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Will County - I 55 (at Airport-Lockport Road) Improvement Study
The Interstate 55 (I-55) at Airport Road/Lockport Street and at Illinois 126 (IL 126) preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) is led in joint effort by the Villages of Romeoville, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The study area is located in Will County, Illinois.
In this region, I-55 serves as one of two main north-south interstates between Chicago and downstate Illinois. The project study area includes a six-mile stretch along I-55 between US Route 30 (US 30) and Weber Road. These limits were selected due to their importance in providing travel connections to I-55 from northwestern Will County region. Will County is one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois and has doubled in population in the last 25 years. Currently, the only interchange to I-55 between US 30 and Weber Road is a partial interchange at IL 126 that provides a northbound on ramp and a southbound off ramp. Airport Road/Lockport Street crosses over I-55 approximately 3-miles south of IL 126 partial interchange.
IDOT develops highway transportation improvement projects in 3 phases. The I-55 at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126 study is nearing completion of Phase I. During this phase, preliminary engineering and environmental studies are completed to develop an improvement of the roadway that addresses an established purpose and need.
The purpose of the proposed action is to provide improved access to I-55.
IDOT develops and implements projects using a three-phase process:
- Phase I: Preliminary engineering and environmental studies
- Phase II: Contract plan preparation and land acquisition
- Phase III: Construction
The I-55 at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126 Phase I is currently nearing completion. Funding for Phase II and Phase III is included in IDOT’s FY 2026-2031 Proposed Highway Improvement Program. After Phase I completion, the project will move into Phase II, contract plan preparation and land acquisition process. Phase II is anticipated to take 18 to 24 months to complete and will be followed by Phase III - Construction which is anticipated to take 24 months to complete.
Phase I: Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies
During this phase, the project team collects information, a range of alternatives, including a “no build” alternative, is developed and potential effects to study area resources are identified. Environmental analyses are conducted to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Learn more about NEPA.
Phase I Overview
Context Sensitive Solutions
A key planning tool for this study is a stakeholder involvement program based upon the principles of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). CSS is an interdisciplinary approach that seeks effective, multimodal transportation solutions by working with stakeholders to develop, build and maintain cost-effective transportation facilities which fit into and reflect the project’s surroundings (its “context”).
Through early, frequent, and meaningful communication with stakeholders and a flexible, creative approach to design, the resulting project should improve safety and mobility for the traveling public while seeking to preserve and enhance the scenic, economic, historic, and natural qualities of the settings through which they pass. CSS stakeholder activities include meetings with local stakeholders/special interest groups, and other forms of public outreach including a public hearing. All input will be evaluated and used to help shape viable solutions.
The CSS project approach enhances public participation in the transportation planning process.
This project is being developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure that environmental factors are weighted equally when compared to other factors in the decision-making process. Learn more about NEPA.
The study includes multiple opportunities for you to participate by submitting comments, attending public outreach events and keeping informed through this website and newsletters. We will update this website as the I-55 at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126 Study progresses to help you stay informed.
Your participation and input are vital to the success of the study. We value your input and look forward to your participation. To get involved:
- Join our Mailing List
- Submit Comments
- Review materials on the Resources page
- Participate in public outreach events
We are engaging the community in the following ways:
- Small group/individual meetings
- Public outreach events
- Informational materials
- Media releases
Because stakeholder involvement is critical to the planning process for this study, a Stakeholder Involvement Plan (SIP) has been developed to guide the stakeholder involvement program.
We are interested in hearing your ideas and opinions! Please let us know what you think about the I-55 at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126 Study. Get all the study information sent directly to you by joining our project mailing list.
Please use the information below to submit a comment or question and/or join the mailing list.
Mail: Illinois Department of Transportation, District 1
Attn: Anna Kutryn, P.E.
201 West Center Ct.
Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 705-4569
Online: Comment Form
Browse study documents, materials and resources to learn more about the I-55 at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126/Essington Road Study.
Documents
Public Outreach Materials
Public Hearing
September 24, 2024
Public Involvement Meeting #3
October 13, 2016
Public Involvement Meeting #2
June 21, 2012
Public Involvement Meeting #1
Februrary 22, 2011