Overview
The Illinois 38 at I-39 Interchange was constructed in 1980 and provides access to the City of Rochelle, the Village of Creston, and numerous industrial, agricultural, and commercial properties in the area. Traffic volumes have increased since the construction of the interchange, leading to safety and mobility concerns. In addition, portions of the project infrastructure need repair, replacement, or modernization.
In late 2020, the Illinois Department of Transportation launched a Preliminary Engineering Study to address the safety, mobility, and design of the interchange, and to identify the scope of any proposed improvements. The study limits extend from the Illinois 38 at Dement Road intersection to the Illinois 38 at I-39 interchange, within the City of Rochelle, Dement Township, and Ogle County.
Since launching the study, the project team has collected data, analyzed existing conditions, developed alternatives (e.g., improvement options), and identified a preliminary preferred alternative. Initial coordination with local agencies has also been completed, with additional coordination anticipated. The proposed improvements will be presented at an online Public Information Meeting, which is expected to be held in the spring of 2023.
The preferred alternative includes replacing the existing “Diamond” interchange with a “Diverging Diamond” interchange (DDI). The proposed DDI and related improvements are intended to increase safety and mobility by:
- Reducing the number of conflict points between vehicles
- Providing a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians
- Improving facility condition and design by replacing substandard features
- Improving the Dement Road intersection