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Lake County: IL 173 Study
IDOT has reinitiated the Phase I study of Illinois 173 from west of Illinois 59 in Antioch to east of US 41 in Wadsworth, which began in 2010. The project is being processed as an Environmental Assessment. As of 2020, the project had identified the preferred alternative, which is currently being refined but not expected to significantly change.
Project Study Limits
Proposed highway improvements are typically processed in three distinct phases. In Phase I (preliminary engineering phase), proposed geometry, environmental concerns as well as right-of-way requirements are defined. During Phase II, contract plans are prepared and the necessary right-of-way is acquired. Phase III represents the actual construction of the improvement.
This project is currently in Phase I. The project is currently not included in the Department’s Proposed Highway Improvement Program. However, this project will be included in our priorities for future funding consideration among similar improvement needs throughout the region. Once funding is identified, Phase II, land acquisition and contract plan preparation, typically takes two years to complete. Phase III, construction and construction engineering, typically takes two to three years to complete.
The project team will prepare a technical memorandum discussing possible construction sequencing and independent improvements that can more easily be funded as standalone projects.
The preferred alternative proposes full reconstruction within the project limits including widening the street to provide two through-lanes in each direction, a raised or grass median, and channelization at intersections. The alternative also proposes a shared use path along the length of the corridor. IDOT does not anticipate significant changes to the preferred alternative.
Location of the shared-use path throughout the project limits. The path transfers from north to south depending on land use. ROW availability, and connections to existing paths.
This project will include two Corridor Advisory Group (CAG) meetings. The first meeting will restart the project and present the Preferred Alternative. The second meeting will be held prior to the Public Hearing to present the meeting materials and associated impacts with the Preferred Alternative. These meetings will be held in person.
This study will also hold one Public Hearing to present the Preferred Alternative and review associated impacts. This hearing will be a hybrid meeting with both online and in-person components.
- CAG #1 - Winter 2026
- CAG #2 - Spring 2026
- Public Hearing - Summer 2026