CHICAGO: ORD & MDW discussion

[jpIllInoIs]

that advisory referendum was put on the ballot by ..guess who??? Mayor Geils!. It is a way to stir up the anti O'Hare sentiment and "get out the vote". Note the margin of that referendum, 1400 for 1100 against. hardly a landslide. and anyway a question like that is the same as saying... 'Should we stop kneeling on your chest?"
Of course the residents want to "fight ohare" but they may want the fight to go in a different direction. Ot they may want to fight for a different end result.

[Chicago Shawn]

Well this house cleaning at Bensinville Village Hall certainly made my morning

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Not to get off topic, but I'd love to see somebody come in and streamroll Pat Levar like that in the next Aldermanic elections

Its not off topic, as Levar is chairman of the city's aviation committee, and is in trouble for seeking pay to play campaign contributions from contractors working on O'Hare expansion. I don't know if the charges are serious enough to oust the fat bastard. In the last election, the spread between him and his closest challenger; Terry Boyke, was less than a 10 points in a 4-way race. Levar's biggest constituency is the "don't change my neighborhood" NIMBY crowd.

[mcfinley]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/1541339,ohare-expansion-elk-grove-042309.article

Elk Grove Village to stop legal battle against O'Hare expansion

April 23, 2009

BY MARY WISNIEWSKIStaff Reporter

One of the fiercest opponents of the O’Hare Airport expansion has pulled out of the fight.

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said the village will stop its legal battle against the $15 billion expansion, after the Illinois Department of Transportation said it had discarded an alternative for a ring road around the airport that would have widened Route 83/Busse Road.

Johnson said he is happy IDOT is picking an option connecting I-90 and I-294 that will not hurt the village’s industrial park. Johnson said the decision will save “hundreds of businesses, thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax dollars.”

“We’re very excited that the cloud has finally been lifted over our community,” said Johnson.

The western suburbs of Elk Grove Village and Bensenville together have spent $14 million fighting the O’Hare expansion, tying up the Chicago’s plans with litigation. But Bensenville earlier this month elected a new village president, Frank Soto, who has reportedly said he is willing to negotiate with the City of Chicago.

Defeated Bensenville Village President John Geils long opposed the expansion. Johnson said losing Geils as an ally was one reason Elk Grove Village decided to stop fighting the expansion.

“We’ve always said we’d never abandon our friend and ally,” Johnson said. He said he has tried contacting Soto repeatedly, but has gotten no response.

Johnson said he still thinks the O’Hare expansion plan is flawed, but that’s Chicago’s problem.

“Someday you might look back and say those two little mayors were right,” Johnson said.

Soto was not immediately available for comment. Neither was the Chicago Department of Aviation.

[nergie]

Originally Posted by mcfinley

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/1541339,ohare-expansion-elk-grove-042309.article

[jpIllInoIs]

Finally and end to the bs lawsuits. EGV and Bensensville spent $14 millinoin and I bet Chicago spent even more. And the lost time... o well at least that part of it is over.

[jpIllInoIs]

Only somewhat related to OHare, but this thread has been dormant awhile so here ya go.

Interesting that the Southwest corporate refers to Milwaukee Mitchell as Chicago's 3rd airport.




http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/prindex.html

Southwest Airlines Announces Intent to Begin Service From Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport
Carrier Plans Start-Up with Jet Flights to Multiple Destinations in Late 2009

DALLAS, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines today announced its intent to begin service from Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport (MKE) late this year. The carrier has not released specific service details, but said it will offer multiple destinations from the airport of choice for business and leisure travelers who work and live across the vibrant and growing region. The new Southwest service from MKE will commence after already-announced new service to New York LaGuardia (June 28) and Boston Logan (August 16).

"I am certain our more than 90 million annual Customers will be delighted to learn they will now be able to fly Southwest Airlines when their travels take them to Milwaukee. Likewise, I look forward to bringing our great, low fare service, and the nation's largest airline network to our new friends in Milwaukee, which will also help better serve the Northern Chicago Area," said Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, at Southwest Airlines' Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Dallas.

"As we have previously announced, we essentially slowed our 2009 and 2010 fleet growth to zero. All of these new market opportunities are made possible without the addition of a single airplane by our continuous flight schedule optimization process," he said.

The Company plans to release more details of its future service from Milwaukee in the coming months.

"Southwest's arrival in Milwaukee will stimulate job growth, economic development, and give travelers more options they've been seeking," said Milwaukee Mitchell Airport Director Barry Bateman. "Southwest is already the dominant airline at Chicago Midway and will provide new service to the growing population of Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin, further solidifying Mitchell International as 'Chicago's Third Airport'."
To view a blog post on this news, visit: http://www.blogsouthwest.com. To visit Southwest's web site, visit: www.southwest.com.

