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Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)
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. All input will be evaluated by the Project Study Group and used to help shape viable solutions.
The CSS project approach enhances public participation in the transportation planning process. CSS will be utilized for the public involvement for this project.
Project Study Group (PSG)
An essential component of IDOT’s CSS procedures is the Project Study Group (PSG). The PSG is formed from the representative members involved in the strategy and execution of the project. The PSG is the decision maker on project design decisions. For the US Route 40 – Formosa Road to IL Route 162 Phase I, the PSG is comprised of members from IDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Volkert Inc., Lin Engineering, and Lochmueller Group.
Alternative Development Process
The Alternative Development Process is a multi-step process of developing, improving, screening, and eliminating alternatives until a preferred alternative is selected. Throughout this process IDOT utilizes CSS to keep the community engaged in the project, which helps to ensure the preferred alternative fits the needs of the community.
The proposed improvements will likely have a standard typical section from curb-to-curb, and therefore do not anticipate the evaluation of multiple typical sections. However, multiple median alternatives (flush, depressed, raised, etc.) may be evaluated within the curb-to-curb limits.
The process begins by screening initial median alternatives (flush, depressed, raised, etc.) to make sure they meet the Purpose and Need of the project and they do not have fatal flaws.
Following this screening, the Alternatives Carried Forward are evaluated in greater detail.
Then the alternatives and their associated impacts are further refined and subsequently screened until a preferred alternative is selected.
