FAQ

Did You Know?

• This project involves approximately 0.3 miles of IL Route 3.

• The existing typical section for IL Route 3 within the project limits consists of two 11 ft. wide lanes with 4 ft. paved shoulders. Some sections of IL Route 3 have curb and gutter.

• The posted speed limit on IL Route 3 throughout the project limits varies from 35 to 45 mph.

• The area surrounding the project limits consists of residential and commercial properties as well as several churches.

What improvements will be made?
Roundabouts will be constructed in place of the signalized intersections at IL 3/W Delmar Ave and Pierce Lane; and IL 3/W Delmar Ave and Homer M Adams Pkwy.  Cook Street will be realigned to the north.

Why Roundabouts?
The proximity of these two intersections makes the movement through them difficult and often leads to traffic back-ups.  During the Phase I study, it was determined that the dual roundabouts were the best option here to provide a safer and more efficient way to move the traffic through this area.

Will right of way or easements be required for this improvement?
Right-of-way and easements will be required.  IDOT’s Land Acquisition Section will be contacting the affected property owners during Phase II.

Will bicycle and pedestrian traffic be accommodated?
Yes, there will be a shared use path constructed along the south side of the roundabouts that will connect to existing sidewalk along the north side of the project.  Sidewalk will also be reconstructed along Cook Street.

When will construction begin and how long will it last?
Final plans are still being completed.  Once plans and the land acquisition process is complete, utility relocates will be the next step.  Once those are complete, Cook Street will be reconstructed in two parts to maintain access to the Evangelical United Church of Christ Church and School.  After Cook Street is completed, the double roundabouts can be constructed.  Under full closure, we anticipate this to take a full calendar year.  If the roundabouts are constructed in stages, it could take two to three years to complete.  Depending on plan progress and land acquisition, Utility relocates could start as soon as January 2023.

How do I maneuver through these roundabouts?
Both of these roundabouts will be single lane roundabouts. 

Driving Through a Single-lane Roundabout

1. Approaching the roundabout.
   Slow down before approaching the roundabout. If you see any pedestrians about to cross or crossing the street, let them pass before going through the crosswalk, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way at a roundabout. Proceed past the crosswalk once it is safe to do so. Make sure you are able to clear the crosswalk, blocking a pedestrian crossing is a traffic violation you can be cited for.
2. Yield to vehicles and cyclists that are already on the roundabout.
   Enter a gap in traffic when you see one. Remember, you must move in a counterclockwise direction.
3. Proceed to the desired exit.
   Don’t try to pass anyone at the roundabout and avoid stopping.
4. Signal your intent to exit the roundabout.
   Use your turn indicators or hand signals if the indicators are malfunctioning. If there are pedestrians crossing the street at a roundabout exit, stop and yield to them before going through.

If you missed your exit, don't panic and keep driving until you make another circle and return to the exit again.

Things You Should Not Do At A Roundabout

• Do not change lanes in a roundabout
• Do not stop at a roundabout if you can avoid it
• Do not drive beside buses or large trucks or pass them
• Do not travel in the outside lane further than allowed as it may create a hazard for the vehicle exiting the roundabout from the inside lane

Right of Way At Roundabouts

The rules that determine the right-of-way at a roundabout are very simple:

• pedestrians crossing the street have the right-of-way, all drivers and cyclists must yield
• traffic already at the roundabout has the right-of-way, yield before entering the intersection
• emergency vehicles entering the roundabout have the right-of-way. Yield to emergency vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights and sounding a siren when entering the roundabout even if you are already on it

Source: https://www.epermittest.com/drivers-education/roundabouts#driving-through-a-single-lane-roundabout

Please click here to view the Preliminary Proposed Dual Roundabout Design Aerial Animation (looking east).

Please click here to view the Preliminary Proposed Dual Roundabout Design Aerial Animation (looking west).