Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. The much needed, and long anticipated, widening of Route 45 between 120 to just north of Washington Street in Grayslake has slowed already congested traffic through the center of Lake County.
“I work in Libertyville so 45 is the most direct route for me to take,” said commuter Jesse Garcia of Round Lake. "I could go down 83, but that would still add 10 to 15 minutes to my drive. The worst part has been the potholes which haven’t been fixed."
The impact of the road construction project on businesses fronting Route 45 varies by business.
Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Some say it has hurt their business.
“Business has been slowed down big time,” said Marathon gas station employee Tony Jarrett. "They have had to tear up our entrances and exits for sewer pipes and closed one entrance one day and the other one another day. We’re hoping it will be better once the work is done."
Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Some say it has helped.
“In some ways, we have actually increased business because we have people waiting in traffic decide to come in. It has helped that the construction companies usually come in once or twice a week for lunch with a big group,” said Tony Karlatiras the owner of Bake’s Restaurant and Bar, which has been on Route 45 for 21 years.
Berger Construction, located in Wauconda is the general contractor. ”We were hired by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and contract other suppliers, such as laying underground storm sewers and landscaping, to help us finish the project. Seven companies bid on the job and we got it as lowest bidder,” said Berger project manager Chris Aspegren.
The Village of Grayslake is not involved with the roadwork. The planned Fairgrounds of Grayslake shopping center on Route 45, managed by Developers Diversified Realty, is currently on hold, according to the village’s building department.
The completed road improvements should far outweigh the frustration some drivers may be experiencing.
“This is a full reconstruct of the roadway,” said Aspegren. "It will be four lanes divided with turn lanes and will mirror the project we did between Route 137 and 120 on Route 45. We were delayed a month because the utilities, which are managed by the State, were not moved to the right of way. The heavy snow held us up somewhat but we expect to make up that time."
Backed-up traffic can be a safety issue and tempers can flare.
“I have to be careful because we’re working around a gas main and we’re entering into a line of traffic. There have been a few accidents, but no one in traffic has yelled at me - yet,” said dozer operator Dennis Dowell.
Aspegren meets weekly with IDOT representatives to communicate the status of the project. IDOT has hired Tecma Associates, a construction management company located in Chicago, to visit the site daily to ensure the work is being completed properly and on schedule.
The project is expected to be completed in November.
