forest Preserve District Wadsworth Road Intersections Phase I Study Purpose: LCFPD Coordination Meeting #3 Attendees Representing Email Emily Karry LCDOT ekarry@lakecountyil.gov Darrell Kuntz LCDOT dkuntz@lakecountyil.gov Rich McMorris LCDOT rmcmorris@lakecountyil.gov Randy Seebach LCFPD rseebach@lcfpd.org Phil Santos CBBEL psantos@cbbel.com Matt Huffman CBBEL mhuffman@cbbel.com A coordination meeting was held at the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) on December 4 th, 2015 for the Wadsworth Road at Dilleys Road, U.S. Route 41, and Kilbourne Road intersection improvement project. The purpose of the coordination meeting was to discuss the status of the project, review the initial concept alternatives development and analysis at the US 41 and Kilbourne Road intersections prior to the third Stakeholder Group Meeting (SIG), and review the overall project schedule. Project Status Update Since the second SIG meeting on April 29, 2015, the Project Study Group has been working on developing and evaluating the Concept Alternatives that were carried forward for further development. Geometric plans for each alterative were developed, which include roadway design, access locations, and proposed right-of-way. Additionally, environmental and socio-economic impacts were assessed for each alternative as well as a preliminary cost. The Project Team is preparing for the third SIG meeting where the Initial Alternatives and comparative evaluation results will be shared for input and comment. Initial Concept Alternative Development & Analysis The Initial Alternatives exhibits for the Kilbourne Road and US 41 intersection were displayed for presentation and discussion. The evaluation process was discussed. Each Initial Alternative was evaluated for transportation performance, safety, impacts (environmental and socio-economic), and cost. Input will be gathered from the SIG and the Project Study Team will select the Finalist Alternatives for presentation at the second Public Meeting. Presentation of each Initial Alternative occurred, starting with the US 41 intersection.
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 12/4/2015 Page 2 Focus was centered on impacts to the Forest Preserve District holdings with regards to each alternative. Alternatives 1.A1 and 1.A2 (Improve Existing Intersection) require a 7-lane cross section along Wadsworth Road and have a right-in-right-out access to the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot. Alternatives 2.B1 and 2.B2 (At-grade Southwest Quadrant Jug Handle) require a five lane cross section along Wadsworth Road and have a relocated access point for the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot with a full access intersection with turn lanes. Alternatives 3.D1 and 3.D2 (Grade Separated with Southwest Quadrant Jug Handle) require a 3-lane cross section along Wadsworth Road and have a relocated access point for the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot. Alternatives 3.E1 and 3.E2 (Grade Separated with Northwest Quadrant Jug Handle) require a 3-lane cross section along Wadsworth Road and have a relocated access point for the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot. Some comments were provided by the LCFPD (Seebach): The LCFPD will likely be the local sponsor for any non-motorized facilities along their property. Desirably, they would like a non-motorized facility to connect to the Canoe Launch on the east side of the Des Plaines River. The County stated that the Des Plaines River bridge is not being improved with this project and that the non-motorized facility will likely terminate at the Des Plaines River Trail. For all Initial Alternatives, full access is desired to their existing parking lot within Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve. Horse Trailers should be accommodated for any design. Therefore Alternatives 1.A1 and 1.A2 are not as desirable with regards to access because of the rightin/right-out. It was mentioned that the relocated access drive shown in Alternatives 2.B1 and 2.B2 could be utilized in Alternatives 1.A1 and 1.A2. There were additional concerns about the additional maintenance required for a longer driveway from Wadsworth Road to the parking lot. The area south of Wadsworth Road within Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve was a wetlands demonstration project. It is preferable to avoid any impacts to these wetlands. It was unclear if Federal funding was utilized to construct and operate the wetlands demonstration project. If impacts were made to these wetlands, coordination with the FHWA would be required. It is desirable to shift the new access point to the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot further west to avoid impacts the existing wetlands, floodplain and floodway. Generally, the grade separated alternatives (3.D1, 3.D2, 3.E1 and 3.E2) are not preferable compared to the at-grade alternatives, as the grade separated alternatives impact the Forest Preserve District property the greatest, which is a result of the relocated access. The southwest