Design

The overall project has been divided into two separate contracts.

WEST SECTION - Contract 74212 (Illini Drive to Banker Street)

Location Map

Scope of work:

• Complete reconstruction and widening of the existing pavement from Illini Drive to Banker Street
• Construction of four 12’-wide lanes (two lanes in each direction), and a 12’-wide center turn lane
• Construction of a 5’-wide sidewalk along the north side of Fayette Avenue, and a 10’-wide multi-use path along the south side of Fayette Avenue
• Traffic signal improvements at the intersections of Raney Street, Henrietta Street, and Maple Street, as well as at Henrietta Street & Grove Avenue, and at Henrietta Street & Jefferson Avenue
• Geometric improvements at all side street intersections, with the most significant upgrades at Raney Street, Henrietta Street and Maple Street
• Installation of lighting along Fayette Avenue, Henrietta Street, and the multi-use path
• Complete replacement of the storm sewer system, along with some drainage system improvements

Maintenance of traffic:

• One lane of vehicular traffic will be maintained in each direction along Fayette Avenue.
• There will be intermittent periods of side street closures, when necessary.
• Traffic will be shifted onto temporary pavement at times to facilitate construction.
• Temporary traffic signals will be installed at signal improvement locations.

Project Schedule:

• Currently working on contract plans, land acquisition, and utility coordination
• Construction is expected to last 2 years.

Municipalities:

This project has been coordinated with the following municipalities and agencies:

• The City of Effingham

Project Benefits:

• Improved Safety
• Increased Capacity
• Improved pedestrian/bicyclist facilities

EAST SECTION - Contract 74A02 (Banker Street to Long Street)

Location Map

Scope of work:

• Complete reconstruction and widening of the existing pavement from Banker Street to Long Street
• Construction of four 12’-wide lanes (two lanes in each direction), and a 12’-wide center turn lane
• Construction of a 10’-wide multi-use path along the north side of Fayette Avenue, and a 5’-wide sidewalk along the south side of Fayette Avenue
• Traffic signal improvements at the intersections of Banker Street, 4th Street, 3rd Street, and Willow Street
• Geometric improvements at all side street intersections, with the most significant upgrades at 4th Street, 3rd Street, and Willow Street
• Installation of lighting along Fayette Avenue and the multi-use path
• Complete replacement of the storm sewer system, along with some drainage system improvements

Maintenance of traffic:

• One lane of vehicular traffic will be maintained in each direction along Fayette Avenue.
• There will be intermittent periods of side street closures, when necessary.
• Traffic will be shifted onto temporary pavement at times to facilitate construction.
• Temporary traffic signals will be installed at signal improvement locations.

Project Schedule:

• A consultant has been selected for Phase II design and plan preparation.
• Construction will begin after completion of land acquisition, and is expected to last 2 years.

Municipalities:

This project has been coordinated with the following municipalities and agencies:

• The City of Effingham

Project Benefits:

• Improved Safety
• Increased Capacity
• Improved pedestrian/bicyclist facilities

Maps

West Section – Overhead View

East Section - Overhead View

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

• What are the Fayette Avenue Project limits?
  The Fayette Avenue Project is located along a 1.6-mile section of Fayette Avenue (US 40/US 45/IL 33) beginning at Illini Drive, and proceeds easterly through Effingham, ending at Long Street.

• What is the Fayette Avenue Project?
  The main reconstruction element to the Fayette Avenue Project is widening all 4 lanes from 10 feet to 12 feet, and adding a 12-foot center turn lane.
  Other Improvements include:
  Reconfiguration of 3 intersections (Henrietta Street, Maple Street and Willow Street)
  Signal Improvements
  New sidewalk
  New multi-use path
  Storm sewer upgrades
  Utility relocation
  Aesthetic enhancements

• What does Fayette Avenue look like now?
  Currently, the Fayette Avenue roadway consists of four 10-foot wide lanes, with
  5-foot wide sidewalks on each side.

• Why does IDOT need to rebuild Fayette Avenue?
  The Fayette Avenue project solves four different problems:
  Narrow lanes – Currently, there are four 10-foot lanes.
  Over 20,000 vehicles a day – High numbers of vehicles are using the road, with many more projected in the future
  Lack of left-turn lanes – Causes back-ups and rear-end collisions
  High number of crashes per year – Many are low-speed and minor injury incidents

• When will it be constructed?
  The total project is split into two separate contracts.  Both contracts are included in the FY 2021-2026 Multi-Year Program.

• How long will it take to construct the projects?
  Each contract is expected to take two full construction seasons.

• Will Fayette Avenue or any of the side roads be closed during construction?
  Fayette Avenue will remain open to traffic during construction.  At times, there will be only one lane each direction open.  There will be intermediate closures of the side roads near their intersections with Fayette Avenue.

• What will the improved Fayette Avenue look like?

• Will businesses remain open during construction?
  Access to all businesses will be open during construction.  At times, access from Fayette Avenue will be closed but access from side roads will remain open.
  
  
• Will there be any homes or businesses taken?
  Due to the improvements requiring more right-of-way than is currently available, there will be both residential and commercial displacements. Some of these are considered to be “whole takes” where IDOT will purchase the entire property. Others are considered to be “partial takes” where IDOT purchases a small portion of the property and/or building.