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| Plan to widen Crystal Lake intersection draws praise | |
| Mar 2, 2007 | |
| Gabriel Keith | |
| Northwest Herald | |
| Pertains to Prairie Trail, Crystal Lake | |
| City officials plan to widen the intersection of Main Street and Crystal Lake Avenue to add left-turn lanes in all directions and create a center space for traffic south of the intersection on Main. The improvements are expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, said Victor Ramirez, the city’s engineering and building director. “I liked what I saw,†said Jim Zoellick, a Crystal Lake resident for 42 years. “I thought they did a really nice job, and it’s been long overdue.†Five different types of lighting cluster the intersection of Main Street and Crystal Lake Avenue, only one of many issues addressed by the plan. Officials discussed details of the plan with the public on Tuesday. The project is expected to start this fall with utility work; the bulk of it will be conducted in the spring of 2008 and hopefully will conclude before the end of 2008, Ramirez said. The plan will require extensive coordination with property owners bordering the intersection, and it is possible that some businesses will have to close temporarily during construction in concentrated areas. The construction will not require a detour for commuters because the operation will be conducted according to the needs of general traffic, said Michael Magnuson, a consultant for the city. The project not only will address safety hazards and other traffic issues created by the inadequate intersection, but also will focus on enhancing the vitality and aesthetic beauty of the downtown area. Coordination with the surrounding developers will be required to widen or add sidewalks where necessary, Magnuson said. “At the moment, the corners will need a little bit of right of way to widen the radius for the intersection, and to allow widening for the walkways and bike paths,†Ramirez said. “I don’t see eminent domain having to be exercised.†Other additions, such as ornamental lighting, green space, benches, and improved bike paths, will be integrated into the intersection’s reconstruction, officials said. “I think it will be a great improvement to the downtown area and to the traffic flow,†said Melissa Stutz, a Woodstock resident who works for Columbia College, near the intersection. The project will facilitate the needs of future additions to Crystal Lake and will provide the city with an adequate gateway feature to blend in with the downtown area, officials said. |
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