‘Right now, it’s almost a nightmare’: After years of crashes, IDOT eyeing fix for exit ramp in Elgin
Elgin resident Christopher Hilton’s wish is simple — a yard without careening cars.
After years of screeching tires and hawklike vigilance when his three kids play outside, his wish may be granted.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is considering closing an exit ramp from Route 20 to Route 25 by way of Illinois Avenue, where Hilton lives with his wife, Cassie Ross.
The ramp has a wicked 90-degree turn that surprises drivers despite warning signs. And that means repeated and terrifying instances of vehicles veering onto Hilton’s property and disrupting the neighborhood.
“Right now, it’s almost a nightmare,” said Hilton. He counts 19 mishaps involving cars and SUVs rocketing into his house, trees, mailbox, traffic signs and a utility pole since 2016.
In October, a sedan surged into the yard, smacking a tree and coming to rest just outside his front door.
“It was 5 minutes after we’d pulled into the driveway,” Hilton said.
A January encounter was more ho-hum. “Somebody just knocked over one of the (street) signs,” Hilton said.
“It’s almost sad because it’s getting to a point where I’m getting used to it. It’s not such an adrenaline-filled issue when it happens.
“Even now I’m like, ‘OK the last one was in January — we’re in May and it’s due for something to happen.’ I’m just waiting for the next shoe to drop.”
But last month at a public meeting, IDOT outlined plans to close Route 20 ramps to Illinois and Lavoie avenues in Elgin and modify the road to accommodate the changes.
The fix is not finalized as preliminary engineering and environmental studies are ongoing.
The ramp work would be part of a larger overall improvement program on Route 20 between Randall Road and Shales Parkway, IDOT spokeswoman Maria Castaneda said Thursday.
Elgin city officials requested IDOT take a closer look at the Route 20 ramps to Illinois and Lavoie avenues as part of the project, Castaneda noted.
In February 2023, the Daily Herald reported on Hilton’s plight and he credits the newspaper with bringing attention to the situation.
Closing the ramp, “would be amazing,” he said. “I’m excited.”
But, “I’m hoping nothing stands in the way. With the state, I’m never 100% sure what’s going to happen.”
To learn more, IDOT has a U.S. 20 Ramps at Illinois Avenue and Lavoie Avenue webpage. Questions can be sent to DOT.US20Ramps@illinois.gov.
One more thing
The proposed U.S. 20 at Shales Parkway project is in an advanced stage of design. It includes replacing or rehabbing pavement along the Route 20 corridor, intersection improvements at the west end, noise walls, pedestrian and cyclist amenities, and better drainage.
It would also rebuild Route 20 over the Fox River with two lanes in each direction, auxiliary lanes between Route 31 and Route 25, plus cyclist and pedestrian features. The intent is to improve safety and mobility, planners said.
You should know
Got Buckingham Palace in your travel plans? Don’t check in at Terminal 5 for your British Airways flight. The UK flag carrier recently switched to Terminal 3 for departures, although arrivals continue at Terminal 5.
British Airways will be partnering with American Airlines to use its gates, primarily K19. “The move is designed to streamline operations for the airline and improve the travel experience for customers,” Chicago Department of Aviation officials said.
Gridlock alert
Expect delays at Dempster Street and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) this June near Des Plaines as the Illinois tollway begins ramp repairs. Overnight ramp closures are scheduled to allow for resurfacing. Work should wrap up this summer.