FAQs

Phase I is anticipated to be completed in early-2027. Following this, Phase II design typically takes 24 to 36 months. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2031 and is expected to take 24 months to complete

This project is included in the FY 2026-2031 Proposed Highway Improvement Program, with a programmed construction cost of $18 million.

The land acquisition limits are currently preliminary. Based on the input received from the public and on-going Alternative refinements, land acquisition needs will be identified. IDOT will work directly with affected property owners in compliance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Properties Acquisition Policies Act. Any required land acquisition will be compensated.

IDOT always seeks to purchase property through negotiations with owners, and most acquisitions are settled this way. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, IDOT has the authority under Illinois law to acquire the property through the court system using a process called eminent domain (also referred to as condemnation). This process ensures that you are paid just compensation (or fair market value of the property acquired), as determined either by an independent appraisal or ultimately by the court. Even if you do not wish to sell, federal and state law allows IDOT to obtain the property needed for a public project once just compensation has been established.

IDOT’s design policy limits the maximum speed on newly constructed or reconstructed urban or suburban roadways that include curb and gutter to 45 mph or less. The existing speed limit of 30-35 mph along the project corridor will not change due to the improvement. Altering the speed limit from the statutory limit would require an engineering study that analyzes the prevailing speed of free-flowing traffic.

During construction, the project is expected to use a combination of stage construction and full closures. Access to all residents and businesses will be maintained at all times through adjacent side streets and alleys. Pedestrian access will also be maintained, with sidewalks remaining open on at least one side of the street throughout the duration of the project.

No additional traffic signals will be added to the project corridor. There will be modifications to traffic signal timing and equipment to add to the proposed pedestrian and bicycle accommodation.

Trees designated for removal are located within the project’s construction limits. Typically, trees must be removed because they either pose a safety hazard or will be damaged by construction activities. Only those trees necessary to construct and maintain the roadway, drainage, and required safety setbacks will be removed.

Healthy trees with a diameter greater than 6 inches that are removed are replaced by IDOT. Trees may be planted with the project or as part of a district-wide program and may not be planted along this project corridor.

In accordance IDOT’s ‘Complete Streets’ policy, bicycle accommodations are considered for all projects. For this project, bicyclists and pedestrians will be accommodated through the inclusion of sidewalk improvements and a shared use path along portions of IL 50.

If there is a specifically identified salt-sensitive environmental resource in the project area, IDOT will consider practical management practices to eliminate or minimize salt impacts. IDOT employs sensible salting practices to reduce salt usage to a level which is appropriate for improving road conditions for snow and ice events. These routine, proactive practices include specialized supervisor and operator training, installation of ground speed-base control systems and pre-wetting capabilities on trucks, weather information system, and pavement condition information though IDOT’s Roadway Weather Information System with mobile sensors, and proper storage of salt in covered facilities. Regarding water quality, IDOT considers local water quality standards and best management practices when studying the proposed roadway improvements.

The Multi-Year Program (MYP) is a highway improvement program developed by engineers using both technical data and public input. It is presented to the General Assembly for review and discussion during the appropriation process, and the final program is reviewed and announced by the Governor. IDOT’s MYP is published annually (typically in the spring). This annual publication serves to outline proposed investments in highways, bridges, and multimodal transportation such as aviation, transit, and rail.

The Rebuild Illinois Capita Plan is the largest and most comprehensive infrastructure program in Illinois state history. Signed into law in June 2019, it is a multi-year program designed to upgrade and modernize infrastructure across the state and includes an additional $33.2 billion for transportation projects designed to upgrade and modernize infrastructure across the state.

Proposed entrance widths must adhere to IDOT's Access to State Highways Policy, which sets minimum and maximum width standards based on the primary use (commercial, noncommercial, or field). Any changes to the current use, modifications, or requests for new entrances must be coordinated and approved in advance through IDOT's permit process.

IDOT will consider requests to remove or relocate existing entrances, provided the request is submitted by the property owner of record or their official representative. The final decision will be based primarily on the potential impacts to safety, traffic flow, and constructability.

IDOT understands that the placement of the new highway right of way may affect existing wells, septic tanks, and/or drain fields. Any existing well located within the proposed right of way will be permanently sealed. If a replacement well is required, its value will be determined and discussed with you during the land acquisition appraisal process. Any septic tanks and/or drain fields located within the proposed highway right of way will be removed, and the replacement value for your septic system will be considered as part of the appraisal process. We encourage you to discuss these topics and concerns thoroughly with IDOT's appraiser when they contact you to begin the appraisal process.

During the detailed roadway plan preparation, utility companies will be formally notified to relocate any facilities that conflict with the proposed improvements. If a utility company seeks to install new facilities within the highway right of way, they must go through a permit process to determine the precise location. This ensures all required setbacks and clearances are met.