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Arlington Heights Secures $251,000 for Oak & Elm Intersection Upgrade

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. es-251-000-for-oak-elm-intersection-upgrade.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 11:06 GMT by Patch

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Arlington Heights Secures $251,000 for a Major Transportation Improvement Project

Arlington Heights’ city council, in a unanimous decision during the February 28, 2025 meeting, approved a $251,000 transportation project aimed at easing congestion, enhancing safety, and improving accessibility for residents and commuters. The project focuses on a critical intersection on Oak Street and Elm Avenue, a junction that has long been a hotspot for traffic delays, pedestrian accidents, and a bottleneck for emergency vehicles. The funding comes from a combination of state and local transportation grants, with additional contributions earmarked from the city’s own infrastructure reserve.

The Project at a Glance

The city’s own Transportation Department has taken the lead on project oversight, while the State Department of Transportation (DOT) will serve as the primary partner for design and construction oversight.

Why the Upgrade Matters

The Oak & Elm intersection has been cited in numerous resident complaints and local police reports as a source of high-speed collisions and near‑miss incidents. In 2024, the intersection recorded 15 crashes involving injuries—a figure 30% higher than the city average for similarly sized intersections. A recent traffic study conducted by the RMPO highlighted that the current layout caused an average delay of 12 minutes per weekday for vehicles traveling north‑south along Oak Street.

“Improving this intersection is a long‑standing priority for Arlington Heights,” said City Manager Sarah Thompson. “We want to reduce travel times, protect our cyclists, and make the corner safer for pedestrians, especially those using the nearby community center.”

The addition of a protected bike lane will link Oak Street’s existing bike path to the broader network, encouraging more residents to commute by bike and potentially reducing car traffic by an estimated 7% over the next decade, according to the RMPO’s projections.

Funding Breakdown and Financial Implications

The city’s budget for 2025 has included a $30,000 allocation for this project, with the remaining $221,000 coming from a state grant awarded in March 2025 as part of the Illinois Infrastructure Improvement Program. The state grant covers 60% of the total cost, while the city will contribute 25% from its infrastructure reserve. The remaining 15% will be financed through a small, city‑issued bond that will mature in 2030.

The council also approved a modest $2,500 contingency fund to cover unforeseen costs, such as underground utility adjustments or additional safety features identified during construction.

Community Input and Public Meetings

Prior to the council’s approval, the city held two public information sessions in March and April, where residents could voice concerns and propose modifications. One of the most common suggestions was to add pedestrian countdown timers at all crosswalks. The Transportation Department confirmed that the timers are now included in the final design, at a cost of approximately $8,000.

The city also requested that the construction timeline be phased to minimize disruption. The first phase—road resurfacing and drainage improvements—will run from May to July. The second phase, installing the roundabout and protected bike lane, is scheduled for August to December.

Follow‑Up Links and Further Reading

• City Council Minutes (Feb 28, 2025) – The official minutes provide a detailed record of the council’s deliberations, including the voting record and a full transcript of the City Manager’s presentation. The minutes confirm that the project was approved unanimously (5-0) with no amendments.

• Project Scope PDF – A 12‑page document outlining the technical specifications, design drawings, and environmental assessments. The PDF also includes a map that highlights the exact location of the proposed bike lane and new crosswalks.

• State DOT Grant Approval Letter – This letter, issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation, confirms the award of the $150,000 grant and outlines compliance requirements that the city must meet during construction.

• RMPO Traffic Study (2024) – A comprehensive report that identifies congestion patterns across the region. The study is used by the city to justify the priority of this project and to project the expected safety improvements.

• Arlington Heights Community Center Update – A separate news article on Patch discusses the potential impact of construction on the community center’s parking lot and nearby playground. The article explains that temporary parking arrangements will be provided by the city during the busiest construction months.

Anticipated Outcomes

• Safety – With a protected bike lane and upgraded crosswalks, the city anticipates a 20% reduction in pedestrian and cyclist accidents at the intersection.
• Efficiency – The roundabout signalization is projected to cut average vehicle delay from 12 minutes to 4 minutes, improving overall traffic flow.
• Economic Impact – Local businesses near the intersection should see increased foot traffic due to improved pedestrian accessibility.
• Environmental Benefits – Reduced vehicle idling time will lower emissions, aligning with Arlington Heights’ broader sustainability goals.

Conclusion

The Arlington Heights transportation project exemplifies a proactive approach to urban infrastructure. By allocating $251,000 to modernize a critical intersection, the city not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also positions itself to accommodate future growth, promote alternative transportation modes, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The project’s phased implementation, community‑driven design, and rigorous oversight mechanisms set a strong precedent for similar initiatives across the region.