quadrant Jug Handle would impact a high quality oak tree community, whereas the northwest quadrant jug handle would not have such impacts. Discussion occurred regarding the cross access shown with the Group 3 Alternatives from the access drive to the adjacent private commercial property. The existing access from Wadsworth Road is eliminated to the private commercial property and Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve with the Group 3 Alternatives because of retaining wall adjacent to Wadsworth Road. The access drive is shown on purchased right-of-way or permanent easement from the Forest Preserve District as it would serve the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot and also the adjacent commercial property. It was stated that the Forest Preserve does not grant right-of-way acquisition for private benefit. If a connection is made from the access drive to Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve parking lot to a private property, the
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 12/4/2015 Page 3 Forest Preserve District would request that LCDOT own and maintain the access drive; this is currently how it is shown on the alternative exhibits. If this occurred, LCDOT would likely pursue maintenance agreements with the property owners. If the access drive does not connect to the private commercial property, the access drive would require a temporary easement for construction with LCFPD ownership and maintenance and the only access to the commercial site would be off of US 41. Regarding the Kilbourne Road intersection, LCFPD (Seebach) stated their support for a sidewalk connecting to the existing network near Kilbourne Road to the existing sidewalk at Cashmore Road. It was mentioned that there is an existing snow mobile route near the Kilbourne Road and Wadsworth Road intersection; the project study team will look into this further. There were no other comments regarding the Initial Alternatives at the Kilbourne Road intersection. There were no significant comments regarding the Initial Alternative geometric designs or other alternatives that should be considered at the US 41 and Kilbourne Road intersections before presenting at the third SIG meeting. Schedule The third SIG meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2016 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Prairie Trails School. There will be a two week comment period subsequent to the SIG meeting and then the Project Study Team will select the Finalist Alternatives for further refinement. The Finalist Alternatives will be presented at a Public Meeting in the spring of 2016. The LCFPD (Seebach) will determine if the concept alternatives need to be reviewed by LCFPD committee s prior to presentation at a Public Meeting. Action Items: LCFPD to determine if the concept alternatives should be reviewed by LCFPD committee s prior to the Public Meeting. LCFPD to determine if Federal funding was utilized for the wetlands demonstration project. Project Study Team to determine snow mobile routes. Submitted By: Matt Huffman - CBBEL
Matthew Huffman From: Randy Seebach <rseebach@lcfpd.org> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 1:56 PM To: Kuntz, Darrell W. Cc: Matthew Huffman; Karry, Emily; McMorris, Richard D. Subject: RE: Wadsworth Road Categories: Wadsworth Road Darrell, The District prefers either Alternative K.1A or K.1B. The impacts to Forest Preserve property are minimal with each of those alternatives. While K.1B requires more ROW acquisition from the District, we feel that the safety benefits of having an east bound left turn lane on Wadsworth Road provide adequate justification for acquiring the additional ROW. Thanks, Randy Randall L. Seebach Director of Planning and Land Preservation Lake County Forest Preserves 1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 p: 847 968 3262 f:847 367 6649 e:rseebach@lcfpd.org From: Kuntz, Darrell W. [mailto:dkuntz@lakecountyil.gov] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 11:43 AM To: Randy Seebach Cc: mhuffman@cbbel.com; Karry, Emily; McMorris, Richard D. Subject: RE: Wadsworth Road Good Morning Randy, Thank you for the LCFPD views and comments on the US 41 intersection alternatives. We really appreciate the feedback. The project team will take these comments into consideration as we refine and narrow the alternatives to a smaller group which will be presented at the project s second Public Meeting. We are targeting late April or early May for that meeting. Did the LCFPD management staff have any comments or suggestions for the Kilbourne Road intersection alternatives? Thank you for collaborating with us on the this project. Have a great afternoon. Darrell Darrell W. Kuntz, P.E. Project Manager, Planning Department Lake County Division of Transportation 600 W Winchester Road, Libertyville, Illinois 60048 www.lakecountyil.gov 847.377.7459 direct 847.984.5888 fax 1
