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Archive for the ‘EJ&E/Canadian National’ Category

Involuntary Annexation Upheld by Appellate Court

Posted in Cook, County, EJ&E/Canadian National, FPDCC, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Plum Farm development, Politics, Real Estate, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest, Uncategorized, Village Attorney, Village Board on October 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Julie Tappendorf | Municipal Minute

An Illinois Appellate Court recently upheld a municipality’s involuntary annexation of property in Husky Trans, Inc. v. Village of Barrington Hills.

After the village board discussed the possible annexation of two unincorporated parcels of land, it sent notice to the owner that the village board would consider annexing the parcels at a board meeting. The notice also informed the owner that the property would be rezoned to the R1 single family residential zoning district upon annexation. The owner’s attorney sent a response to the village that the owner objected to the forcible annexation, arguing that the parcels did not qualify for annexation under section 7-1-13 of the Illinois Municipal Code because the parcels were not “wholly bounded” by one or more municipalities, forest preserve, or park district property.

Read more here.

Related: “Village Board of Trustees meets tonight,” “Two items of interest on Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting agenda,” “Village posts Annexation Notice,” “Change.org petition posted: ‘Why Barrington Hills should not annex Sutton and the Penny Road Properties.’”

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Goat Rodeo, IDOT, Mad Cows, Road construction, Traffic on October 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Temporary Route 14 Closure Update: Progress is Happening!

It has been a busy couple of weeks on the ground as we work toward opening up the temporary four-lane Route 14 roadway and the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes:

  • Pavement removal on Lake Zurich Road and Route 14
  • Earthwork and grading for the temporary roads
  • Delivery and grading of ballast stone for the temporary Canadian National Railway (CN) train tracks

What’s still to come?

  • Completion of the temporary train tracks and installation of new railway gate equipment
  • A shift in train traffic
  • Utility relocations
  • Completion of both temporary road surfaces and lane line markings

As a result of ongoing utility relocation and the more manual track-building process being utilized by CN, the expected opening is now anticipated by the end of October, weather permitting. All parties are working hard to get everything ready and are exploring ways to open things even earlier, if possible.

Thank you for your continued patience and support of all Barrington businesses during this time.

Below are some aerial shots of the transformation. Things are looking great from above!

BEFORE

DURING

OVERVIEW

(Click on image to enlarge)

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Nightmare on Main and Hough Streets begins Monday with Route 14 closure

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Dinky, EJ&E/Canadian National, Elections, Politics, RINO, Road construction, Springfield, Traffic on September 14, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Appointed State Senate Darby Hills seized the opportunity for a photo op celebrating the groundbreaking of the US Route 14 Grade Separation on April 23rd. Last week, Hills submitted her letter of resignation as Trustee for the Village of Barrington Hills effective September 1st.

Temporary Full Route 14 Closure Starting Monday, 9/15

“Please be advised that Route 14 will be fully closed from north of Valencia Road (Ave) to Hough Street beginning Monday, Sept. 15. The work is part of the Route 14 underpass project. The temporary closure, expected to last approximately four weeks, will allow Canadian National Railway to complete the temporary railroad tracks and shift train traffic. Once the railroad work is completed and the gap in the temporary roadway is constructed, Route 14 will reopen to full four-lane traffic on the temporary roadway.

Detour routes will be clearly marked with signage along Hough Street (Route 59) and Main Street (Lake Cook Road) starting Monday morning, Sept. 15. Please reference the combined traffic and detour map below and attached.

Note that all local businesses, including the Barrington Area Library, will remain open and accessible during the closure. Shorely Drive local access will also be maintained for residents.

Please:

  • Follow posted detours
  • Plan for extra travel time
  • Drive cautiously
  • Avoid speeding and distracted driving

If you have not already done so, please consider signing up for Route 14 project update emails on the dedicated project website.”

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Traffic Alert: Route 14 One-Lane Closures Start Today

Posted in Aunt Blabby, EJ&E/Canadian National, IDOT, Road construction, Traffic on August 4, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Please be advised that Route 14 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Valencia Avenue and Hough Street beginning Monday, Aug. 4. The work is part of the Route 14 underpass project. Access to adjacent roads and driveways will remain open. See the traffic map below for more details.

The one-lane closures will remain in effect until the temporary full closure of Route 14 occurs (anticipated as early as Sept. 15). A temporary full closure of Route 14 is required for approximately four weeks so Canadian National Railway can complete the temporary railroad tracks and shift train traffic. During that time, a detour will be signed along Lake Cook Road and Hough Street. Once the rail line is raised and the gap in the temporary roadway is constructed, Route 14 will reopen with full four-lane traffic.

