Details

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 IL 83/IL 137 preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) has been funded. This funding was provided in previous IDOT fiscal-year programs. The contract plan preparation phase (Phase II) is currently funded and will begin upon completion of the Phase I study. Funding for land acquisition (Phase II), construction (Phase III), and construction engineering (Phase III) is not currently included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-2029 Proposed Highway Improvement Program. Funding for this project will be considered among similar improvement needs throughout the region. Once additional funding is identified, the land acquisition process is anticipated to take 18 to 24 months to complete and construction is anticipated to take 24-36 months to complete. Due to the funding uncertainty, it is difficult to estimate the future construction schedule.

Phase I: Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies
During this phase, IDOT studies a broad range of alternatives, including a “no build” option, to improve IL 83/IL 137 in the study area. IDOT also conducts environmental analysis to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The project team will collect information, analyze the alternatives and identify potential effects to study area resources. The results of these studies will be presented in an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Combined Design Report. Learn more about NEPA.  

Phase I Overview

Data Collection

• Begin collecting data
• Prepare Community Context Audit
• Develop Stakeholder Involvement Plan
• Identify project stakeholders
• Form Project Study Group (PSG) and Community Advisory Group (CAG)

Develop Purpose and Need of Project

• Continue collecting data
• Formulate project Problem Statement
• Identify project goals and objectives
• Develop project Purpose and Need Statement

Develop and Evaluate Alternatives

• Conduct technical studies and fieldwork
• Develop alternative evaluation criteria
• Identify and screen possible alternatives
• Select alternatives to be studied in the Environmental Assessment
• Evaluate and compare alternatives

Determine Preferred Alternative

• Select Preferred Alternative
• Conduct a Public Hearing
• Prepare the Final Environmental Assessment and Combined Design Report
• Issue the Finding of No Significant Impact

Context Sensitive Solutions

A key planning tool for this study will be 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 will include Community Advisory Group (CAG) meetings, meetings with special interest groups, and public meetings as well as 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.