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About the Study
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Moving South Cook County: Truck Routing and Communities Study is being conducted by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. The goal of the study is to improve truck routing and infrastructure and address community concerns and safety issues in the two study areas, North of I-80 and South of I-80. Designated truck routes can lead to strategic investments and better access to railyards and other major freight-generating facilities while promoting economic development and safety in communities. Appropriately designated truck routes will also support livability and quality of life across south suburban communities
PROJECT GOALS
Pursue economic prosperity that is not at the expense of neighbors and help communities come together to reach a consensus on truck routing as many routes go beyond municipal boundaries.
Focus on social issues and equity issues and incorporate a robust public involvement process.
Identify potential solutions to minimize the negative aspects of trucks and rail and balance livability, natural assets, and cultural assets in the study area.
Brainstorm investments that will support a community truck routing system and aid communities in pursuing competitive funding sources to implement the recommendations.
Help communities prioritize where truck routes should and should not go and ensure that trucks have access to the highway system and freight rail yards. Provide a recommended truck route network that guides trucks to the routes designed for them and away from residential neighborhoods and sensitive areas to lessen community impacts.
PROJECT TIMELINE
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Guidance for communities on how to implement the recommended truck routes per state law and IDOT policy.
Long-term truck routes may need design changes or substantial capital investment to better support future truck traffic.
A map of recommended long-term and short-term truck routes.
Capital improvements plan to help communities prioritize their projects and seek competitive funding.
Short-term truck routes can be designated within the next five years without any major design changes anticipated.
Recommendations and strategies to implement truck routes.
WHY DOES THIS STUDY MATTER?
Changes in Laws for Designated Truck Routes
01
New laws generally allow all trucks 65’ or less on all roads unless there is a restriction. The new laws also expand access to local streets for the largest trucks.
03
The changes generally allow a truck up to 65' in length on all roadways, regardless of designation as a truck route.
02
Previously, state law had allowed general access for trucks up to 55' in length on undesignated roadways.
04
Vehicles exceeding 65' may travel from a Class I or Class II designated truck route onto any non-designated highway for a distance of five miles for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs and rest if: there is no sign prohibiting that access
and the route is not being used as a thoroughfare between Class I or Class II highways