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Kendall County - IL-71 Study

The Illinois Department of Transportation has completed preliminary engineering for Illinois Route 71 from 1000' west of the IL Route 47 intersection in Yorkville to 900' west of Orchard/Minkler Road in Oswego. This website contains a description of the project and news updates as the project progresses. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation began the Phase I portion of the Illinois Route 71 project in December 2009. The Study Team has collected survey, traffic, crash, pedestrian and bicycle data and used this information along with input from the public to identify needs for the project. Each project need was then addressed individually by the Study Team and then incorporated as needed into the design for the Preferred Alternative.

Note: The project is now in Phase II (design) stage and the Department is progressing with development of plans.

Study

Overview and Scope

The project limits of the Illinois Route 71 Study extend from 1000' west of the IL Route 47 intersection in Yorkville to 900' west of Orchard/Minkler Road in Oswego (see location map below). Based on the latest traffic data and projections, the Illinois Department of Transportation has determined that traffic volumes will soon exceed the capacity of the existing roadway.

Yorkville and Oswego have experienced tremendous growth over the last decade. Both communities lie within Kendall County which according to recent statistics is the fourth fastest growing county in the United States. Based on 2009 estimates, Yorkville has nearly tripled in size over the last nine years while the size of Oswego has more than doubled over the same period. Illinois Route 71 is a vital artery to the communities along the road.

Details

The Illinois Department of Transportation, District 3 office, conducted a public hearing regarding the preliminary engineering study and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed reconstruction of approximately 5.55 miles of Illinois Route 71 from 1000’ west of IL 47 in Yorkville to 900’ west of Orchard / Minkler Road in Oswego. The purpose of the hearing was to present proposed project information and potential impacts for public comment. The Public Hearing was held on September 4, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm at the Yorkville Public Library located in Yorkville, Illinois.

The proposed action includes IL 71 reconstruction to provide two lanes in each direction with a center median, generally following the existing alignment; replacing the structure at Morgan Creek; and intersection improvements with traffic signal installations. Environmental impacts include 0.084 acre of wetlands and 1,053 linear feet of stream, as well as conversion of agricultural lands to roadway use. Additional right-of-way and easements will be required throughout the project and one residence will be relocated. Right-of-Way acquisition and relocation assistance information will be available.

The public hearing was conducted in an open house format with no formal presentation. Exhibits, maps, plans, and the Environmental Assessment were available for public review. IDOT personnel were present to provide information, answer questions, and receive comments.

Environment

View the documents online at the following links:

These documents are also available for public inspection at the following address:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Region 2 / District 3
700 East Norris Drive
Ottawa, IL 61350

Get Involved

If you have questions or comments about the project please contact squad leader Brad Duncan.

Resources

No additional resources listed at this time.

Construction

IDOT is currently at the early stages of Phase I for this project. This site will be updated periodically as the project progresses. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) wishes to thank you for your support and patience.

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