Agencies
Services
Stephenson County: U.S. 20 Rees to Flansburg Road
The Illinois Department of Transportation is conducting a preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) for improvements to U.S.20 in Stephenson County between the cities of Lena and Freeport.
The study limits include approximately 4.7 miles of the U.S. 20 corridor between Rees Road and just west of Flansburg Road. The study is being conducted to evaluate and recommend solutions to improve safety conditions and resolve current infrastructural shortcomings.
Public input and feedback throughout the process are critical to its success, and we encourage everyone to participate. Please feel free to ask questions or submit comments under Get Involved.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the virtual public information meeting for the U.S. 20 project on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to learn more about the study from the project team. Information will be available soon.
The Project
U.S. 20 is an east-west highway and is a principal roadway for Stephenson County commuters, hosting over 8,000 vehicles per day between the village of Lena and the city of Freeport in Stephenson County.
IDOT initiated this project to address the roadway’s existing deficiencies and improve safety conditions to reduce crashes. An IDOT crash analysis of the study area found a total of 89 crashes from 2017 through 2021. The highest crash patterns involved fixed objects (30), animals (17), and front-to-rear collisions (10). There was one fatality, which occurred when a vehicle crossed over the centerline and collided head on with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
Proposed potential improvements include:
- Pavement patching
- Hot-mix asphalt resurfacing and shoulder widening
- Profile modifications
- Various culverts and drainage improvements
The Study
The study will consist of an assessment of transportation needs for the corridor, including patching, resurfacing, and replacing the undersized and deteriorating crossroad culverts at various locations. Countermeasures to reduce crashes may also include centerline and shoulder rumble strips, additional advanced warning signs, and evaluation of short passing zones.
It is anticipated that this project will help reduce the number and severity of off-road crashes and will help improve driving conditions along this section of U.S. 20.
Schedule
Proposed highway improvements are typically processed in three distinct phases:
- In Phase I, proposed geometry, environmental concerns, and right-of-way requirements are defined.
- In Phase II, contract plans are prepared, and any necessary right-of-way is acquired.
- In Phase III, construction of the project is carried out.
This project is currently in Phase I, which includes data collection, identification of transportation issues and concerns, development of range of alternatives, and identification of the preferred alternative and its refinement. Phase I concludes with the approval of an environmental and engineering report which summarizes the study.
Public involvement and input play a critical role throughout the Phase I process.
Phase I is anticipated to conclude by 2026, with Phase II expected to last from 2026 to 2027. The project schedule is subject to change and is dependent on funding availability.
Reports, documents, and videos relevant to this study will be posted here for your viewing when they become available. These documents may include draft and final reports, study area maps, newsletters, public information meeting exhibits, and presentations.
Virtual Public Information Meeting (Materials coming soon!)
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Why are you doing this study?
The U.S. 20 corridor’s crash history and current infrastructure requires solutions via construction. During the preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I), the study team will analyze existing and future conditions, define the purpose and need for improvements, and develop and evaluate improvement alternatives while incorporating public engagement and input. These components of the study ensure that the most appropriate improvement alternatives and plans are pursued and address U.S. 20’s safety and structural challenges.
Where are we in the project?
IDOT initiated the Phase I study in 2021. It is expected to conclude by 2026. Upon conclusion of Phase I, Phase II (contract plan preparation and land acquisition) is slated to take place from 2026 to 2027, with Phase III (construction) to follow.
How is the study being funded?
Funding for the study is included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Proposed Highway Improvement Program through the State of Illinois and National Highway Performance Program funds. The project is estimated to cost $11 million.
How will construction impact my commute and use of U.S. 20?
Contract plans have not been detailed or finalized, but U.S. 20 commuters will be informed of any necessary detours or reroutes at an appropriate time. At this time, plans include implementing stage construction with flaggers or temporary signals where the road is reduced to a single lane for both directions. Please continue to visit this page periodically for traffic updates.
Is any land acquisition necessary, and if so, will my property be impacted?
At this time right-of-way needs have not been determined. However, it is clear that right of way will be necessary to complete improvements. Preliminary right of way limits are expected to be identified for presentation at the public information meeting.
What is a stakeholder?
A stakeholder is anyone who could be affected by the project, has a stake in its outcome, or is interested in the project. Stakeholder feedback is essential and encouraged throughout the project.
Additional information will be posted as it is developed. Please visit this page periodically for project updates.
Comments may be submitted in writing to:
Region Two Engineer
Attn: Studies and Plans
Illinois Department of Transportation
819 Depot Avenue
Dixon, IL 61021