FHWA MEETING AGENDA ITEM # 3 Wadsworth Road Dilleys Road, US-41, and Kilbourne Road Intersections Section (13-00999-47-ES) Lake County Division of Transportation July 12, 2016 This was the 2 nd presentation of the project. The purpose of this presentation was to provide an update on the public involvement and alternatives development, environmental aspects, and project development/schedule. A brief summary of the last FHWA coordination meeting (May 12, 2015) was provided, which covered logical termini, scope of work, concept alternatives, anticipated environmental processing, and public involvement. An agenda, updated BLR Form 22410, and project location exhibit were distributed to attendees with existing condition and finalist alternative exhibit boards on display for presentation/discussion purposes. A copy of the sign-in sheet is attached. Public Involvement Since the last FHWA coordination meeting, the third Stakeholder Involvement Group (SIG) meeting (January 2016) and second Public Information Meeting (June 2016) were held. The objective of the third SIG meeting was to solicit input on the Initial Intersection Alternatives. Subsequent to the third SIG meeting, the project study group selected the Finalist Alternatives for each intersection which were presented at the second Public Information Meeting. A total of 104 people attended the second Public Information Meeting and a total of 35 comments were received during the comment period. A brief summary was provided of the common themes from the input and comments received at the SIG Meeting #3 and second Public Information Meeting. All questions received during the comment period will be responded to. The SIG and Public Information Meeting materials are posted on the project website (www.wadsworthintersections.com). A fourth SIG meeting is scheduled after the selection of the Preferred Intersection Alternatives. A Public Hearing will be held for the project after environmental approvals are received for the selected preferred intersection alternatives. Alternatives Development An Alternatives Development Process has been established for the project consisting of Initial Concepts, Initial Alternatives, Finalist Alternatives, and Preferred Alternatives. A comparative evaluation of alternatives was prepared during all steps of the alternatives development process and summarized in a table, which aided the project study group in comparing and eliminating concepts/alternatives. The alternatives evaluation consisted of transportation performance, safety, environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts, and cost. Additionally, public input/comments were solicited during each step of the alternatives development process, which aided the project study group in refining the alternative designs and eliminating alternatives from further consideration. The Finalist Intersection Alternatives were presented by explaining the general geometric design and highlights from the comparative evaluation tables for each intersection. 1
Dilleys Road and Wadsworth Road Intersection There are two Finalist Alternatives for this intersection that were presented at the second Public Information Meeting, which include a signalized intersection alternative and a single lane roundabout alternative. The signal alternative will include auxiliary lanes on three of the four legs. The roundabout alternative will include a single lane entry on all four legs and will include lighting per current design standards. The signal alternative will have four beacon lights at each quadrant per LCDOT standards. There will not be continuous roadway lighting along Wadsworth Road. Another consideration at this intersection is the proximity of the Wadsworth Road bridge over I-94, intersection sight distance and excessive speeds approaching the intersection from the west. Lake County dropped the speed limit and added warning signage along Wadsworth Road west of the bridge over I-94. Kilbourne Road and Wadsworth Road Intersection There are four Finalist Alternatives for this intersection that were presented at the second Public Information Meeting, including the No-Build alternative, add left turn channelization to Kilbourne Road, add left turn channelization to Wadsworth Road and Kilbourne Road, and a single lane roundabout. All alternatives include a proposed sidewalk along the south side of Wadsworth Road from Kilbourne Road to Cashmore Road. Existing traffic counts do not warrant a signal at this location. The no-build alternative was considered at this location as 2040 capacity analysis is within acceptable standards and there is a low representation of crashes. The roundabout alternative will include lighting per current design standards, however, the unsignalized alternatives will only have beacon lights at the intersection. This Phase I Study will not consider continuing a three lane cross section from Chicago Avenue to the west leg of the Delany Road intersection due to the lack of need at this time. US-41 and Wadsworth Road Intersection This intersection started with fifteen Initial Concepts, then narrowed to eight Initial Alternatives, and then to two Finalist Alternatives, which were presented at the second Public Information Meeting. The first alternative adds