Alerts Sign-up
Residents of the Villages of Romeoville, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield have until October 16 to submit written comments regarding the I-55 access study alternatives. Comments received by this date will be included in the official public hearing record.
According to the I-55 at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126 website, communities within the project area are expected to experience continued growth. Traffic volumes have increased significantly along sections of I-55 since the mid-1980s, contributing to congestion on Weber Road in Romeoville, downtown Plainfield, and on the west side of Bolingbrook. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has designated this project for a collaborative approach to engage as many stakeholders as possible. The study area encompasses 3.5 miles of I-55 from one-half mile south of Airport Road to one mile north of IL 126.
The project website indicates that Romeoville's access to I-55 is currently limited to the Weber Road Interchange. Residential, industrial, and commercial development is projected to increase the population by 10% and employment by 34% by 2050. Some land acquisition may be necessary as it might not be feasible to construct entirely within the existing right-of-way.
A public hearing handout posted on the study website notes that a six-mile section of I-55 between the US 30 interchange to the south and the Weber Road interchange to the north only has a partial interchange at IL 126. Future traffic operations evaluations suggest that both IL 126 and Weber Road interchanges will face congestion issues and may not operate at acceptable levels of service, hindering I-55 access.
The handout explains that initially, there were 30 alternatives for improvements which were narrowed down to two preferred options. The first alternative at IL 126 proposes new southbound on and northbound off ramps using a diamond interchange design. The second preference is for a new full-access interchange at Airport Road/Lockport Street. These selections were favored due to lesser wetland impacts, minimal impact on Four Seasons Park, reduced need for right-of-way acquisition, and their ability to accommodate projected traffic demand alongside regional population and employment growth.
It was also said in the handout that one interchange would not sufficiently improve access for all three communities involved. A two-interchange plan would better meet higher travel demands, support projected regional growth more effectively, and provide more consistent traffic flow on I-55.
Submit comments at airportand126study@v3co.com, the study website at airportand126study.org, or mail to Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Programming, Attn: Anna Kutryn, P.E. 201 W Center Court, Schaumburg, IL 60196-1096.
