Study

This project evaluated implementing two Express Toll Lanes (ETLs) in each direction on the eastern section of the corridor, between I-294 and I-90/94. The section from I-355 to I-294 will remain as one ETL in each direction as previously approved. There are still no changes in right-of-way needs and the evaluation built upon the previous study.

IDOT has made it a priority to seek alternative project delivery opportunities, such as a public-private partnership, or P3, in an effort to involve industry and best leverage resources for this important, regional project. This method helps IDOT deliver an I-55 project that is safest, most operationally efficient and makes the most financial sense for the public.

Problem Statement:

Interstate 55 experiences severe congestion for extended periods of time on a daily basis and is unable to accommodate the existing traffic demands (regional, daily commuter and local) due to limited roadway capacity, roadway design constraints at some locations, high truck volumes and numerous interchanges. In addition, commuters have limited available public transit options. This has resulted in increasingly long and unreliable travel times, decreased safety and increased costs for delivery of goods and services. The existing communities and businesses along the Interstate 55 corridor depend on it for a diversity of transportation services. Improving mobility in support of these needed services, and avoiding or minimizing community impacts, will require sustainable solutions within a constrained physical corridor and a limited funding environment. These solutions must seek to maximize the use of the existing infrastructure, support increased transit options and incorporate new revenue opportunities to support the implementation and maintenance of proposed improvements.

Purpose and Need:

• Mobility and operational efficiency to adapt to changing travel demands
• Congestion Management Strategies to improve system performance and travel time reliability
• New travel choice in support of transit opportunities
• Sustainable transportation solution that meets future environmental and economic needs
• Maximize use of existing facility to adapt to funding constraints

Noise:

As part of the I-55 Managed Lane Phase I study a noise analysis was performed and found that nearly 12 miles of noise walls meet the Department’s criteria including your area.  If the project’s final design during Phase II is different from the preliminary design in Phase I, the Department will determine if revisions to the traffic noise analysis are necessary.  Traditionally, noise walls are installed towards the end of highway construction and installation is typically completed in one construction season. The Department does not have a timetable on when I-55 managed lanes will be implemented

The Illinois Department of Transportation (Department) develops and implements projects using the following three phase process:

• Phase I: Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies (Completed in December of 2018)
• Phase II: Contract Plan Preparation and Land Acquisition (Typically 18-24 months)
• Phase III: Construction and Construction Engineering (Typically 12-24 months)

At this time, funding for Phase II is included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2027 Proposed Highway Improvement Program.  Funding for Phase III is not included in the current program and the Department has no estimated timetable for implementation of the I-55 Managed Lane Project.  However, the Department is currently evaluating different funding sources that can be utilized to advance this project.  Once funding is identified, it is estimated that Phase II will take 18-24 months and construction will take approximately 24 months to complete.

The I-55 Managed Lane Project followed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has completed an environmental study for the Managed Lane Project in order to satisfy NEPA requirements.

The NEPA process requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making process by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to these actions. IDOT assessed the natural, built, and human environment to determine the extent of impacts that may arise from constructing and operating a project. Environmental factors such as air quality, wildlife, vegetation, water quality, wetlands, geology, neighborhoods, park/recreation areas, utilities, visual quality, and cultural resources were assessed. NEPA encourages early and frequent coordination with the public and resource agencies throughout the project development process. Public comments that were received during the alternative analysis phase were considered in the draft environmental document. Following NEPA guidelines, an environmental study document was approved in 2016 and a second study in 2018.

Contact Us:

Illinois Department of Transportation – I-55 Managed Lane Project Study Team

DOT.I55ManagedLanes@Illinois.gov

1x1 – One Managed Lane in Each Direction

Environmental Assessment

Appendices

Errata

Finding of No Significant Impact

Combined Design Report

• Combined_Design_Report_FINAL
• Appendix 1_Performance Measures
• Appendix 2_Utilities
• Appendix 3_Structures
• Appendix 4_Design Study
• Appendix 5_Design Exception
• Appendix 6_FHWA_BDE Meeting Minutes

2x2 – Two Managed Lanes in Each Direction

Project Report

• I-55_Project_Report
• Appendix 1_Performance Measures
• Appendix 2_Utilities
• Appendix 3_Structures
• Appendix 4_Design Study
• Appendix 5_Design Exception
• Appendix 6_FHWA_BDE Meeting Minutes
• Appendix 7_Environmental Resources
• Appendix 8_Public Involvement

Traffic Noise Analysis

• Final Traffic Noise Analysis
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C

Location Drainage Study

• Volume 1
• Volume 2
• Volume 3, Part 1
• Volume 3, Part 2
• Volume 4

Hydraulic Reports

• Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
• Des Plaines River
• East Branch of Sawmill Creek
• Flag Creek
• Sawmill Creek
• Wards Creek
• West Branch of Sawmill Creek

Pump Station #30

• • Appendix
  • Volume 1
  • Volume 2