FAQ

What is the purpose of this study?

The Illinois 173 Preliminary Engineering Study project is to produce a Phase I Project Report which studies alternatives to improve the road. The Phase I Project Report will be prepared following the requirements of the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. NEPA established a national environmental policy intentionally focused on federal activities and the desire for a sustainable environment balanced with other essential needs of present and future generations.

Why is the Illinois Department of Transportation studying this road?

The Illinois Department of Transportation has determined the Illinois 173’s pavement from 0.4 miles west of the Village of Poplar Grove to the Boone McHenry County Line Road needs to be rehabilitated/replaced due to the rising and continual cost of maintenance since the 94-year-old pavement has reached the end of its life.

What is right-of-way?

Right-of-way (ROW) is a general term denoting the land, property, or interest therein acquired for and devoted to transportation needs.

Will additional right-of-way be required with this project?

Yes, the acquisition of additional right-of-way is required for this project.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is in the initial stage of right-of-way engineering to determine the preliminary quantity of additional land to be acquired by the IDOT for right-of-way. After the right-of-way engineering is completed, the right-of-way and land acquisition needs will be presented to the public.

IDOT will contact the owners of properties effected by land acquisition to discuss the land acquisition process including, but not limited to, the portion of land needed for the improvement, the owner’s rights under the law, the appraised value, and the compensation.

Will the improvement need the removal of any building or the relocation of businesses or residences?

Building removal and the relocation of businesses or residences are not needed for this Illinois 173 improvement.

There are several buildings, in the Village of Capron, that have been identified to need modifications to their stairs. These modifications are needed so the stairs can meet the proposed sidewalk elevations. IDOT will contact the owners of effected properties to discuss the action that IDOT will take to accomplish these modifications.

What is the current stage of project development?

This project is currently in Phase I. Proposed highway improvements are typically processed in three distinct phases. In Phase I (preliminary engineering phase), public involvement, proposed geometry, environmental concerns, and right of way requirements are defined. This phase is estimated to be 48 months. During Phase II, contract plans are prepared, and the necessary right of way is acquired. This phase generally takes an estimated 18-24 months. Phase III represents the actual construction of the improvement.

How will construction of this project be completed?

This has not yet been determined.  Once a scope of work has been determined, in conjunction with input from the public, a preliminary design will be developed.  As part of that, an analysis will be done to evaluate various construction methods to minimize travel disruptions to the motoring public.