Lake County Motorist

Here’s what’s on tap for Lake County commuters this week: Drivers’ woes continue, but Metra hears your cries for increased capacity.

Monday’s temporary lane closures on the North Tri-State Tollway:

• One northbound lane will be closed between the Des Plaines River and O’Plaine Road from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• One northbound lane will be closed between Grand Avenue (IL 132) and Wadsworth Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Southbound lanes will be closed between Russell Road and Wadsworth Road overnight, with all lanes scheduled to be open by 8 a.m.

Stay up-to-date with the Lake County DOT roadwork update report and Illinois DOT construction update report.

Interstate 94 weather report: We’ll have a few days to dry out after Sunday’s soaking before the rain returns. Temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s should add to the enjoyment of long daylight hours.

Mass transit update: Metra is responding to increased ridership on the Union Pacific North and Milwaukee District North lines by adding cars during rush-hour. Metra is also increasing the number of trains on the weekends. The additions kick in next week: Monday, May 19 for the rush-hour cars, and Friday, May 23 for the weekend trains.

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Move over, Lincoln Towing. Chicagoans have a new “favorite” relocator: Rendered Services Inc.

According to tonight’s Fox News Chicago feature, this towing company has been accused of improperly towing ‘em away. In the feature, Rendered was named as the second largest towing company in Chicago, after you-know-who.

So, is it bad business or just bad press? I have no experience with Rendered, so I’ll leave that up to you guys to decide.

For more on “Lincoln Park Pirates” singer Steve Goodman, visit SteveGoodman.net and the web site of biographer Clay Eals.

Here’s what’s on tap for Lake County commuters this week: Ongoing construction and chilly rainy days, but we’re one week closer to the completion of the Tri-State Rebuild and Widen project!

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The City of Chicago will receive federal money to implement congestion relief tactics including bus-only lanes on key routes and increased parking meter rates downtown during rush hours.

The Chicago announcement reminds me of a recent article that addressed congestion pricing and similar options in the suburbs (I was unable to find the link, but I will update this post with the link should I find it).

Congestion pricing is increasingly being studied as a way to reduce the number of vehicles in busy areas and encourage alternate modes of transportation. It’s an attempt at letting the market decide the value of driving in premium areas at peak times.

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From the Columbus Dispatch: Road budgets falling behind need for repair.

Fortunately, so far it appears that Lake County has been able to fund key projects and even escalate others as their need has increased. Money has even been spent on projects whose purpose I don’t fully understand (such as 2007’s Wilson Road resurfacing).

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Here’s what’s on tap for Lake County commuters this week: Railroad crossing improvements in Buffalo Grove, rain’s on the way, and Gurnee residents get their say.

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Getting out and about, and talking about it.

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This Earth Day April 22, you can have a greener commute immediately. Here are a few things you can do on Earth Day and beyond to reduce commuting costs on the wallet and the environment.

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Here’s what’s on tap for Lake County commuters this week: Warm weather, a vigorous return to roadwork, and a handful of commute-challenging lane closures on the Tri-State.

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I had to take a short break, but I plan to resume posting new content as of April 20 - just in time for road construction season!

Google Transit, which I wrote about a few weeks ago, has finally rolled into Chicago with a bit of fanfare. For now, only CTA schedules are included. Hopefully Metra’s and Pace’s schedules will be added soon.

A comprehensive trip planner that includes suburban buses and rail is available on  RTA’s web site. CTA Tattler also hosts a review of the expanded CTA Bus Tracker.

More on this story: 20 Million Minutes, Metafilter, Chicago Tribune

Here’s what’s on tap for Lake County commuters this week: April showers and a handful of Tri-State temporary lane closures.

Monday’s temporary lane closures on the North Tri-State Tollway:

• Commuter alert: One southbound center lane will be closed for bridgework between O’Plaine Road and the Des Plaines River during the day, starting at 7 a.m. Morning rushers will be squeezed onto the leftmost and rightmost lanes. Sound familiar? A similar closure took place last week.
• One northbound lane will be closed from Grand Avenue/Route 132 to Mill Creek Road during the day.

Stay up-to-date with the Lake County DOT roadwork update report and Illinois DOT construction update report.

There’s a rainy week ahead, according to the Interstate 94 weather report. Temperatures in the 50s should spur spring sprouts.

Got a road tip? Click here to send it (opens in a new window).