Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a public hearing scheduled for June 13 regarding a proposed project to expand lanes on Interstate 55 and Interstate 72 in Springfield. The project's estimated cost is $802 million, which includes the reconstruction of several interchanges.

The hearing aims to present the preferred design for these improvements and gather public feedback. Attendees will have the opportunity to review project plans, view exhibits, watch a video, and discuss details with IDOT staff and consultants. The event is open to all interested parties:

- Date: Tuesday, June 13

- Time: 4-7 p.m.

- Location: Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield, Ill.

Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program has approved $150 million for the project's first phase. This initial phase focuses on adding capacity and other enhancements from just north of Sangamon Avenue to the Williamsville weigh station. These improvements aim to connect with the expanded I-55 north of Springfield, resulting in three lanes in each direction up to Lincoln. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 with work on bridges over the Sangamon River. A complete timeline will be finalized soon.

The remaining phases are projected to exceed $650 million in costs. They involve extending a third lane in both directions of I-55 and I-72 from just north of Sangamon Avenue to Veterans Parkway (Illinois 4), along with reconstructing interchanges at various locations including Sixth Street/I-72 and Stevenson Drive. Additional work on I-55 will reach Toronto Road for further interchange reconstruction needs. However, funding for these construction phases has yet to be secured.

"Improving I-55 and I-72 around Springfield will enhance safety, increase reliability and ease congestion," stated IDOT Region 4 Engineer Jeff Myers. "A lot of consideration and public input has gone into the design of this project. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the future of Springfield to attend."

Planning began in 2011 but stalled due to funding shortages until Rebuild Illinois was enacted in 2019.

For more information or comments regarding the project, individuals can email contact@i-55springfield.com or mail them directly to Jon Kelley at IDOT District 6's address provided above.

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