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Archive for the ‘Traffic’ Category

Transit sales tax hike makes suburbs pay for Chicago problems

Posted in Illinois Policy Institute, METRA, Overhead, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Traffic, Unions on December 11, 2025| 1 Comment »

Chicago-area transit riders deserve safe, reliable service. But the Regional Transportation Authority board might soon ask the wrong people to pay for it.

By Dylan Sharkey | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinoisans shouldn’t be taxed for a service they can’t use, but the Regional Transportation Authority board is expected to vote on doing just that: imposing a regionwide sales-tax increase.

The board will meet Dec. 18 to adopt its 2026 budget, which relies on raising the RTA sales tax by 0.25 percentage point across Cook County and the collar counties. Pritzker is expected before 2026 to sign the bill authorizing the tax, which would take effect July 1 and then need final transit board approval within 60 days.

Supporters argue it’s needed to avoid looming service cuts and big fare hikes tied to transit’s “fiscal cliff.” But the tax collects money from suburban shoppers with sparse transit options and sends it to the urban areas where agencies have made poor decisions and failed to enact needed change. It also lets leaders ignore existing funds already taken from taxpayers.

What is the RTA sales tax?

To fund CTA, Metra and Pace, residents in areas served by mass transit currently pay:

  • 1% sales tax on general merchandise in Cook County.
  • 1.25% sales tax on qualifying food, drugs, and medical appliances in Cook County.
  • 0.75% sales tax on general merchandise and qualifying food, drugs, and medical appliances in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.

If Pritzker and the RTA board approve, the 0.25% will be added to all three existing sales taxes to generate $478 million leaders claim is needed to avoid transit’s fiscal cliff. That fiscal cliff is mostly a Chicago Transit Authority problem: Metra and Pace serve the suburbs and have challenges of their own, but the CTA dominates the RTA’s budget.

Penalizing people who don’t use CTA is a problem when it takes the biggest share of the budget. Part of the funding solution is using money from the state’s road fund, which has more than $3 billion taxpayers have already contributed. The state should spend what it already has before taking more.

Read more here.

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Equestrian Commission/Riding Club meets tonight

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Farm, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Bicyclists, BraveHearts, Clown Car, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Don't Change Barrington Hills, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Frau Blücher, FRVPC, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, LeCompte/Anderson Commercial Horse boarding amendment, Lighting Ordinance, Look For The Union Label, Mad Cows, Massbach Hounds, Open Meetings Act, Overhead, Plan Commission, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Save 5 Acres, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Taxes, The Other Half, Traffic, Transparency, Unions, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Well Water Quality, Your Barrington Hills on December 1, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Equestrian Commission/Riding Club will be meeting this evening at 6:30 PM.  Though scheduled to meet quarterly, their last meeting was over a year ago on August 7, 2024.

Topics on their agenda include:

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

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Illinois Route 62 Study November 2025 Project Update

Posted in Algonquin Rd, Aunt Blabby, Cook, County, Deception, FPDCC, FUBAR, IDOT, Land Use, Longmeadow Parkway, Mówimy po polsku, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Roads & Bridges Committee, Roads and Bridges, SNAFU, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on November 12, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Input from the public, stakeholders, and local agencies has been considered and incorporated over the course of the study. To date, there have been two (2) public meetings and five (5) Community Advisory Group Meetings. IDOT has also met with representatives from the Village of Barrington Hills, Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) multiple times at key project milestones. Input from these meetings has helped IDOT establish the Purpose and Need, develop the Reasonable Range of Alternatives, identify the Alternatives to be Carried Forward, and select a Preferred Alternative.

The two typical sections included in the Alternatives to be Carried Forward (see September 2023 update) were further refined based on the following design goals and coordination with FPCC, ISGS, USFWS:

  • Minimize land acquisition from FPCC
  • Minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species habitat
  • Improve flood protection of IL 62
  • Maintain existing surface and groundwater conditions that support endangered species habitat
  • Reduce pollutants from stormwater runoff

These refinements have led to a Preferred Alternative that satisfies the Purpose and Need while minimizing impacts to the surrounding environment by incorporating a combination of three typical sections. All three typical sections include four (4) travel lanes, paved shoulders, mountable curbs, closed drainage, and a shared-use path. The Preferred Alternative is divided into two segments due to the differences in land use and the environmental resources as shown in the following figures.