additional capacity on all legs of the intersection with additional lanes. The second alternative consists of grade separating Wadsworth Road from US-41 (Wadsworth Road over US-41) with a northwest quadrant jug handle. There are a variety of access changes for the adjacent properties with each alternative. Additional discussion occurred regarding the specific design features of each finalist alternative. The project study group is beginning the process of selecting a Preferred Alternative for each intersection. Currently the input from the second Public Information is being reviewed and further coordination will occur with the project stakeholders regarding the Finalist Alternatives. Further refinements of the Finalist Alternatives may occur depending on input received from the project stakeholders. IDOT District 1 will be coordinated with in regards to improvements related to US-41. It is anticipated that the preferred alternatives will be selected this coming fall. 2
Environmental An ESR was submitted for the project in June 2015. No cultural or biological surveys have been received; IDOT BDE stated they will check on the status of the surveys. The anticipated impacts for the three intersections were discussed related to building impacts, wetland impacts and right-of-way acquisition: Building Impacts No residential or commercial buildings are anticipated to be impacted with any of the Finalist Alternatives. Wetland Impacts The Dilleys Road intersection ranges from 0.36 ac to 0.61 ac. The Kilbourne Road intersection ranges from 0.13 ac to 0.22 ac. The US-41 intersection ranges from 0.76 ac to 1.14 ac. A range of 0.23 ac to 0.36 ac of ADID wetlands may be impacted with the US 41 alternatives, which are located north of Wadsworth Road near the Des Plaines River. The impacts are small portions of larger wetland complexes and have a FQI ranging from 9.3 to 13.7. If all three intersections are totaled up for the project, the wetland impacts range from 1.25 ac to 1.97 ac. It was noted that detailed cross sections have not been developed for the Finalist Alternatives to investigate wetland impact minimization strategies Right-of-Way Acquisition The Dilleys Road intersection ranges from 0.41 ac to 1.17 ac. The Kilbourne Road intersection ranges from 0.22 ac to 0.46 ac. The US-41 intersection ranges from 6.5 ac to 7.5 ac. Land acquisition from the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) is anticipated at the Kilbourne Road intersection (0.18 ac to 0.25 ac) and US-41 intersection (1.8 ac). The LCFPD has a representative on the SIG and numerous individual coordination have been held. A de minimis finding for the 4(f) impact will be sought for the improvements at the Kilbourne Road and US-41 intersections. Discussion occurred regarding the overall total wetland impacts for this project, which range from 1.25 ac to 1.97 ac, and if the project should enter the NEPA/404 merger process. FHWA stated the project does not need to enter the NEPA/404 merger process at this time. Project Development & Schedule Currently, none of the intersections have obtained federal funding. LCDOT has programmed funding through construction for the Dilleys Road intersection (2018) and Kilbourne Road (2019). Phase II Engineering is programmed by LCDOT for the US-41 intersection, but no construction or land acquisition funds have been identified at this time. Discussion occurred regarding the scheduling and timing of the three intersection projects. FHWA recommended to separate the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections from the US-41 intersection and process as separate Phase I projects; further coordination with IDOT District 1 will be required to clarify the process to ensue. IDOT BLR stated that the two separate projects could be presented at one Public Hearing. Based on the information presented at the meeting and anticipated impacts, the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections will be processed as a Federal Approved Categorical Exclusion (CE). FHWA requested more information regarding the US-41 intersection before making a recommendation on the anticipated processing. LCDOT is considering using only local funds for the design and construction of improvements to the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections, therefore exiting the Federal Project Development process for these intersections. Matthew J. Huffman - CBBEL 3
