Another roundabout under discussion in Orland Park

By Jeff Vorva

Even though roundabouts are not universally loved in Orland Park, a second roundabout on Ravinia Avenue is being considered for the long-term future.

The Village Board of Trustees discussed ideas at their Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 6 about what to do about the intersection of 153^rd Street and Ravinia Avenue.

A study was done, and data was collected predicting the traffic flow in the year 2050 and the village’s engineering offered three options – maintaining the existing configuration, adding a southbound right-turn lane on Ravinia Avenue or constructing a roundabout at the intersection.

There has been a roundabout at 147^th Street and Ravinia since 2018.

The engineering department and village staff members recommended adding the southbound turn lane, which would cost an estimated $1.4 million. Mayor Keith Pekau, however, wanted to keep the door open to a possible roundabout, which would cost an estimated $2.1 million.

Whichever way the village decides, most of the money would come through state and federal grants.

“I would like to see the overall cost of both,” Pekau said. “And we can figure what’s the best option for our solution. If traffic volume is going to go up, we want to be in a position where 20 years from now we don’t have to redo this again. Especially if 159^th and LaGrange redevelops, and Ravinia goes through and there will be more traffic.”

Pekau likes how the current roundabout is working out. He said the congestion near Village Hall, where the firsts roundabout was installed has lessened considerably.

He added that he knows not everyone in the village likes roundabouts but if this plan comes together in the next five years, more people will be used to them.

Budget talk

The proposed 2022 budget has been made available for public inspection.

The budget workshop, which usually takes three days, lasted just one session this year.

In an email to residents, Pekau said when he took office, the village was $110 million in debt and at the end of 2022 it will be reduced to $63 million.

Some of the projects for 2021 include a restoration of Tinley Creek, a restoration project at Doctor Marsh Nature Trail, moving utilities in the Triangle District, completing the Metra Parking Lot in the Triangle District, replacing soffits at Village Hall campus buildings that are currently made of drywall plus two bike path projects.