Diamonds surely are a “girl’s best friend.” In this case, diamonds are everyone’s friend—when they are completed that is.
For motorists who travel north or west via the interchange at Interstate 88 and Route 59, construction on the diverging diamond as the final part of the $85 million project is in full swing.
While motorists can attest to the growing pains associated with the work on Route 59, the end is clearly in sight. The motorist marathon (three years) of diversions, secret passageways, and/or early morning road embarkations is nearly over.
Expected to be completed this fall, the project is an early holiday gift for the motorists who travel along Route 59 for sure. Not to mention the “gift” it will be to local businesses.
However for drivers whose preferred travel routes and destinations send them to Interstate 55 to then head north to Chicago or south to Bloomington-Normal are likely have a bit of a wait until they may enjoy their diverging diamond at the interchange of Weber Road and Interstate 55.
But it is coming.
Originally built in 1990, when the area was largely comprised of farms, the Weber Road and I-55 interchange today is surrounded by distribution centers, apartments, and subdivisions.
Each time I drive through the interchange, the traffic seems to be worse. Clouded by immense frustration, my informal assessment is that the traffic is further aggravated by the growth of distribution centers and the corresponding heavy volume of trucks that dominate the area.
Sorry to put blame on the truck industry, especially since my obsession with stuff although not what it used to be is still a bit overboard. And who brings me all my stuff—trucks.
Guy Tridgell with IDOT explained via email that “some preliminary earth work/excavating was done at Weber Road location over the last year.”
However, he said the project is still in the land acquisition phase. Construction is going to commence about 12 months from now. When road construction begins it should take at least two construction seasons to complete the project at a minimum.
When I questioned Bruce Gould, Will County’s transportation director over the need for the more than $100 million project he simply said, “Have you ever driven it.”
I have many times, but if I can avoid it, I do.
“The existing road cannot handle the volume of traffic along that corridor,” he added. “It is beyond its capacity.”
When completed, the diverging diamond would widen Weber Road to six lanes, increase the number of turn lanes at intersections, and reduce conflict points by pushing the lights off the bridge allowing for traffic to “free-flow.”
IDOT studies indicate that when completed the project enhancements would reduce morning delays on northbound Weber Road by 91%; while those traveling southbound on Weber Road should expect to see a 39% reduction in delays.
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Evening delays along Weber would be reduced by 61% for motorists traveling northbound; while southbound Weber Road travelers should see a 42% reduction in delays.
In addition, the project is also needed, Gould said to additional traffic lanes of traffic along Weber Road from 119th Street to 135th Street.
Weber Road from Airport Road to Renwick Road in Romeoville recently completed an addition to six lanes of traffic.
Eventually, there will be three through lanes in each direction from 119th Street to Renwick Road, Gould added.
Plus one shiny, concrete diamond!
Cathy Janek is a freelance columnist for the Naperville Sun.