For the latest information, please visit the dedicated project website at us14underpass.com and subscribe to receive email updates.”

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | July 18, 2025

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Goat Rodeo, Road construction, Traffic on July 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »

This past month, significant progress was made in preparing the temporary Route 14 roadway and railroad tracks. Canadian National (CN) is working to install signal equipment at the temporary railroad crossing, while AT&T continues its utility relocation work. ComEd has also begun relocating utilities along Hough Street (Route 59) and Route 14.
What’s Coming Next:

  • One-Lane Closures (Scheduled to start Aug. 4): Route 14 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Valencia Avenue and Hough Street to connect the temporary roadway. Access to adjacent roads and driveways will remain open. See the traffic map below for more details.

  • Temporary full Route 14 Closure (Anticipated as early as Sept. 15): A temporary full closure of Route 14 is required for approximately four weeks so CN can complete the temporary railroad tracks and shift train traffic. A detour will be signed along Lake Cook Road and Hough Street. The graphic below provides more details on the project scope.

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | June 19, 2025

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Traffic on June 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“This vital infrastructure improvement project will enhance traffic flow and safety in our community. Below are the latest updates:

Construction continues on the U.S. Route 14 Underpass project, with the following work currently underway:

  • Temporary road grading and paving
  • Ongoing excavation for the pump station
  • Grading and preparation for a temporary railroad track

As part of the project, the Canadian National Railway (CN) is building a temporary parallel railroad track to allow trains to continue running while the new railroad bridge is constructed at the current crossing location.

To support this work, CN will deliver stone to the area by a specialized train. This stone will serve as the base for the new railroad ties and track. The delivery train is scheduled to arrive in Barrington next week, after making three stops before reaching the area.

During the stone delivery, which is expected to take several hours, the train will block the Lake Zurich Road crossing. Once the delivery is complete, the crossing will reopen. Once the confirmed train schedule is available, the Village will share updated traffic alerts via email and social media.

Looking ahead, paving work is planned for later this summer at the entry and exit points connecting the existing Route 14 pavement to the temporary roadway. This will require lane closures on Route 14, currently anticipated for mid-July. However, the exact timing depends on the progress of ongoing utility relocation efforts.

The Village will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | June 6, 2025

Posted in EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on June 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Thanks for your interest in the U.S. Route 14 Grade Separation (underpass) project email update list! 

This vital infrastructure improvement project will enhance traffic flow and safety in our community. Below are the latest updates:

Construction on the U.S. Route 14 Underpass project is well underway.

Over the past month, the contractor has:

  • Coordinated excavation and grading work
  • Made significant progress on the pump station site just east of the Jiffy Lube
  • Installed fencing around the site
  • Demolished the 557 N. Hough St. strip mall building
  • Began water main relocation work
  • Started extending the storm sewer south of Elm Road at Flint Creek to support a temporary roadway crossing the creek
  • At the same time, utility companies have been actively relocating their facilities on-site to support the project. Work on the temporary roadway and pump station will continue over the next few weeks.

Utility relocation status and progress over the next few weeks will help to inform the contractor’s next area of focus. As work proceeds and additional information is available, the Village will share new updates.”

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Barrington approves redevelopment agreement on Golden Triangle

Posted in 220, BACOG, Daily Herald, District 220 referendum, EJ&E/Canadian National, METRA, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

After nearly a year of negotiation with Compasspoint Development, Barrington approved a redevelopment agreement for the “Golden Triangle” (top of photo) worth $17 million ready for village board approval. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington trustees Monday put the final touches on a redevelopment agreement for a mixed-use project on Hough Street between the Union Pacific and Canadian National Railway tracks.

The location is officially known as Redevelopment Area #1, but is also dubbed the Golden Triangle.

Joe Taylor III of Compasspoint Development plans to redevelop the former site of the Market Center building and a Volvo dealership at on North Hough Street. The $90 million project includes a four-story building, the Mylo, with 125 residential units and approximately 12,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space — Taylor said he is negotiating a high-end restaurant lease for 6,000 square feet.

It will also include the MotorCave Auto Suites, a place for car enthusiasts to keep and display their vehicles.

Read more here.

