COLLINSVILLE, IL -- The Illinois Department of Transportation
announced today that the next study phase for a new
transportation corridor in the southwestern Illinois
metropolitan area is under way. Roughly 37 miles in length, the
study area extends from the I-55/70 - US 40 interchange near
Troy in Madison County, south and west through St. Clair County,
to I-255 near Columbia in Monroe County.
A feasibility study, conducted from 1999 to 2001,
determined the need for a new transportation corridor. The
current study is focused on conducting the necessary
engineering and environmental evaluations to more precisely
identify a corridor for the purposes of corridor protection.
The study is expected to be completed in spring 2004.
On the corridor has been defined, future detailed studies
will examine a wide range of environmental, socioeconomic,
and other impacts as required by federal law before any
design and construction could occur.
An aggressive public involvement program is a cornerstone
of this study. Planned public involvement activities include
public meetings, newsletters, a web site, and a significant
number of meetings with area municipal officials. A Study
Management Group, made up of county, East-West Gateway, and
IDOT representatives, will act in an advisory capacity to
the study team. In addition, a toll-free phone number and
mailing address will be established for interested Metro
East resident to contribute their comments and feedback.
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