Study Description

The Interstate 55 (1-55) Reconstruction Study is being conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as a Design Study that involves an Environmental Assessment. This study addresses traffic flow issues along I-55 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 will evaluate the capacity of the highway and its interchanges to determine the need for additional traffic lanes, interchange improvements and other enhancements. When I-55 was originally planned in the 1950s, traffic conditions and highway design standards were very different than what they are today. Much has changed in the last 50 years, including the number of vehicles that travel along 1-55 each day. Traffic has grown steadily, increasing drive times and jeopardizing public safety. Now, at its busiest points, 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 adversely impact economic activity. IDOT and its study team will examine ways to improve the interstate; develop possible improvements / alternatives; solicit input from the local community; and prepare an environmental document that assesses the impacts of proposed highway improvements. This environmental document must follow federal guidelines stated in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Once completed and approved, the document will enable the state to apply for federal funding to help pay for the final design and construction of recommended improvements. IDOT will propose highway improvements that respond to the unique needs and interests of the Springfield community. To accomplish this, IDOT will follow a planning method known as Context Sensitive Solutions that uses meaningful stakeholder involvement and flexible design to generate cost-effective transportation solutions. Insights from the local community will be used to help develop solutions that preserve and enhance Springfield's scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources while furthering public safety and mobility.