Construction Announced on Major Collinsville Improvement Project

Project Expected to Ease Congestion and Improve Safety

COLLINSVILLE – Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig was joined today by Illinois State Representative Jay Hoffman, Illinois State Senator Bill Haine and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the widening of IL Route 159 in Collinsville. The improvement project is expected to reduce congestion, increase safety and improve the quality of life for residents in the Collinsville area.

“We are excited to begin construction to improve a frequently traveled route in the area,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “This project will help reduce congestion and make for a smoother commute for local residents.”

The improvement begins north of South Morrison Avenue and ends north of Church Street. The construction consists of widening the existing roadway from two or three lanes to four or five lanes with curb and gutter. This project is the first of three sections that will be constructed within the city limits over the next several years.

“This project is important to the economic vitality of Collinsville and the entire Metro East area,” Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) said. “Route 159 is a significant transportation artery for our entire region. The IL 159 project will not only create and sustain jobs, but will vastly improve traffic for Collinsville residents once completed. I appreciate the patience of the residents of Collinsville as we work to construct these improvements.”

The work includes construction of a closed drainage system and sidewalk on the majority of the project. The project involves roadway pavement construction, soil embankment & grading, roadway drainage, pavement marking and seeding. Once completed, these three projects will provide IL Route 159 with a continuous flow from Fairview Heights to Edwardsville.

“This project enhances the quality of life for Collinsville residents and the entire region,” said Illinois State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton). “I'm proud to have supported efforts to obtain funding for this initiative.”

This improvement utilizes Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) in the project development. CSS is an approach that teams design engineers with project stakeholders to develop, build, and maintain cost effective transportation facilities which fits into the project's surroundings.

This project contains a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). The PLA ensures the work will be completed without interruptions and with a qualified workforce.

The Prime Contractor for this project is Hanks Excavating & Landscaping, Inc. The initial $9.3 million project segment is expected to be complete in Fall 2012.