  • Segment 1 – West of Bateman Road and east of Old Sutton Road:
    • This segment (shown in purple in Figure 1) has one typical section as shown in Figure 2.
  • Segment 2 – Between Bateman Road and Old Sutton Road:
    • This segment (shown in orange/yellow in Figure 1) is restricted by the surrounding FPCC property and environmental resources. This segment utilizes two typical sections as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

IDOT is currently developing the preliminary right-of-way needs of the Preferred Alternative and potential impacts to various environmental, community, agricultural, and cultural resources within the study area. IDOT plans to present the Preferred Alternative and summary of impacts to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and resource agencies for concurrence in February 2026. Once concurrence on the Preferred Alternative has been received, a draft of the Environmental Assessment document will be prepared and made available for public review and input.

Figure 1: Preferred Alternative Segments

(Click on images to enlarge)

Figure 2: 10-ft Outside Shoulders with 4:1 Fore Slopes (Segment 1-Purple)

Figure 3: 2-ft Outside Shoulders with Retaining Walls (Segment 2-Orange)

Figure 4: Continuous Bridge over Shallow Groundwater (Segment 2-Yellow)

Read more and comment here.

Related: “Here’s what’s in Illinois’ $50.6B six-year infrastructure plan (10.3.25),” “IDOT seeks public input on roads, rail, and EVs,” “IDOT releases Algonquin Road/Route 62 ‘project update’”

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Route 14 Reopens on New Temporary Four-Lane Roadway

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Traffic on October 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“The Village of Barrington is excited to announce that Route 14 has officially reopened on its new temporary four-lane roadway, along with the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Both roadways opened today, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m.

During the full temporary closure, which began in September, crews completed several key components to prepare for this major milestone, including:

  • Four new lanes of pavement
  • Temporary railroad tracks
  • A full railroad crossing, including two pedestrian gates
  • Temporary sidewalk

The Village currently anticipates substantial completion of the Route 14 underpass project in 2027 and will continue to share updates as major milestones are reached.

In the meantime, the public is encouraged to support Barrington’s local businesses and restaurants throughout the ongoing construction period.

To stay informed and receive project updates, please visit the dedicated project website us14underpass.com or watch for email notifications.”

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Driver seriously injured, flown to hospital after being heavily trapped in semi-truck rollover in Barrington

Posted in Accidents, Lake & McHenry County Scanner, Traffic on October 9, 2025| Leave a Comment »

A two-vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington left the driver of the truck heavily trapped and seriously injured in his vehicle, requiring him to be flown to the hospital, while shutting down the busy intersection for hours Wednesday afternoon into the evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A driver was seriously injured and flown to the hospital after being trapped for more than an hour in a rolled-over semi-truck after a crash with an SUV in Barrington Wednesday afternoon.

The Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Police Department responded around 2:35 p.m. Wednesday to Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.

Emergency crews arrived and found a two-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck hauling a dump trailer and an Acura SUV.

A two-vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington left the driver of the truck heavily trapped and seriously injured in his vehicle, requiring him to be flown to the hospital, while shutting down the busy intersection for hours Wednesday afternoon into the evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin

A dashcam video obtained by Lake and McHenry County Scanner showed the semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Dundee Road.

The semi-truck proceeded through the intersection at Barrington Road on a solid green light, the video showed.

The Acura was traveling northbound on Barrington Road attempting to turn right onto eastbound Dundee Road.

A two-vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington left the driver of the truck heavily trapped and seriously injured in his vehicle, requiring him to be flown to the hospital, while shutting down the busy intersection for hours Wednesday afternoon into the evening. | Photo: Nick Rusin

The driver of the Acura failed to come to a complete stop and pulled out directly in front of the semi-truck, the video showed.

Read more here.

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Driver extracted from dump truck following rollover crash in Barrington, Illinois

Posted in Accidents, BCFPD, Traffic on October 8, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Jeramie Bizzle | CBS News Chicago

First responders are investigating a rollover crash involving a dump truck in Barrington, Illinois, on Wednesday afternoon.

CBS Skywatch was over the scene where the five-axle truck was rolled upside down after colliding with an SUV on the east side of the intersection of Dundee (and Barrington) Road.

