Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the 1-55 Reconstruction Study and why is it being conducted?
The Interstate 55 (1-55) Reconstruction Study is a Design Study that involves an Environmental Assessment. Led by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), this study will address traffic flow issues on 1-55/1-72 around Springfield from south of the Sixth Street interchange to north of the Sherman interchange. The focus of this study is on relieving traffic congestion and increasing public safety for residents and motorists who travel along this portion of the interstate. During the study, IDOT along with its engineering consultant, will evaluate the capacity of the roadway and its interchanges to determine the need for additional traffic lanes, interchange improvements and other roadway enhancements.

2. What will occur during the 1-55 Reconstruction Study?
IDOT will examine ways to improve the interstate; develop designs of possible improvements/alternatives; solicit input from the local community and traveling public; and prepare an environmental document that assesses the impacts of proposed roadway improvements. This environmental document must follow federal guidelines stated in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Once completed, it will enable the state to apply for federal funding to help pay for the final design and construction of recommended improvements.

3. Why is public involvement important to the study's success?
On this project, IDOT is committed to the development of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) — a planning method that uses meaningful stakeholder involvement and flexible design to generate cost-effective transportation solutions that meet the community's needs. IDOT wants to ensure that this study helps to preserve and enhance the community's scenic, historic, and environmental resources while furthering public safety and mobility. Travelers, communities, businesses, elected officials and many others are all "stakeholders" in the transportation system.

The CSS process works as a partnership between IDOT, the study team and the stakeholders who will come up with working solutions. Stakeholders will help IDOT understand their needs and concerns about the study. IDOT will then take this input, along with all of its other work and analyses, and use it to make planning and design decisions.

4. How long will the study take to complete?
It may take multiple years depending on funding and interagency coordination to complete the study's engineering activities and environmental assessment.

5. What changes in vehicular traffic make this latest study necessary?
Interstate 55 was originally planned in the 1950s and since that time much has changed in and around Springfield, including the number of vehicles that travel along the roadway each day. Traffic has grown steadily over the years. Currently, the highway carries more than 53,000 vehicles a day, including up to 13,600 large trucks. As a result, motorists experience delays and congestion that not only threaten public safety but may also negatively impact economic activity.

6. What alternatives will IDOT consider for improving the interstate through Springfield and Sangamon County?
IDOT is exploring adding traffic lanes to the interstate as well as reconfiguring several highway interchanges. The selected interchanges would be upgraded to meet modern safety and design standards. Other improvements might also be considered to increase capacity and safety throughout the study corridor.

7. How will IDOT decide which alternative to recommend?
IDOT, along with its study team, will assess the costs, benefits, and environmental impacts of each of the proposed study alternatives as well as consider community input to determine what is most feasible. IDOT will make the ultimate decisions concerning the study and its recommendations. Safety, the integrity of the transportation system, and good stewardship of the public's transportation dollars all remain IDOT's responsibilities. However, thorough stakeholder involvement can contribute to these decisions and lead to a consensus about the choices made.

8. Who will make the final decision about which alternative to implement?
IDOT will submit the study's recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration for review and final approval.

9. How can the public learn more and get involved in the study?
The most direct ways to get involved are by participating on the study's Advisory Committee and by attending its Public Information Meetings. A schedule of future meetings will be posted on our website and advertised through popular media and project materials.

You can also connect to us through any of the means listed below. We welcome your involvement in the study process.

Call Us:
IDOT — Jay Wavering, P.E., Studies and Plans Engineer (217) 782-9046

Write Us:
IDOT
Region 4, District 6
Attn: Greg Heckel, P.E. , Program Development Engineer
126 East Ash
Springfield, IL 62704

Email Us:
Jay.Wavering@Illinois.gov
Visit Our Website At:
www.I-55Springfield.com