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Illinois 154 at Rend Lake Bridge Replacement Project
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING We Need Your Input July 20-31, 2023 Comments/Questions? Click here Virtual public meeting information will be available here July 20-31, 2023. Please check back then to learn more and comment about the study for improvements to the bridge carrying Illinois 154 at Rend Lake. Thank you.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is performing an Environmental and Preliminary Engineering Study to analyze the work proposed for the reconstruction of the bridge carrying Illinois 154 at Rend Lake. The study also includes the addition of a multi-use path for approximately 1.6 miles along Illinois 154 from Larry Foster Parkway to Ftizgerrell Park Road in Franklin County. The preliminary engineering and environmental study is considered an IDOT Phase I Study, as it is the first phase of IDOT’s three-phase project process. During the study phase, IDOT and its consultant team have documented the existing environmental resources, developed and evaluated various alternatives, and coordinated with multiple stakeholders, including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Rend Lake Conservancy District. This has resulted in a preferred alternative that addresses the need to replace the bridge and also provide a mutli-use path that connects into existing paths. This project will include impacts to Rend Lake Recreation Area and Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area. As such, it is subject to protection under Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 1966. For this project, IDOT intends to seek a section 4(f) "de minimis" impact finding from the Federal Highway Administration based on a determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify these recreational areas for protection under section 4(f). Effects of the recreational areas will include the construction of a multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path and embankment in Rend Lake to widen the IL 154 causeway across Rend Lake between Fitzgerrell Park Drive and Larry Foster Parkway. Mitigation will include improved access for alternative modes of transportation to the recreational areas. This public meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to provide comments on the effects of the project on the recreational areas. The next steps include presenting the preferred alternative to the public via this project website, collecting comments, and using those comments to aid IDOT in Phase II, Design. If you need to contact IDOT directly, please contact Sean Greenlee at Sean.Greenlee@illinois.gov or 618-351-3510. Written comments may be mailed to: Attn: Carrie Nelsen, IDOT Program Development Engineer |
