Gougar Right Turn Lane Set for 2012

If you're driving north on Gougar Road, just about any time of day, and want to turn right on Route 30, you'll need a bit of luck at a red light.

Residents have waited a while for a right turn lane there, so long that most drivers know to hug the left side of the lane so cars can squeeze past to the right.

That right turn lane will finally be constructed next year, a "major improvement," New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann said. This has been a needed upgrade in his eyes, but the road is in county territory, not the village's.

Village staffers have said this is something they’ve brought up to Will County, but it took until recently to commit to a plan.

“It’s not only and inconvenience, but it’s a safety issue because people are pulling up and have trucks in front of them and can’t see,” Baldermann said at a town hall meeting earlier this year at . “It’s just typical bureaucracy dragging their feet on this. If it was our jurisdiction it would be done now."

Baldermann said the county recently agreed to construct the turn lane, and much sooner than expected: The construction will take place next year. 

According to the county's highway department, the Illinois Department of Transportation will let the project in January, and it could be completed by the end of the summer.

The project is estimated to cost $1.5 million, and because it's not in New Lenox territory the village won't bear the cost.

Facing north on Gougar, there will be a dedicated left turn lane and right turn lane, as well as the existing through lane. Facing south, there will still be two lanes but the configuration will change. Instead of a right-only lane and a left/through lane, there will be a left-only lane and a right/through.

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