Full I-88, Route 47 interchange worth study

The Prairie Parkway proposal that would run north-south and connect to Interstates 80 and 90 along a line parallel to Route 47 certainly inspires more discussion, and controversy, than an idea to expand the Route 47 and I-88 interchange. But the village of Sugar Grove's idea to ask neighboring villages to help fund a $196,000 feasibility study for the expansion of that interchange deserves consideration. Completing an eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp would help future commercial development in that region, as well as in the village.

That's what Sugar Grove officials believe, which is why the village is ready to put $50,000 toward the study, while also garnering $68,000 from developers in the area, including $50,000 from Crown Community Development, which already has development proposals in place for the key corners of the interchange.

We don't foresee Elburn or Kaneville officials jumping into this fray to expand from two to four ramps without some coaxing. Those villages surely would benefit from the improved transportation setup, but neither has expressed a desire in the past to forge ahead with development and growth. If Sugar Grove officials could persuade developers to contribute even more to the study, it might make it easier to pitch other villages to "have a say" by having a financial commitment.

When considering the growth occurring in western Kane and eastern DeKalb counties, the need for a full interchange is clear.

Even if the feasibility study, which will examine construction options and the pros and cons of development in that area, comes back with more positive than negative feedback, village officials would do well to have a champion in their corner from Springfield. It took former sate Rep. Suzanne Deuchler many years to finally get the Orchard Road interchange secured, and eventually made complete with the four off-on ramps.

Potential development in the Route 47 and I-88 region and the improved transportation setup, which would ease use of other county and state roads, are real positives.

But we like the idea of the feasibility study and the prospect of this project for a couple of other reasons. First, it simply is good planning to think about this kind of expansion before a development nearby makes it difficult, or even impossible, to do so. Second, the growing Waubonsee Community College campus would be well-served by a full interchange.

Eventually, the red tape of dealing with state agencies would represent the most critical steps. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority stands to benefit from another revenue stream, so we would hope that agency would embrace this effort. The Illinois Department of Transportation would more likely be strapped for cash, thus a little more difficult to convince.

Ultimately, we need to remind supporters and naysayers that a study like this could also reveal negative aspects that those excited about potential improvements have not thought about. It is a feasibility study, not a "won't this be a great thing" study.

As such, area villages should be involved in discussions and accept a financial stake.