Welcome back.
For many years now there have been on again and off again discussions about an expressway interchange at I-80 and Wolf Road. This intersection is pretty much split between Mokena and Orland Park, with both communities required to agree on any type of plan before a single shovel of dirt can be tossed.
The village of Mokena has grown by leaps and bounds since any serious discussion about the interchange took place.
Countless proposals were reviewed and comprehensive studies were commissioned to evaluate the necessity and desire to have such an interchange at the location. No action has been taken for many years and any type of solution, no matter what the logistics, is languishing in bureaucracy.
While this is not the place to get lost in the details, it is a convenient spot to rekindle the discussion. Currently, when traveling on Interstate 80, there is an eight mile gap between the interchanges at LaGrange Road in Mokena and U.S. 30 in New Lenox. In between lies the connection to I-355.
Well, Mokena, the town that we all love, now is as good a time as any to hear your comments and suggestions. If you're in favor, or not, of expressway access at I-80 at Wolf Road please drop me a line with your thoughts. Whatever your feelings, it would add to the discussion if you could give a brief synopsis on why you feel that way.
In the mean time I'll be out there looking for more ways to love Mokena.
not want the traffic congestion. Hmm.... Be consistent Don !
the village to grow you need 2 acess points the one at Lagrange is over loaded. If Orland wants it we should support it.
I think Mokena would loose some of it's small town charm... Bwhahahhahaha Sorry, this has been discussed forever. Wolf is barely passable as it is now. Put a few dozen trucks on there and see what happens. Unfortunately, the Metra crossing in the middle of town doesn't help matters. Ever notice how they avoid grade-level crossings in other countries? We could always widen Wolf Rd, but remember how long it took to just get the stoplight turned back on at Wolf & Front ? Yowsa. Could take 20 years to complete Wolf widening.
I really appreciate your comments and respect your opinion, but I have not weighed in on the subject. I've responded to discussions taking place around our beautiful little village. I have simply asked, without leaning in any direction, for input from our readers. I really would enjoy discussing it further. If you want to call or email me that would be great. In your many postings in Mokena Patch you appear credible and very supportive of the community. In further discussion you may agree that there are stark differences between Wolf Road amd Cherry Street. Nonetheless your input is appreciated. Thanks, Don.
Mokena column where I state my support, or not, for an interchange at I-80 & Wolf Road. As I explained earlier, the subject was brought up and I wrote a column to get the opinion of our community. Your feelings and opinions are just as important as everyone else's in Mokena. The fact that I don't live near Wolf Road has no bearing. In my elected duties I have a responsibility to all of our residents and I take that very seriously. You certainly have a right to your opinion and I respect that. I would be happy to discuss Cherry Street with you or anyone else. This column is not the place for that. Please contact me and we can setup a time to talk. Thank you.
That is an insane thing to even consider!!