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Matthew Huffman From: Randy Seebach <rseebach@lcfpd.org> Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2016 10:13 AM To: Kuntz, Darrell W. Cc: Matthew Huffman; Karry, Emily Subject: RE: Wadsworth Road Intersection Comments Categories: Wadsworth Road Hi Darrell, Thanks for your invitation to comment on the plans presented at the last public information meeting. US 41 Intersection Comments: The District definitely prefers the at grade option (Alternative 1.A2) for the following reasons: 1) The large retaining wall along the District frontage shown in Alternative 3.E2 presents a serious visual impact to District property and the users who visit Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve. 2) Alternative 3.E2 has a proposed frontage road through District property to access private property/businesses on both sides of Wadsworth Road. As mentioned previously, the District will only support the access to private property if there is no other clear alternative. Alternative 1.A2 does provide an feasible alternative for the businesses on the south side of Wadsworth Road. 3) The vehicular wayfinding for the proposed frontage road on the south side of Wadsworth Road could be a significant challenge in Alternative 3.E2. It could be confusing for customers to access those businesses south of Wadsworth Road. To reduce the confusion, several directional signs will most likely be required for that Alternative to work. The vehicular wayfinding is improved with Alternative 1.A2. The Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve entrance drive and parking lot concept shown in Alternative 1.A2 will need some work if this becomes the preferred choice. As mentioned at the PIM, I am concerned about the dead end parking area. Whenever possible, we try to avoid those types of parking areas opting for a more pass through solution. The location of the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) shown in Alternative 1.A2 will also need some work if this is the preferred option. We may consider eliminating the portion of the existing trail on the east and north sides of the pond and just leave the trail section on the west side of the pond which will provide access to the parking areas and proposed crosswalk. It may also be worth looking at rerouting the section of the DPRT on District property north of Wadsworth Road to align with the proposed crosswalk. If feasible, this could eliminate the proposed multi use path shown in the ROW on the north side Wadsworth Road. If 1A2 is the preferred choice, we are happy to work with you on the layout of the reconfigured parking lot and entrance drive and the possible realignment of the DPRT. Kilbourne Road Comments: The District prefers Alternative K.1B for the following reasons: 1) Bypass lanes are confusing for most motorist and the use of left turn lanes in Alternative K.1B is more recognizable, reduces confusion, is safer and will be easier to maneuver through. 2) Alternative K.2A (Roundabout) has a larger amount of impact to District and private property. 3) Despite the additional ROW needed from the District along Wadsworth Road, the left turn lane concept shown in Alternative K.1B is safer and should out way the additional impacts to District land. 4) Aside from a few small oak trees along Wadsworth Road, the vegetation within the proposed ROW along both Wadsworth and Kilbourne Roads is low quality. 1
As discussed on the phone this morning, the District strongly encourages LCDOT to look at the possibility of extending the multi use path from the DPRT east to the existing canoe launch and downtown Wadsworth. This would eliminate the 1.8 mile bypass for west bound path users who desire to head north on the DPRT. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Randy Randall L. Seebach Director of Planning and Land Preservation Lake County Forest Preserves 1899 West Winchester Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048 p: 847 968 3262 f:847 367 6649 e:rseebach@lcfpd.org From: Kuntz, Darrell W. [mailto:dkuntz@lakecountyil.gov] Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 3:56 PM To: Randy Seebach Cc: Matt Huffman; Karry, Emily Subject: Wadsworth Road Intersection Comments Good Afternoon Randy, Matt and I were curious if the LCFPD had any comments on the alternatives presented at PIM #2? You talked to me a little about the parking lot layout in Alternative 1A2 (the at grade option). You were looking for a more of a pass through lot rather than a dead end parking lot. If that alternative becomes the preferred choice, I m sure we can work out a design that is acceptable to the LCFPD. As an important stakeholder, we d love to hear from the LCFPD regarding parts of the alternatives that you liked, things you didn t, and suggestions to improve the project. Thank you and have a great weekend. Darrell Darrell W. Kuntz, P.E. Project Manager, Planning Department Lake County Division of Transportation 600 W Winchester Road, Libertyville, Illinois 60048 www.lakecountyil.gov 847.377.7459 direct 847.984.5888 fax 2