After nearly 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service with no hidden fees. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.

http://www.southwest.com

SOURCE
Southwest Airlines

CONTACT:
Southwest Airlines, +1-214-792-4847

[ardecila]

I don't know if any of you have been following the progress on the Elgin-O'Hare and the West Bypass, but it is progressing at a rapid pace. It will be the only new expressway in Chicagoland for probably the next decade.

Currently, there are two plans on the table. One would extend the Elgin-O'Hare along Thorndale to a western airport terminal, coupled with a complete West Bypass from 90 to 294 around the backside of O'Hare. This plan is estimated at $3.6 billion. The other plan would only complete the bypass between the Elgin-O'Hare and 294. The segment running north to 90 would be replaced by a widened Elmhurst Road and an enhanced interchange at 90. This would only cost $2.4 billion.

The Elgin-O'Hare pretty much has a fixed alignment because of the Thorndale corridor, but the West Bypass has many different alignments where it would connect to 294 and/or 90. Virtually all of them include VAST amounts of demolition, mostly of industrial areas. Am I the only one who finds the prospect of such demolition to be a little scary?

Latest Maps (look at the "Exhibits" for the alignment maps)
http://elginohare-westbypass.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=244#TheAlternativesCarriedForwardMemo

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by ardecila

I don't know if any of you have been following the progress on the Elgin-O'Hare and the West Bypass, but it is progressing at a rapid pace. It will be the only new expressway in Chicagoland for probably the next decade.

Currently, there are two plans on the table. One would extend the Elgin-O'Hare along Thorndale to a western airport terminal, coupled with a complete West Bypass from 90 to 294 around the backside of O'Hare. This plan is estimated at $3.6 billion. The other plan would only complete the bypass between the Elgin-O'Hare and 294. The segment running north to 90 would be replaced by a widened Elmhurst Road and an enhanced interchange at 90. This would only cost $2.4 billion.

The Elgin-O'Hare pretty much has a fixed alignment because of the Thorndale corridor, but the West Bypass has many different alignments where it would connect to 294 and/or 90. Virtually all of them include VAST amounts of demolition, mostly of industrial areas. Am I the only one who finds the prospect of such demolition to be a little scary?

Latest Maps (look at the "Exhibits" for the alignment maps)
http://elginohare-westbypass.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=244#TheAlternativesCarriedForwardMemo

While corridors and rights-of-way should be preserved for the eventual long term need/benefit of this project, there are so many other pressing needs in the region for $3+ billion in transportation infrastructure investment I don't even know where to begin.

[bnk]

Originally Posted by VivaLFuego

While corridors and rights-of-way should be preserved for the eventual long term need/benefit of this project, there are so many other pressing needs in the region for $3+ billion in transportation infrastructure investment I don't even know where to begin.

Yes but the Elgin-O'Hare Express Way goes to neither Elgin nor O'Hare at this point in time. Let's try to finish a project first within ones short lifetime on this planet.

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by VivaLFuego

While corridors and rights-of-way should be preserved for the eventual long term need/benefit of this project, there are so many other pressing needs in the region for $3+ billion in transportation infrastructure investment I don't even know where to begin.

If you think that's a poor use of money, you should see the transit options that RTA is considering in this corridor.

I'm not sure how USDOT will operate under Obama/LaHood, but currently, highways and transit come from separate sources, correct? The funding of this project would not negatively impact transit projects in the region. If this does not change, then I see this as being near the top of the list for highway projects. The only thing more pressing would be the widening of the Eisenhower between Mannheim and Austin.

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by ardecila

If you think that's a poor use of money, you should see the transit options that RTA is considering in this corridor.

I'm not sure how USDOT will operate under Obama/LaHood, but currently, highways and transit come from separate sources, correct? The funding of this project would not negatively impact transit projects in the region. If this does not change, then I see this as being near the top of the list for highway projects. The only thing more pressing would be the widening of the Eisenhower between Mannheim and Austin.

Yes, it's different pots of money. But $3 billion would go a long way with much-needed modernization projects that would do more to unlock congestion - signal interconnects, grade separations, interchange rebuilds to fix 1950s-era ramp geometry, etc. etc.

[lawfin]

Originally Posted by ardecila

If you think that's a poor use of money, you should see the transit options that RTA is considering in this corridor.

I'm not sure how USDOT will operate under Obama/LaHood, but currently, highways and transit come from separate sources, correct? The funding of this project would not negatively impact transit projects in the region. If this does not change, then I see this as being near the top of the list for highway projects. The only thing more pressing would be the widening of the Eisenhower between Mannheim and Austin.

^^^Link to those RTA options..I know its a bit OT

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by lawfin

^^^Link to those RTA options..I know its a bit OT

STAR Line is the biggy - and ardec's right, it's a notably more absurd proposal than the E-O.

[the urban politician]

^ Serious? You support the STAR Line?

I'm surprised...

[VivaLFuego]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Serious? You support the STAR Line?

I'm surprised...

Re-read my comment.