CBS News Chicago’s Kris Habermehl reported that the driver of the truck was pinned inside. Crews performed an extraction operation, freeing the truck driver.

It is unclear what led to the crash or if any injuries were reported from the SUV.

Dundee Road is closed until further notice. Drivers are advised to use Palatine Road as an alternative.

More here.

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Here’s what’s in Illinois’ $50.6B six-year infrastructure plan

Posted in Accidents, Aunt Blabby, IDOT, Public Safety, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Traffic, Village Government on October 3, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Jerry Nowicki | Capitol News Illinois

Article Summary

  • Illinois’ latest six-year infrastructure plan includes $50.6 billion in projects, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
  • That includes $32.5 billion in road and bridge projects in the state and local road systems.
  • Another $13.8 billion will go to “multimodal” transportation, such as airports, waterways and rail.
  • About half the funding comes from the federal government, while motor fuel taxes and other related vehicle fees provide most of the state’s portion.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

What it includes:

$4,000,000 – REHABILITATION – PAVEMENTS ILL 62 ALGONQUIN RD KANE/COOK CO LINE TO W OF ILL 68 (DUNDEE RD) BARRINGTON HILLS – Miles = 3.16

$5,630,000 – RECONSTRUCTION – BRIDGES (BRIDGE REPLACEMENT) ILL 62 AT SPRING CREEK 1.4 MI W OF ILL 59

What appears to be missing:

Expanding ILL 62 Algonquin Rd to four (4) lanes in Barrington Hills

Read the full article here.

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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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Chicago speed cameras hit 3-year ticket high in July

Posted in Illinois Policy Institute, Overhead, Politics, Traffic, Unions on September 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Monthly Chicago speed camera violations climbed to their highest level in more than three years during July 2025 following Mayor Brandon Johnson’s introduction of 22 new cameras. More cameras in new locations gave Johnson more cash. | AP Photo/Stacy Thacker,File

By Patrick Andriesen and Jon Josko | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago’s speed cameras issued more violations to drivers during the month of July 2025 than any month during the past three years, sending an average 8,457 tickets to motorists each day.

Analysis shows Chicago’s speed cameras issued 2,210,254 violations to drivers between August 2024 and July 2025, including more than 250,000 tickets during July. That’s more tickets than any month since May 2022.

Overall, tickets took a 1% drop from the previous 12 months through July. The rapid spike in new tickets started in June, when Mayor Brandon Johnson added 22 speed cameras. Some communities received far more tickets than others.

Neighborhoods on the city’s North Side have the most cameras at 50 and see the bulk of tickets, totaling 634,608 in the 12-month period. The Southwest Side saw the largest spike in speed camera tickets per camera, jumping 42%.

Drivers on the Southeast Side continued to get the most tickets from each of the 11 cameras. They averaged 19,521 tickets per camera through July, more than triple the tickets per camera issued in the Central District, which includes the Loop, and has nine cameras.

Read more here.

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Editorial: Teens on e-bikes are having accidents in the suburbs. We need real rules.

Posted in Accidents, Chicago Tribune, OP/Ed, Public Safety, Traffic on September 24, 2025| 3 Comments »

Scott Stantis editorial cartoon for Wed, Sept 24, 2025, on e-bikes and scooters (Scott Stantis)

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

E-bikes are a growing concern statewide, especially in the suburbs where teenage use is rising.

That problem turned into a tragedy last week when a 17-year-old boy from Mount Prospect was killed. Police say he failed to yield at a stop sign and crashed into a pickup truck.

Parents saw their own children in this tragedy. A knee-jerk reaction among some folks was to call for e-bikes and e-scooters to be banned. We understand that temptation, especially in light of this heartbreaking story.

Still, we wouldn’t go that far, but we recognize the growing tension as more e-bikes and scooters hit the streets and sidewalks.

We’ve seen these vehicles used responsibly, too, with drivers wearing protective helmets and navigating streets and sidewalks carefully and efficiently. Some of these drivers are teens getting to school.

But in practice, high-powered e-bikes function more like motorcycles, and yet teens can ride many classes of e-bikes under Illinois law without the licensing or training required for motorcyclists.

Illinois is struggling to keep up with changing technology and habits, but its rules must evolve and adapt.

Read more here.

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