Public meeting on Nov. 5 to discuss Illinois 115 improvements in Kankakee

KANKAKEE – The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to attend an informational public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, to view and comment on the preliminary engineering and environmental study for the improvement of Illinois 115 in Kankakee from U.S. 45/52 (Water Street) to Jeffrey Street. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kankakee High School (enter at Door 30), 1200 W. Jeffrey St.

The public is invited to stop by at any time during the meeting to view a prerecorded presentation, view graphics and displays, discuss design concepts with IDOT staff, ask questions, and provide public comment. There will be no formal presentation.

This meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Anyone needing specific assistance should contact Lisa Mentzer of Images Inc. at 630-510-3944, ext. 104. People planning to attend the meeting who need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the TTY/TTD number (800) 526-0844 or 711; TTY users (Espanol) 800-501-0864 or 711; and for TeleBraille dial 877-526-6670 at least five days prior to the meeting.

The proposed project involves the reconstruction of Illinois 115, featuring new full-depth pavement, curb and gutter installation, a five-foot sidewalk, and a 10-foot shared use path. Parking lanes will be retained on both sides of South Washington Avenue and along the east portion of South McMullen Drive. At West Charles Street, improvements will include enhanced intersection turning radii and the addition of an outside striped buffer area to improve traffic flow and safety.

The reconstruction will also incorporate improvements to drainage structures, safety features and ADA ramps. More information can be found on the project website at www.IL115Kankakee.org.

IDOT has prepared an environmental document supporting a Categorical Exclusion for the project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and this public meeting is being held in accordance with 23 CFR 771.111. Additional rights of way and easements will be required throughout the project. No relocations are anticipated.

ROW acquisition and relocation assistance information will be available as required by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Regulations for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs, 49 CFR 24.

IDOT is seeking public input on all aspects of the project. Comments can be submitted at the meeting or emailed to dot.d3pdpublicinvolvement@illinois.gov. They may also be mailed to:

Illinois Department of Transportation

700 E. Norris Drive

Ottawa, IL 61350

Attn: Kenneth Banga, P.E.

Comments received by Wednesday, Nov. 19, will be included in the official meeting record.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 3 updates on X, follow us at @IDOTDistrict3. View area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.