How Roundabouts Help Improve Transportation in Lake County

Roundabouts are circular intersections that allow vehicles to travel through the intersection slowly without stopping (a traffic circle looks similar but requires vehicles to stop before entering the circle). Cars entering the roundabout yield to the vehicle on the left. Less stopping results in fewer traffic delays.

Studies have shown that roundabouts, at the appropriate locations, are safer than traditional four-way intersections with traffic signals. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported a 75 percent decrease in crashes.

New Roundabout at Fairfield and Monaville Road

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is preparing to convert the four-way stop intersection at Fairfield and Monaville Road to a single-lane roundabout. LCDOT is currently working with utility companies to relocate gas lines. Construction of the new roundabout could begin in fall 2021, but is likely to start in the spring of 2022. A full 90-day closure of the intersection will be needed once construction of the roundabout begins. 

US Route 45 Millburn Bypass | Completed in 2019

The $31 million project improved Route 45 from IL 132 to IL 173 and created a bypass of the Millburn Historic District, addressing one of the most congested traffic spots in Lake County, hence its nickname “the Millburn Strangler.” This project was completed in 2019 after more than 25 years of discussion, planning, and finally, construction of a realignment to drastically improve traffic flow in the area.