Related: “Barrington close to decision on $17 million incentive agreement for ‘Golden Triangle’ development,” “‘Now is the time to be in Barrington’: village serves up positive economic outlook,” “Barrington approves TIF for the ‘Golden Triangle’,” “Barrington moves closer to TIF for ‘Golden Triangle’,” “MotorCave Suites: For-sale personal auto museum showrooms and entertainment Spaces for Chicago area collectors,” “Barrington village manager gets 12.5% pay hike,” “Barrington-area leaders tout growth at annual economic summit,” “Barrington pins high hopes on Golden Triangle development,” “Luxury apartments, restaurants. What Barrington might do with its ‘Golden Triangle’,” “Apartments, storage for high-end cars proposed for downtown Barrington”

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | April 17, 2025

Posted in EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Traffic on April 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

This vital infrastructure improvement project will enhance traffic flow and safety in our community. Below are the latest updates:

  • Grading Work: Topsoil removal and grading for the temporary U.S. 14 roadway between Elm Road and U.S. 14 is planned to start this week. While we have worked with the contractor to delay roadway impacts to this point, to ensure a safe construction zone for all, this work necessitates the closure of Willow Road starting on Monday, April 21. 
  • Fence Relocation and Tree Removals: Over the past month, crews have been working to complete fence removals and relocations throughout the project area. Tree removals are complete and removal of these downed trees from the project area is scheduled for completion over the next week.
  • Demolition and Excavation: Interior demolition of the strip mall at 557 N. Hough St., is underway, and exterior building demolition and excavation for the new pump station at 117 E. Northwest Hwy. (just east of Jiffy Lube) will begin. These are key steps in moving the project forward.
  • Utility Relocations: AT&T and Comcast have coordinated substantial utility relocation work on Hough Street just south of Route 14. Nicor has now initiated their relocations in this area, and ComEd has initiated relocation work along Route 14. Relocation schedules continue to be coordinated between various utilities within the project area. In addition to this private utility work, the project contractor is scheduled to initiate Village watermain relocation work in the vicinity of Willow Road within the next few weeks.
  • Culvert Installation: Crews will also begin installing a culvert on the south side of the bridge on Elm Road, which will allow for the creation of a temporary roadway over Flint Creek. This installation will require minimal work on the north side of Elm Road to temporarily reroute water around the construction zone, while the majority of work will take place from Route 14. The project team will target dry weather conditions to keep the installation process efficient.
  • Hough Street Culvert: A significant milestone in the project will be the installation of a new culvert to carry Flint Creek under Hough Street. While the start date for this work is still dependent on the completion of utility relocations, utility designs and permits are in progress. ComEd is working to coordinate the scope and schedule of their work in this area and, following the solidification of that work, the project team will begin scheduling this culvert installation work.

As the project progresses, the Village will continue to share monthly project update emails to provide information and timelines on completed and anticipated work. Updates will be utilized to convey special construction or traffic alert information. You are always encouraged to stay informed throughout the project by visiting the website.

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Barrington close to decision on $17 million incentive agreement for ‘Golden Triangle’ development

Posted in 220, BACOG, Daily Herald, District 220 referendum, EJ&E/Canadian National, METRA, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 8, 2025| Leave a Comment »

After nearly a year of negotiations with Compasspoint Development, Barrington has a redevelopment agreement for the “Golden Triangle” worth $17 million ready for village board approval. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

By | Daily Herald

After nearly a year of negotiations with Compasspoint Development, Barrington is nearing a redevelopment agreement for a mixed-use project within the village’s “Golden Triangle.”

Village staff presented the draft of a “pay-as-you-go” tax increment financing deal worth $17 million before the village board Monday. Trustees are expected to continue the discussion Monday and could reach a final vote April 28.

Developer Joe Taylor III said he is ready to start construction the day after the vote.

Compasspoint plans to redevelop the former site of the Market Center building and a Volvo dealership at 200-300 N. Hough St. The $90 million project includes a four-story building, the Mylo, with 125 residential units and approximately 12,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space — Taylor said he is negotiating a high-end restaurant lease for 6,000 square feet.

It will also include the MotorCave Auto Suites, a place for car enthusiasts to keep and display their vehicles.

The arrangement ties into the village’s plans to build Park Avenue Plaza, a community gathering space and al fresco dining spot. Taylor said he has agreed to build the plaza on Park Avenue between Cook and Station streets with his own funds.

Read more here.

Related: “‘Now is the time to be in Barrington’: village serves up positive economic outlook,” “Barrington approves TIF for the ‘Golden Triangle’,” “Barrington moves closer to TIF for ‘Golden Triangle’,” “MotorCave Suites: For-sale personal auto museum showrooms and entertainment Spaces for Chicago area collectors,” “Barrington village manager gets 12.5% pay hike,” “Barrington-area leaders tout growth at annual economic summit,” “Barrington pins high hopes on Golden Triangle development,” “Luxury apartments, restaurants. What Barrington might do with its ‘Golden Triangle’,” “Apartments, storage for high-end cars proposed for downtown Barrington”

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