WOOD DALE INTERSECTION STUDY - PHASE 1

PHASE I Q&A

Why are improvements needed at this intersection?

The Wood Dale, Irving Park, Rail Road intersection faces ongoing traffic congestion and safety concerns. The intersection is considered a high accident location by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The current intersection design, the close proximity of the two railroad crossings and traffic congestion also add to the concerns.The city has taken steps to increase the safety of the intersection, by installing a cop-in-a-box detector system and providing for an additional right turn lane. Intersection reconstruction promises to make the site even safer for Wood Dale citizens.

The Average Daily Traffic Volume along Wood Dale Road is approximately 16,000 vehicles per day and approximately 30,000 vehicles per day on Irving Park Road. Approximately 58 Metra trains also cross the intersection every day. Further, the area population is expected to increase by 11% by 2030, with a corresponding increase in regional traffic, this will continue to be one of the most congested intersections in the region.

We are now well into Phase I of the project. The Feasibility study eliminated more than 20 possible alternatives leaving six leading options. City officials have already determined two favored plans, both of which redirect Irving Park Road to the north. Copies of the Feasibility Study are available at City Hall and Wood Dale Library.

Phase I is a more detailed engineering and environmental study phase and is necessary to secure federal and state funding for the remaining stages of the project. It is also an opportunity for the intersection team to solicit input from the community regarding the potential reconstruction of the intersection. The Phase I Study will produce a detailed Environmental Assessment of each remaining alternative. The following factors will also be studied during Phase I:

• Safety
• Capacity
• Effects on regional and community growth
• Conservation and preservation of natural resources
• Public facilities, services and recreational areas
• Community cohesion
• Displacement of people and businesses
• Air, noise and water pollution
• Aesthetic values

When will an alternative be determined?

We will be working as quickly as we can to narrow the design alternatives. Specific focus will be placed on the city’s preferred alternatives and the response we receive from community members. Phase I will culminate in one recommended alternative.

What are the remaining steps in the process and how long will they take?

After completion of Phase I, we will begin Phase II (Design), followed by Phase III (Construction).  Phase II includes plan preparation, land acquisitions and utility relocations and typically takes two years.  The duration of Phase III would vary depending on size and scope of the project.

Who is involved in the study?

IDOT, DuPage County, the City of Wood Dale, Metra, and CTE Engineers are all involved from a technical standpoint.  A Citizen Advisory Committee, made up of Wood Dale residents, businesses and aldermen, will also be active in the Phase I study process.

Who is paying for this project?

The Feasibility Study and Phase I are being paid for by a grant from IDOT. Additional funding for Phase I costs is provided by a grant from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Funding for design and construction has not yet been secured.

I am a home/business owner near the intersection. Will my property value decrease? Should I sell my home/business, or make improvements and investments?

Actual construction is many years away. It is in the property owner’s best interest to maintain and even invest in their property. If and when the project is approved, and in the event that a property will have to be acquired, the property owner will receive the fair-market value for their property. This value will be assessed by two independent appraisals of the property. In other words, the property owner will be compensated for the current day value of the property.

How will my property access be affected by this project?

Access to properties will be maintained throughout construction.  Access in and out may change or shift as driveways may be relocated to accommodate the new roadway alignment. 

How will this project provide for economic development?

The intersection study team is focused on addressing the safety and congestion of the intersection. The City of Wood Dale has additional interest in potential economic development opportunities that may result. The two design alternates that the city favors, therefore, include road diversions that would provide for the development of a central commercial area.

How is the intersection project related to other area safety projects?

The intersection study team will actively work to coordinate and support other area projects, such as the railroad station area economic development study and the DuPage County pedestrian safety study.

Will this project increase flooding near Salt Creek?

Although each design alternative involves construction within the Salt Creek floodplain, adjacent properties will be purchased and excavated to offset any additions to the floodplain.  Additionally, any underpass constructed will contain normal flood protection measures such as earthen berms, storm sewers, ditches and a pump station.

How will this project affect Wood Dale’s downtown character?

Although the goals of the project are to promote safety and improve the efficiency of the intersection, the impacts on the residents and commercial/business area must be addressed.  The different parts of Wood Dale’s downtown are not currently connected as the roadways and the railroad are physical barriers that divide the town.  The two City-endorsed alternates provide the City with space for a future business, commercial, and pedestrian friendly downtown area with a unique identity.  Opportunities for development in this space are being studied in the City’s Station Area Study.

Is this project related to the Station Area Study?

The Station Area Study will make recommendations that will complement the city’s two favored construction options as well as a no-build option.

Why can’t Metra build a long overpass over both roads?

It is much easier and less expensive to leave the tracks in place and relocate the roadway.  Construction of a railroad overpass would require a very long, steel truss bridge to span the wide intersection.  This type of bridge would generate much higher noise levels and further divide the Wood Dale downtown.  This option costs approximately $140 million compared to $34 - 41 million for the two City-favored alternates.

Can the Metra Station be moved to the east or west?

Relocating the Metra Station would help relieve some congestion during the morning and afternoon rush hours, however the intersection would still experience substantial delays and potential safety problems related to the high traffic volumes and substandard geometry at the intersection.

Could the timing of the traffic light be changed?

This intersection is more complicated than a typical intersection with a railroad crossing because the tracks cross both legs of the intersection.  Movements must be carefully controlled to ensure cars are not trapped on the Metra tracks or in the middle of the intersection which uses up “green time.”  In these situations, adding green time to one leg means taking green time away from another – therefore adding congestion on the other leg.

Is no-build still an option?

Yes, the intersection study team will not move forward with a reconstruction plan if the benefit to the City is not identified.

Why were other alternatives eliminated?

The intersection team and the City of Wood Dale have weighed the cost, the engineering feasibility, and the community impact of more than 25 design alternatives and determined that the eliminated options were not as beneficial as the options remaining for further study.

How will residents and businesses be kept informed?

City officials are dedicated to relaying project progress to the public. Information about the study will be available at City Hall; we will also post information on our website, www.wooddale.com, and include regular updates in the City newsletter.

Will there be a public hearing?

There will be many opportunities for public comment. City officials have already meet with Wood Dale community groups to solicit dialogue and opinion from community members. Project outreach to the community will continue through the Fall. There will be three public meetings on the project during Phase I prior to City approval of one design alternative.

How can I get involved in the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Phase I of the Intersection Study?

You are invited to learn more about the progress of the Intersection Study on the City’s website (www.wooddale.com), or by calling the city at (630)766-4900