MEETING SUMMARY Meeting Date: November 9, 2016 Location: Project: Lake County Forest Preserve District Wadsworth Road Intersections Phase I Study Purpose: LCFPD Coordination Meeting #4 Attendees Representing Email Emily Karry LCDOT ekarry@lakecountyil.gov Darrell Kuntz LCDOT dkuntz@lakecountyil.gov Alex Ty Kovach LCFPD Executive Director akovach@lcfpd.org Mike Tully LCFPD C.O.O. mtully@lcfpd.org Randy Seebach LCFPD rseebach@lcfpd.org Jim Anderson LCFPD Director of Natural janderson@lcfpd.org Resources John Nelson LCFPD Director Operations jenelson@lcfpd.org Matt Huffman CBBEL mhuffman@cbbel.com A coordination meeting was held at the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) on November 9, 2016 for the Wadsworth Road at Dilleys Road, U.S. Route 41, and Kilbourne Road intersection improvement project. The purpose of the coordination meeting was to discuss the status of the project, review the finalist and preferred alternatives at the US 41 and Kilbourne Road intersections, and discuss the next steps. Project Status Update The last individual coordination meeting with the LCFPD was held on December 4, 2015. The LCFPD is represented on the project Stakeholder Involvement Group (SIG), which held its last meeting on January 14, 2016 to review and provide comments on the initial intersection alternatives. The projects second public information meeting (PIM) was held on June 15, 2016, which presented the finalist intersection alternatives. Following the second PIM, the project team held follow up coordination meetings with IDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to provide a project status update and discuss the environmental processing of the three intersections. At that meeting, FHWA stated the US- 41 intersection should separated into its own Phase I Study due to the larger scope and higher level of complexity as compared to the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections. A coordination meeting was held with all of the business and property owners around the US-41 intersection as well as the Village of Wadsworth. The purpose of that meeting was to discuss the two finalist alternatives presented at the second PIM and gather further input.
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 11/9/2016 Page 2 Alternatives Development Considering all input received from the second PIM, SIG, additional stakeholder coordination, and alternatives evaluation process, LCDOT selected the preliminary preferred alternatives to be advanced forward for further engineering and presentation at the final PIM. The Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections are proceeding as one project and US-41 as a separate project. The preliminary preferred alternative for Dilleys Road intersection is a single lane roundabout (Alternative D.2A), US- 41 is an at-grade improvement (Alternative 1.A2), and Kilbourne Road consists of adding an additional southbound turn lane with leaving the existing bypass lane and a sidewalk from (Alternative K.1A). The exhibits were displayed for the US-41 and Kilbourne Road showing the preferred alternative designs. The US-41 intersection was discussed first and focused in the east leg of the US-41 intersection in regards to accessing Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve, Des Plaines River Trail crossing, and anticipated impacts. The proposed improvement consists of improving the existing at-grade intersection and the east leg of the intersection consists of a 7-lane cross section with access driveways to the BP/McDonalds, Captain Porkys, and Sedge Meadow Forest preserve parking lot. The project team indicated that the proposed design along US-41 has yet to receive a detailed review and is forthcoming, which may have an effect along the east leg of the intersection. The east leg of the intersection is listed in the Illinois Local Roads Five Percent Report, which indicates that this segment experiences a high rate of accidents. The crash analysis performed for this segment showed 81 crashes occurred over a five year period. A majority of these crashes were related to the BP/McDonald driveway. Discussion occurred regarding the US-41 intersection: LCFPD stated their preference over Finalist Alternative 1.A2, the at-grade improvement, compared to Alternative 3.E2, the grade-separated improvement, which was previously stated in prior communications. LCFPD asked if the extended BP/McDonalds driveway along their property could be eliminated to minimized impacts and right-of-way acquisition. Impacts to the wetland areas were of concern and the possibility of the Yellow headed Blackbirds possible presence. The project team stated they would look into possible options such as right-in-right-out. Numerous coordination meetings were held with the BP/McDonalds and the driveway off of Wadsworth is utilized for food and fuel deliveries, and is critical to their operations. Closure of the driveway would likely severely impact the property. The need for this driveway was further discussed so that safety can be improved with the relocation of the BP/McDonald driveway to the east. LCFPD asked if the proposed relocated driveway to Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve could be relocated further away from the delineated wetlands. The project team stated they would look into options. The LCFPD also mentioned possibility making their driveway right-in-right-out or ¾ access. This would eliminate the extended driveway and associated impacts. The LCFPD said this concept should be investigated further. LCFPD stated that all possible access alternatives should be investigated. They inquired about dual use of a left turn lane into the Shanty parking lot and Sedge Meadow parking lot, which would provide ¾ access.
