Interstate 94 at 111th Street

Overview | Schedule | Resources | FAQ | Get Involved

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has initiated a Phase I, preliminary engineering and environmental study, for improvements to the Interstate 94 (I-94) at 111^th Street Interchange in the City of Chicago. The anticipated scope of work consists of an interchange improvement.

A public meeting was held on October 12, 2023, to provide an overview of the study, obtain public input regarding transportation needs, and highlight public involvement opportunities.

Meeting materials can be viewed on the Resources page of this website.

Note: IDOT projects typically have three distinct phases.  Phase I (or the project Study) consists of developing the project scope, environmental studies and preliminary design of a project.  Phase II (Design) consists of refining the design to develop contract plans and conduct land acquisition.  Phase III (Construction) consists of the actual construction of the project.
 

Serving the Pullman neighborhood in Chicago, the 111^th Street bridge over I-94 was initially built in 1960 and underwent a deck replacement in 1986.  Now more than 60 years since its construction, there are safety and structural condition needs present at the interchange, in addition to flooding issues.

I-94 also acts as a barrier in the area, limiting access across I-94. As 111^th Street terminates at the I-94 entrance and exit ramps, the 111^th Street bridge does not provide access to area east of the Interstate.  Doty Avenue East acts as a frontage road for the interstate – but it lacks direct connection to 111^th Street.  As a result, vehicles must utilize right-in, right-out access points present at the I-94 ramps to make that connection.  Similarly, existing conditions do not provide connectivity for bicycle and pedestrians across I-94 to access recreational areas and the lakefront to the east.

It was found that a grand total of 1,708 collisions occurred within the project limits between 2016 and 2021.  The highest crash patters were front to rear collisions, followed by sideswipes in the same direction, crashes with fixed objects, and crashes with other objects.  In addition, in 2020 there were two Critical Safety Tier Segments identified in I-94 within the project limits, one near 111^th Street and the second near 115^th Street.  Locations identified as Critical Safety Tier Segments are within the top 5% of locations statewide with the greatest potential for safety improvement, based on crash severity and frequency.

Another known concern in this area is the poor drainage.  I-94 is susceptible to flooding because of its proximity to the Doty Ditch and Lake Calumet, with 11 recorded flooding incidents occurring between 1998 and 2020. 

IDOT projects typically have three distinct phases:

• Phase I: Preliminary Engineering & Environmental Studies
• Phase II: Final Design/Contract Plan Preparation & Land Acquisition
• Phase III: Construction

The I-94 at 111^th Interchange project is currently in Phase I, which includes data collection, identification of transportation issues and concerns, development of range of alternatives, and identification of the preferred alternative and its refinement.  Phase I concludes with the approval of an environmental and engineering report which summarizes the study.

The I-94 at 111^th Street study is anticipated to conclude in mid-2026.

Please reference the links below to access meeting materials.

Public Meeting – October 12, 2023

Public Meeting Exhibits

• Location Map
• Environment & Community Resources
• ADT Exhibit
• Crash Data
• Crash History
• Project Study Timeline
• Strip Map I-94
• Study Phases
• Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)
• Ways To Comment

Public Meeting Newsletter

Video Presentation

Public Meeting Summary

Study Update Newsletter - March 2025

Community Advisory Group (CAG)

• CAG 1 Summary - August 7, 2024
• CAG 2 Summary - November 7, 2024

Additional information will be posted as it is developed. Please visit this page periodically for project updates.

Why are you doing this study?
There are safety and structural condition needs present at the 111th Street interchange, in addition to flooding issues. I-94 also acts as a barrier in the area, limiting bicyclists and pedestrian access across I-94.

What happens during a study?
During a preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) the study team analyzes existing and future conditions, defines the Purpose and Need for an improvement, and develops and evaluates improvement alternatives while engaging with the public and soliciting public input.

Where are we in the project?
The Phase I study was initiated in late 2022 and is anticipated to conclude in mid-2027. Upon conclusion of Phase I, Phase II (contract plan preparation & land acquisition), and Phase III (construction) will follow. Please note that only Phase I is funded at this time.

How is the study being funded?
Phase I for the study is currently funded. Phase II and Phase III are not currently included in the Department's Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Proposed Highway Improvement Program.  However, this project will be included in the Department’s priorities for future funding consideration among similar improvement needs throughout the region.

What about improvements in the short-term?
The Department is moving forward with separate maintenance improvements for the 111^th Steet Bridge which will take place before the conclusion of this current Phase I study. That work is expected to include bridge repairs, bridge painting, and bridge deck overlay.

Is any land acquisition necessary and, if so, will my property be impacted?
At this time right-of-way needs have not been determined. Once the preferred alternative is identified, right-of-way needs, if any, will be determined and the property owner will be notified during Phase I. If necessary, land acquisition process will be conducted during Phase II.

How is noise being considered for this study?
As part of the environmental study process, a traffic noise analysis will be performed along the study area corridor to evaluate the potential need for noise abatement walls as part of the recommended improvements. In any areas where the future noise levels are predicted to be at or higher than federal noise regulation criteria, noise abatement measures, such as noise walls, will be considered. 

What is a stakeholder?
A stakeholder is anyone who could be affected by the project, has a stake in its outcome, or is interested in the project. Stakeholder feedback is essential and encouraged throughout the project.

Meeting materials area available on the Resources page.

To submit your comments and/or to subscribe for study notifications, please contact us at i94at111study@gmail.com.

Comments can also be submitted via mail to:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Bureau of Programming
Attn: Valentina DeFex
201 Center Court
Schaumburg, IL 60196

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