Illinois Route 3 Connector Project

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This project focuses on mobility and connectivity needs between Illinois Route 3 and Illinois Route 203. The project is included in the region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, “Connected 2045 Update,” and funded within the region’s fiscal constraints from 2040 to 2045. The project is also included in the regional air quality model run for conformity with the State Implementation Plan approved by the Board of Directors of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, the regional planning agency, in October 2021.

Since 2004, the Illinois Route 3 Connector project has been under consideration by the department and viewed as a much-needed connection based on its potential to address some of the transportation deficiencies in the project area and enhance economic development opportunities. A feasibility study identified potential constraints along the corridor and evaluated several alternatives. Six preliminary conceptual alternatives were identified based on environmentally sensitive areas.

In 2005, the Illinois Route 3 Connector project was identified as a high priority project under SAFETEA-LU, a federal surface transportation law, and funding was provided to formally study and design the project. IDOT began initial Phase I activities in 2006. However, activities were suspended pending the completion of the new Mississippi River Bridge project.  In 2014, Phase I activities resumed.

In 2022, the project’s environmental documentation was reclassified from an Environmental Assessment to a Categorical Exclusion because the resources impacted constituted a significant impact and all impacts would be mitigated. This new classification requires the design report to document all environmental resources and impacts.

In late 2023, Phase I activities were completed, and a preferred alternative was identified.

The preferred alternative is comprised of a 1.6-mile-long new arterial connection, with four distinct sections. It includes the construction of four bridges and five retaining walls. These improvements will occur along a stretch of Exchange Avenue, from north of Seventh Street to First streets; a portion of relocated Illinois Route 3, beginning at Packers Avenue and continuing northeast, then northwest to the intersection of the proposed Illinois Route 3 Connector; from proposed Illinois Route 3 to Illinois 203.  See map below for project boundaries and location.

• Exchange Avenue – Proposed improvements involve reconstructing two sections of Exchange Avenue. The first is an approximately 1,900-foot-long section from north of Seventh Street to First Street. The second is the intersection of Exchange Avenue and Fairmont City Boulevard with relocated Illinois Route 3. This includes at-grade crossings between Seventh and Fourth streets.
• Relocated Illinois Route 3 - Proposed improvements for the relocated Illinois Route 3 portion of the alignment begin at Packers Avenue and continue northeasterly, then north-northwesterly to the intersection with the proposed Illinois Route 3 Connector. The existing Exchange Avenue approach to the intersection of Exchange Avenue and Packers Avenue will be improved.
• Illinois Route 3 Connector - Proposed improvements begin at the proposed Relocated IL Route 3 intersection and continue northeast to Illinois Route 203. The alignment crosses two sets of railroad tracks, the existing Raceway Boulevard adjacent to the World Wide Technology Raceway and the Lansdowne Ditch, then continues across the northern limits of the racetrack property adjacent to the canal.
• Illinois Route 203 - Improvements for Illinois Route 203 include bridge replacement across the Cahokia Canal and the adjacent proposed intersection with the Illinois Route 3 Connector.

IDOT projects follow a phased process. Phase I (or the project Study Phase) consists of developing the project scope, environmental studies and preliminary design.  This phase was completed in 2023.  Phase II (Design) consists of refining the design identified in Phase I to develop contract plans and land acquisition documents.  Phase III (Construction) is the final phase and consists of constructing the project. 

 The Illinois Route 3 Connector is currently in Phase II.

IDOT will continue to use the elements and principles of Context Sensitive Solutions established during Phase I as outlined in its CSS Policy and Procedural Memorandum. CSS is an interdisciplinary approach that seeks effective, multimodal transportation solutions by working with stakeholders to develop, build and maintain cost-effective transportation facilities that fit into and reflect the project’s surroundings – its “context.” Through early, frequent and meaningful communication with stakeholders and a flexible and creative approach to engagement, the resulting projects 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 it passes.

The CSS approach provides stakeholders with the tools and information they require to effectively participate in the process, including providing an understanding of the transportation planning guidelines, design guidelines and relationship between transportation issues (needs) and improvements  This integrated approach to problem-solving and decision-making helps to improve the ability of the team to understand and address concerns, build a general understanding of agreement and promote involvement in the evaluation process.

According to IDOT’s CSS process, a stakeholder is anyone who could be affected by the study and has a stake in its outcome. This includes but is not limited to the public, property owners, business owners, state and local officials, federal and state resource and regulatory agencies, special interest groups, and motorists who use the facility.

Your input is welcomed and important to the successful delivery of this project. You can participate and stay informed about the project status and milestones by:

• Attending public meetings/open houses
• Following IDOT District 8 on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8
• Subscribing to our newsletter and project updates
• Submitting comments through our website

News and Events

Phase I Document Library

Meetings and Events

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your input and feedback are valuable to the successful implementation of this project. If you need to contact us, please do not hesitate. You can reach us at:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Attn: Ms. Cheryl Keplar
1102 Eastport Plaza Drive
Collinsville, IL 62234

Cheryl Keplar
IDOT Phase II Project Manager
Phone: 618-346-3123
Email: cheryl.keplar@illinois.gov

For IDOT District 8 updates, follow IDOT District 8 on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8.

Information from the Phase I (or the project Study Phase) can be found here.