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Madison County - IL 203 Phase I Study

Maverick Drive to Eagle Park Road, Madison County, Illinois

The Illinois Department of Transportation is performing a Phase I engineering and environmental study for potential improvements along Illinois 203 between Maverick Drive and Eagle Park Road in Madison County. The 1-mile study area includes the bridge that carries the Schoolhouse Trail over Illinois 203, creating a viaduct and low-point drainage condition supported by a pump station.

The study aims to improve safety, reduce long-term maintenance needs and enhance multimodal connectivity for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and trail users. The result of the study will be a preferred alternative that addresses identified transportation issues and serves the area’s future needs.

The Illinois 203 study area is located in Madison County and encompasses the segment from Maverick Drive to Eagle Park Road (about 1 mile). The project area includes the Schoolhouse Trail bridge — an aging structure — and an associated pump station serving a low-point underpass. The existing roadway section has limited shoulder widths, and the shoulder and infrastructure conditions do not meet current standards.

**Phase I was identified in the department’s FY 2026-2031 Proposed Highway & Multimodal Multi-Year Improvement Program. Phases II and III are currently NOT identified in the MYP.

As part of Phase I, the project team will:

  • Inventory existing infrastructure and drainage conditions
  • Assess roadway geometry, shoulder widths, structural integrity of the bridge and drainage system performance
  • Evaluate the operational and maintenance history of the pump station
  • Identify potential constraints, right of way issues and future multimodal connectivity needs

The study will follow a process similar to other IDOT corridor studies, with stakeholder engagement informing solutions that balance safety, mobility, sustainability and community context. 

IDOT is currently at the early stages of Phase I for this project. This site will be updated periodically as the project progresses. We thank you for your support and patience.

Consistent with environmental requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, this study will analyze potential environmental impacts of any proposed improvements. The environmental evaluation will consider:

  • Stormwater drainage and flood risk
  • Water resources and watershed impacts (e.g. local lakes or wetlands)
  • Effects on air quality and noise levels
  • Impacts to community resources, recreation and trail users, and neighborhood access
  • Potential right of way and property impacts

Any recommended improvement alternative will be selected after taking into account environmental findings, community input and engineering feasibility.

Public input is a key component of the Phase I study process. Once the website is live and a project mailing list is initiated, the public will be able to:

  • Request to join the project mailing list (via “Contact Us”)
  • Submit comments or questions about the project
  • Attend public meetings and stakeholder briefings (dates to be announced)
  • Review project materials and updates via the website and newsletters

IDOT encourages community involvement and welcomes feedback from all stakeholders.

What is a Phase I study?
Phase I is the preliminary phase of project development. It consists of data collection, assessment of existing conditions, evaluation of alternatives and environmental review — not final design.

Have decisions been made yet?
No — the project is in early Phase I. No alternative improvements or design decisions have been selected. Public input and environmental/engineering analyses will guide later steps.

When will decisions be made?
A preferred alternative will be identified following evaluation of alternatives, environmental review and public/stakeholder input. There is no set construction schedule at this time.

How can I provide input?
Via the Contact Us tab/email/mail/phone, or by participating in public meetings once announced.

IDOT is currently at the early stages of Phase I for this project. This site will be updated periodically as the project progresses. We thank you for your support and patience.

We are interested in hearing your ideas and opinions! Please let us know what you think about the Illinois 203 Phase I study. Join our project mailing list to stay up to date on important project information.

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

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

Illinois Department of Transportation, District 8

Attn: Andrew Buncher

1102 Eastport Plaza Drive

Collinsville, IL 62234

Email: Andrew.Buncher@illinois.gov

Phone: (618) 346-3168