Here's The Plan For Plainfield Road

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Cook County is still planning for improvements to Plainfield Road in Hinsdale, Western Springs, Burr Ridge and La Grange.

Last year, one of the alternatives for the project was a five-lane road.

But Western Springs opposed the idea. It said a five-lane road would add to area flooding and require considerable right-of-way taking for the project.

Since then, the county settled on a continuous three-lane road, with a shared use path, sidewalk, curb and gutters for the entire length of the project.

Another advisory committee meeting is planned for the fall, but no date has been set.

In an email to Patch last week, La Grange resident Larry Howard, who lives on Plainfield Road, said he was against the proposed changes.

"I am opposed because more asphalt and concrete does not make this a ‘green project’ and reduces the buffer area from traffic to the front yards we have enjoyed for years," Howard said. "It also gives the public access to the front yards ... when there is none now."

The 3½-mile section of road is from County Line Road in Hinsdale to East Avenue in La Grange.

Last year, yard signs were seen on both sides of Plainfield Road indicating opposition to a five-lane road.

According to a county study, the road is past its useful life and requires improvement. Near County Line Road, the concrete pavement is more than 40 years old, while in other areas, it is more than 60 years old, the county said.

Last year, a county official told Western Springs that the 2050 traffic volumes were enough to warrant a five-lane road.

The county said last year the project would start in 2026.