Interstate 64 under Illinois 111

Study Scope

The preliminary engineering and environmental study being performed by IDOT will evaluate options for replacing the existing Illinois 111 bridge over Interstate 64.  The existing bridge does not meet current standards for the clearance over the interstate. The project scope may include reconstruction or reconfiguration of the existing interchange as a result.

The preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) will determine how much higher Illinois 111 will need to be raised at the bridge. A preliminary interchange design will be developed with an opportunity for public review and comment.

IDOT projects typically have three distinct phases. Phase I (or the preliminary engineering and environmental study) proposed geometry, environmental concerns, and right-of-way requirements are defined. Phase II (Design) consists of refining the design to develop contract plans and the necessary right-of-way is acquired. Phase III (Construction) consists of the actual construction of the project. This project is currently in Phase I.

As the scope of the project is developed during the Phase I Study, an extensive public involvement program will be used to provide opportunities for the public to provide input on the project design.  Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) will be utilized for the public involvement for this project.  Please click on the Public Participation tab for more information on the CSS process.

Funding Status

The Department’s FY 2019-2024 Proposed Highway Improvement Program includes all engineering and construction.

Project Need

The existing bridge that carries Illinois 111 over I-64 was built in 1973, making it nearly 50 years old and reaching the end of its useful service life. Much of the original construction remains in place, along with nearly 25% of the current deck having been patched in recent years.

There is currently approximately 14’-1” of clearance between the bridge and the interstate below, which is well below the current minimum of 16’-0”.  As a result, the low beam of the bridge has been struck by trucks and equipment hauled by trucks on numerous occasions, resulting in frequent repairs

Crash History

Crash history in this location reflects that the clearance distance between Interstate 64 and the structure that carries Illinois 111 over Interstate 64 is not sufficient, as this structure has been struck by tractor trailers and equipment being hauled by trucks traveling on Interstate 64.

Project Development Process

Phase I is the preliminary engineering phase. During this phase public involvement, data collection, and engineering and environmental analyses will be performed.  A project report is developed that documents this process. The land acquisition process will begin toward the end of this phase. This phase will take approximately 24 months.

Phase II is where plans, specifications, and estimates will be prepared so that the project can be placed on a letting for construction by a contractor. The plans will be prepared in accordance with the approved Phase I project report. Negotiation with property owners for the purchase of any needed right of way and easements will occur during this phase. This phase will take approximately 24 months.

Phase III is the actual construction of the project using the plans developed in Phase II. This phase will take approximately 24 to 36 months, depending on the type of improvement being constructed.

Interstate 64 under Illinois 111 Project Time Line

Project Updates

08/08/19 Public Meeting #1 – The Illinois Department of Transportation held the first I-64 under Illinois 111 Public Meeting on Thursday, August 8, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Washington Park Village Office in Washington Park. This Public Meeting was an open forum meeting.  The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the project to the public and share information regarding the need for the replacement of the bridge.  The Project Study Team was available to answer questions, take comments, and provide information about the project.  Informational hand outs were provided, comment forms were provided, and exhibits with information about this project were on display to view. A total of 22 people attended this Public Meeting. Please click on the links below to view the I-64 under Illinois 111 Public Meeting Exhibits.

Please click here to view all PM#1 exhibits

Please click here to view PM#1 brochure.

Project Location

Public Involvement

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) will be utilized for the public involvement for this project

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)

An inclusive, responsive public involvement program is an essential part of this project. The public involvement program is being implemented using the principles of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) and follows the policies and procedures for CSS as developed by IDOT.  CSS is a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits into its surroundings and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources while maintaining safety and mobility.   

Public Meetings

View the proposed interchange concept and receive information about the progress of the project. Due to the project’s location, IDOT would welcome public input from the community and family members of loved ones whose remains are interred at the former sites of the Douglas-Lawnridge and St. Clair County cemeteries.

At the beginning of the project and at various milestones during project development, public meetings will be held to provide information concerning the project development and to receive public input.

Public Involvement to date:

08/08/19 Public Meeting #1 – The Illinois Department of Transportation held the first I-64 under Illinois 111 Public Meeting on Thursday August 8, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Washington Park Village Office in Washington Park. This Public Meeting was an open forum meeting.  The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the project to the public and share information regarding the need for the replacement of the bridge.  The Project Study Team was available to answer questions, take comments, and provide information about the project.  Informational hand outs were provided, comment forms were provided, and exhibits with information about this project were on display to view. A total of 22 people attended this Public Meeting. Please click on the links below to view the I-64 under Illinois 111 Public Meeting Exhibits.

Please click here to view all PM#1 exhibits

Please click here to view PM#1 brochure.

Public Meeting #2 – A second Public Meeting is currently being conducted.  An in-person meeting was held on August 9, 2022.  This meeting provided community members with an update on the progress and issues concerning proposed improvements for this project.  The Public Meeting was an open forum meeting.   The Project Study Team was available at this meeting to answer questions, take comments, and provide information about the project.

For those who were unable to attend this meeting in person, a Virtual Public Meeting can be viewed below. Listed below are links to the Exhibits, Brochure, and Comment/ Cemetery Commemoration Survey that are available for viewing and comment. The public is encouraged to participate in the Virtual Public Meeting to learn about the study, review the study Exhibits and Brochure, and provide comments and questions concerning this study. Comments will be accepted until Wednesday August 31, 2022.

• Please click here to view all PM #2 exhibits
• Please click here to view PM #2 brochure
• Please click here to fill out our online comment/ cemetery commemoration survey
• Please click here to view the August newsletter

How can I find out about future public involvement activities?

• Visit the IDOT project website and click on the Updates tab for notices
• Request to have your name added to the project mailing list for mailers/ invitations. Contact Matthew Meyer at (618) 346-3160 or by e-mail at matthew.meyer@illinois.gov to be added to the mailing list.
• Look for announcements in the local newspaper
• Look for flyers in local businesses, government agencies, and community buildings
• Contact local government agency (Village of Washington Park)
• Watch for roadway message boards for announcements
• Contact Matthew Meyer at (618) 346-3160 or by e-mail at matthew.meyer@illinois.gov

Get Involved

If you have questions or want to sign up for the project mailing list, contact Matthew Meyer at (618)-346-3160 or email matthew.meyer@illinois.gov.