Dear Editor:
I just came back from vacation and noticed a public meeting about the Rt. 394 up-coming roadwork ideas and projects. Further public comments needed by May 15.
I have lived in Crete for over 30 years, and it appears the people who live in southern Will County have been over-looked for years.
Rt. 394 and Illinois 57 should have been widened to three lanes years ago.
First of all any “roundabouts or dog legs” are a very bad idea for 394. Do you honestly believe drivers will yield any right of way? A full interchange is the only long-term solution for any interchange idea.
Look at the Sauk/394 interchange rebuild that took place a few years ago, where turning lanes were added. Traffic is still backed up on 394 during rush hour for over a mile at times.
Look at the Exchange/394 interchange that was done a few years ago. Traffic on 394 is backed up for cars turning into Indiana, while east bound Illinois cars trying to turn north onto 394 need to wait for west bound Indiana traffic.
If full interchanges were put in place, none of these interchanges would need to be redone. I get the cost but millions for full interchanges, but full interchanges for the Peotone interchange and the Stuenkel interchange for Rt. 57 were put in place and these have much less traffic.
Since most of the Rt. 394 drivers are turning into Indiana, have the State of Indiana involved in part of the cost of the road work. If Indiana is not interested, how about seeing if the Illinois tollway will buy and cover the road work cost? Make 394 a toll road.
John Pachuta