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 11/9/2016 Page 3 The Des Plaines River Trail was discussed and the existing crossing will be maintained, however, the location may be shifted. The detailed design will be modified as the preferred alternative is further developed and refined. A proposed 8-foot multi-use path is proposed along the south side of Wadsworth Road, which terminates to the west at Dilleys Road. LCFPD asked if signage could be enhanced with this project. The project team stated that could be considered during Phase II Engineering, when a signage plan is developed. Regarding any impacts, LCFPD stated there may be possibility for mitigation on-site. A 5- year monitoring and management agreement would be needed. Detention will be required for this improvement, but exact volumes and locations have not been determined yet. It was mentioned that US-41 currently provides detention in-pipe. The project team stated that we will further investigate access alternatives along the east leg of the US- 41 intersection and will report back the findings. LCFPD stated a likely next step will be presentation to their committee regarding the proposed improvement and impact. This intersection will continue to be further developed, but will slow down slightly as more focus will be placed on completing the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road improvements. Regarding the Kilbourne Road intersection, the preferred alternative exhibit was displayed and discussed. There is proposed acquisition (10-foot swath) along the west right-of-way to accommodate the added southbound right turn lane and a corner take to allow for a revised corner curb radius to accommodate the proper design vehicle for the roadway. The project team stated they will be moved forward with more detailed engineering and will look into minimizing impacts to the LCFPD property as much as possible. LCFPD stated that they currently have no planned or programmed improvements to this holding and that there would be no major impacts to their property with the proposed improvement. The proposed design does not show any pedestrian crossing across Wadsworth Road. The Village of Wadsworth does not have any plans for improved pedestrian facilities along Kilbourne Road. Along with the intersection improvement a sidewalk is proposed from Cashmore Road to Kilbourne Road, which connects to existing facilities on both sides. LCFPD is in support of the sidewalk improvement, which helps provide connectivity to Waukegan Savanna and the Des Plaines River canoe launch. The project team will report back to the LCFPD with final anticipated impacts to their holding. A final public meeting for the project is anticipated to be held in spring 2017. A de minimis finding will be sought from FHWA regarding the Section 4(f) impact to the LCFPD holding at this intersection and further coordination will occur with LCFPD prior to and after the final public information meeting. Schedule The project team will hold a fourth SIG meeting in spring 2017 prior to the final public information meeting to present the preferred alternatives for the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections. Action Items: Project Study Team to finalize impacts and report back to LCFPD. Attendance at a LCFPD committee meeting may be required. Submitted By: Matt Huffman CBBEL
Wadsworth Road Coordination Meeting 11/9/2016 Page 4
FHWA MEETING AGENDA ITEM # 4 Wadsworth Road Dilleys Road, US-41, and Kilbourne Road Intersections Section (13-00999-47-ES & 16-00066-08-CH) Lake County Division of Transportation December 13, 2016 This was the 3 rd presentation of the project. The purpose of this presentation was to provide a project status update since the last FHWA meeting (July 12, 2016), and to discuss selection of preferred alternatives, environmental survey request/clearances, and next steps with the Dilleys/Kilbourne Road intersections. An agenda was distributed to attendees with project location exhibit and the finalist alternatives exhibit boards on display for presentation/discussion purposes. Introductions were made, and a copy of the sign-in sheet is attached. A brief summary of the last FHWA coordination meeting was provided, at which the US 41 intersection was separated out as an independent project (Sec. No. 16-00066-08-CH) from the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections (13-00999-47-ES). Preferred Alternative Selection The second Public Information Meetingwas held in June 2016 where the Finalist Intersection Alternatives were presented for public comment for the intersections of Wadsworth Road with Dilleys Road, US-41, and Kilbourne Road. A comparative evaluation of the alternatives was presented to meeting attendees that included traffic performance, safety, environmental impacts, socio economic