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by VivaLFuego

STAR Line is the biggy - and ardec's right, it's a notably more absurd proposal than the E-O.

There's also a planned light-rail line running along the new Elgin-O'Hare then up 290 to Woodfield, giving the O'Hare area TWO new rail links to Woodfield.

Also included in the plans are some, much more sensible, plans for express buses and bus lanes on the highways. Mr. Downtown has imagined a decent set of express bus routes for the Northwest Corridor that serves most large employers along 90 and links them to the River Road station on the Blue Line.

[lawfin]

Originally Posted by ardecila

There's also a planned light-rail line running along the new Elgin-O'Hare then up 290 to Woodfield, giving the O'Hare area TWO new rail links to Woodfield.

Also included in the plans are some, much more sensible, plans for express buses and bus lanes on the highways. Mr. Downtown has imagined a decent set of express bus routes for the Northwest Corridor that serves most large employers along 90 and links them to the River Road station on the Blue Line.

What really bothers me about these suburban developments..is that it would seem to make more sense and be cheaper to increase frequency....ie decrease I think it is called "head" time...on routes in areas where the density more supports regular ridership.

For one increase frequency of trains on Metra lines that serve the city on weekends....

Increase the frequency of trains on fridays to 1 every .5 hours or so...on the North line....

Make the brown line 24 hours

Consider making Orange line 24 hours...

Extend time on the purple line ..including express serivce throughout day....maybe add a couple stops at old AB stations on redline



just thoughts

The recent article in the Tribune seemed to indicate that ridership has increased...especially in areas that are more central within the L ridership area....focus development there by simply running more trains

Also I think Metra could do a better job at weekend coverage as stated above

[denizen467]

Originally Posted by lawfin

decrease I think it is called "head" time...on routes

I think "headway". But you must have had a very nice Friday night...

[whyhuhwhy]

Originally Posted by ardecila

The only thing more pressing would be the widening of the Eisenhower between Mannheim and Austin.

Agreed. IMO getting rid of the horrible Eisenhower bottleneck once and for all is the single most pressing transportation issue in the region, besides the obvious larger picture things like CREATE and a better CTA.

But above even Elgin-O'Hare I am surprised that the Kennedy-Edens junction bottleneck is not also a more pressing issue. Inbound on any given weekday is an hour or more from O'Hare to downtown or from Lake Cook to downtown. Talk about discouraging people from the north or west, mostly big earners up there too, from coming into the city in the afternoons and evenings. No wonder those suburbs are booming with new restaurants!

I agree with BNK though we need to get the Elgin-O'Hare expressway actually finished once and for all. But fixing the amazingly absurd Eisenhower bottleneck would certainly serve a LOT more people.

BTW does anyone know if the idea to get rid of the express lanes on the Kennedy has ever been knocked around? It is horribly outdated, especially when you have more people trying to get into the city in the afternoons than out. And it encourages sprawl. Why live in the city when a reverse commute is actually WORSE. And the express lanes require four shoulder lanes total, so you are talking about a huge waste of space too that could be dedicated to actual transportation. There are multiple reasons why it just doesn't work anymore. Has anyone even brought this up at ANY meeting? I sit and watch in awe every afternoon on gcmtravel.com as I see the unbelievable travel times for people if they are coming into the city from anywhere north or west of it.

[ardecila]

Metra already provides a good option in the UP-NW line, with frequent trains in both directions during AM and PM rush hours. Serious congestion begins where 90 and 190 merge, so Rosemont and Cumberland on the Blue Line offer last-chance options to ditch the car and take transit. Pace could probably be doing a better job with bus connections from Rosemont, but you can't say there aren't good alternatives to driving in the corridor.

Most people who are driving on the Edens or Kennedy at this point are people who obviously can AFFORD to spend so much time sitting in traffic in exchange for the comforts and convenience of an auto. Highway engineers would blame the severe congestion on the city's decision not to build the Crosstown back in the 70s.

Turning the reversible lanes into HOV has been tossed around, but IDOT is resistant to the whole idea of HOV, so they've always dismissed it. Design-wise, it would be challenging to turn the reversible lanes into regular lanes, because of the Blue Line tracks. The configuration of inbound-reversible-tracks-outbound means that there are more lanes on the inbound side than the outbound, or vice versa; they can't be split evenly between the travel directions without completely rebuilding the Blue Line.

North of the junction, I don't think it's a good idea to widen the Kennedy or Edens. Both highways are 3 lanes deliberately, to reduce traffic volume to capacity levels that the junction, and the Kennedy south of it, can handle. The situation on the Eisenhower is different, since 290 and 88 send 10 lanes into 6 lanes, which widens again to 8 lanes at Austin. I.e., it is a "true" bottleneck. The highway was built this way because it was assumed that an extra lane would be needed to handle traffic from Oak Park. Today, however, Oak Park has transit options that further-out suburbs can only dream of, so their special lane gets extended to serve the traffic from farther out.