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Illinois Department of Transportation

Study

Overview and Scope

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is currently in the process of finalizing preliminarry engineering and environmental studies (Phase I) for the improvement of Interstate 55 (I-55) at Lorenzo Road and at IL 129 in Will County near the City of Wilmington.

In this region, I-55 serves as one of two main north-south interstates between Chicago and downstate Illinois. The I-55 at Lorenzo Road interchange is a full-access interchange, while the interchange at IL 129 only provides a northbound entrance and exit. Traffic traveling southbound along I-55 must exit IL 113 to access IL 129.

The I-55 interchanges at Lorenzo Road and at IL 129 mainly serve the City of Wilmington along with the industrial developments in the area.

IDOT develops highway transportation improvement projects in 3 phases. The I-55 at Lorenzo and IL 129 study is currently in Phase I. During this phase, preliminary engineering and environmental studies are completed to develop an improvement of the roadway that addresses an established purpose and need.

The purpose of this project is to improve safety, facility condition, and interchange operations at I-55 at Lorenzo Rd and at IL 129.

Details

IDOT develops and implements projects using a three-phase process:

  • Phase I: Preliminary engineering and environmental studies
  • Phase II: Contract plan preparation and land acquisition
  • Phase III: Construction

The I-55 at Lorenzo and IL 129 preliminary engineering and environmental studies (Phase I) are nearing completion. Funding for Phase II and Phase III is included in IDOT’s FY 2026-2031 Proposed Highway Improvement Program.  After Phase I completion, the project will move into Phase II. Contract plan preparation and land acquisition process is anticipated to take 18 to 24 months to complete and construction is anticipated to take 24-36 months to complete.


Phase I: Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies
During this phase, the project team collects information, a range of alternatives, including a “no build” alternative, is developed and potential effects to study area resources are identified.  Environmental analyses are conducted to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Learn more about NEPA.  

Phase I Overview

Context Sensitive Solutions

A key planning tool for this study was a stakeholder involvement program based upon the principles of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). CSS is an interdisciplinary approach that seeks effective, multimodal transportation solutions by working with stakeholders to develop, build and maintain cost-effective transportation facilities which fit into and reflect the project’s surroundings (its “context”).

Through early, frequent, and meaningful communication with stakeholders and a flexible, creative approach to design, the resulting project should improve safety and mobility for the traveling public while seeking to preserve and enhance the scenic, economic, historic, and natural qualities of the settings through which they pass. CSS stakeholder activities include meetings with local stakeholders/special interest groups, and other forms of public outreach including a public hearing. All input was evaluated and used to help shape viable solutions.

The CSS project approach enhances public participation in the transportation planning process.

Environment

This project is being developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure that environmental factors are weighted equally when compared to other factors in the decision-making process. Learn more about NEPA.

Get Involved

The study includes multiple opportunities for you to participate by submitting comments, attending public outreach events and keeping informed through this website and newsletters. We will update this website as the I-55 at Lorenzo and IL 129 Study progresses to help you stay informed.


Your participation and input are vital to the success of the study. We value your input and look forward to your participation. To get involved:

Engagement in the community was done in the following ways:

  • Small group/individual meetings
  • Public outreach events
  • Informational materials
  • Media releases

Because stakeholder involvement is critical to the planning process for this study, a Stakeholder Involvement Plan (SIP) was developed to guide the stakeholder involvement program.

Contact Us

We are interested in hearing your ideas and opinions! Please let us know what you think about the I-55 at Lorenzo and IL 129 Study. Get all of the I-55 at Lorenzo and IL 129 Study information sent directly to you by joining our project mailing list.

Please use the e-mail address below to submit a comment or question and/or join the mailing list. 

If you prefer, you may contact us by mail, email or telephone:

Illinois Department of Transportation, District 1
Attn: Anna Kutryn, P.E.
201 West Center Ct.
Schaumburg, IL 60196

E-mail: LorenzoIL129Study@gmail.com

Phone: (847) 705-4569

Resources

Browse study documents, materials and resources to learn more about the I-55 at Lorenzo Rd and at IL 129 Study.

Documents

Public Outreach Materials

Public Hearing  

August 15, 2024

Virtual Public Outreach #1
November 16, 2020 – December 14, 2020