Readers React: Does Route 59 Need Improvements?

It serves as a major north/south corridor for Naperville, however, Route 59 can also cause a major headache for locals. 

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But some relief is in sight. Tuesday night, Naperville City Council will vote to adopt two resolutions focusing on making improvements to a three mile stretch of Route 59 from Ferry Road to Aurora Avenue/New York Street. 

Specifically, the project will widen the portion of road to three lanes in both directions as well as add a sidewalk, shared-use path, noise walls and the reconfiguration of the Interstate 88 interchange to a diverging diamond interchange.

Main construction work for the Route 59 expansion project is expected to begin in spring 2013 and continue throughout 2014. 

The work will be conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with the city of Naperville having about a $1.6 million share of the multi-million dollar project.

We recently asked Naperville Patch readers how badly Route 59 needs attention on our Facebook page. 

Here's what readers had to say.

Greg: It's more an issue of timing on the lights IMO

Kim: It will be hell while the work is being done but the end effect is needed.

Julie: It's not just bad during rush hour it's also bad on the weekends, especially during peak shopping hours. They have been talking about improving that nightmare area for well over 10 years. It's LONG overdue!

Carol Sue: I think if you catch one light, you catch them all and from 75th to I-88 it easily adds about 5-7 minutes to your drive north on a Sunday morning. I was actually surprised that portion wasn't done because the infrastructure and widening of Rt 59 south of 75th was so well planned before the big housing boom. While they're at it, they may need to take a look at 75th street west of Rickert as well.

Maureen: It's definitely going to be a pain during construction but it needs to be done.

Ken: I think Rt. 59 is a pretty decent way to get North and South quickly. Tough at rush hour and at Christmas, but such is life...

Do you think expanding Route 59 to three lanes will help ease congestion?