impacts, and cost. Follow up coordination meetings were held with numerous stakeholders to gather further input on the Finalist Intersection Alternatives before the Preferred Intersection Alternatives were selected. Based on all analysis and input received, Alternative D.2A was selected as the preferred alternative for the Dilleys Road intersection consisting of a single lane roundabout. This alternative was selected over the other finalist alternative, a signalized intersection, as it is a better countermeasure to the identified crash patterns and has better transportation performance. This intersection is currently on the IDOT 5-percent list. There is property acquisition from six parcels at this intersection. At the Kilbourne Road intersection, Alternative K.1A was selected as the preferred alternative consisting of the addition of a southbound right turn lane with maintaining the existing eastbound bypass lane. This alternative was selected over the other finalist alternatives, the addition of southbound right turn and eastbound left turn lanes (K.1B) and a single lane roundabout (K.2A), as it addresses the capacity issues most economically. The bypass lane was determined to operate properly as there were 5 crashes over a five year period at the intersection and no crash patterns associated with the bypass lane were identified. The pavement of Wadsworth Road is in good condition and reconstruction is not warranted. There is property acquisition from two parcels at this intersection, of which one is owned by the Lake County Forest preserve District (LCFPD). The LCFPD property does not have any existing or proposed recreational uses. However, FHWA requested that de minimis impact finding be obtained for the necessary acquisition from the LCFPD based on the intended us as property preservation. The LCFPD is on the SIG and 1
numerous individual coordination meetings have been held to discuss the alternative development and associated impacts. At the US-41 intersection alternative 1.A2 was selected as the preferred alternative consisting of additional lanes to the existing intersection on all legs of the intersection. This alternative was selected over the other finalist alternative, a grade separation of Wadsworth Road with a northwest quadrant jug handle (3.E2), as a more cost effective solution. Further discussion regarding the preferred alternative selection will be discussed at a subsequent FHWA meeting. Environmental An ESR was submitted for the project in June 2015. Cultural clearance and the PESA for the US- 41 right-of-way was received, but biological survey results are outstanding. IDOT CBLRS will check on the status of the biological surveys. An Addendum ESR will be submitted for the project to request separate biological clearances for the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections and the US-41 intersection since they have been separated into independent Phase I projects. Additionally, the ESR boundary needs to be expanded for the US-41 intersection further north and south along US-41. The project team indicated they are ready to submit the Wetland Impact Evaluation (WIE) for the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections, but not the US-41 intersection. IDOT CBLRS provided general wetland mitigation requirements to the project team with regards to keeping them in-basin. It was stated that the wetland impacts will be banked and a site has been identified in-basin. There is approximately 0.79 acres of wetland impact at the Dilleys Road intersection and 0.05 acres of wetland impact at the Kilbourne Road intersection. FHWA confirmed that no noise analysis is needed for the Dilleys Road and Kibourne Road intersections. It was stated that noise analysis will be required for the US-41 intersection improvement since additional lanes are being added at the intersection. Project Development & Schedule The Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections are being processed together as a Federal Approved CE (BLR 22210). The US-41 intersection will be presented at a subsequent FHWA meeting to discuss the preferred alternative and associated impacts to confirm the project can continue as a Federal Approved CE. A spring 2017 Public Hearing is being targeted for the Dilleys Road and Kilbourne Road intersections. FHWA stated that a Public Hearing is not required for these intersections and a Public Meeting is acceptable. FHWA stated that IDOT BLR should review a draft PDR and the project should have all environmental clearances prior to holding the final Public Meeting for the Dilleys Road and Kilboure Road project. The section 4(f) de minimis documentation should also be advertised and shown at the Public Meeting. The Dilleys Road intersection is targeted for a 2018 construction letting. Matthew J. Huffman - CBBEL 2