Virtual public meeting April 14 for proposed improvements at Illinois 23 and Chicago Road

DEKALB COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to learn more about the proposed improvements at the intersection of Illinois 23 and Chicago Road (County Highway 16) south of Waterman. Instead of hosting an in-person meeting, IDOT will present project information and encourage public input from April 14 through May 14 via the project website.

The proposed project involves reconstructing the intersection of Illinois 23 and Chicago Road into a roundabout. In addition to the new intersection configuration, the project scope includes open and closed drainage systems, entrance enhancements, and the installation of new highway lighting.

IDOT has prepared an environmental document supporting a categorical exclusion for the project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This public informational meeting is being held in accordance with federal public involvement procedures (23 CFR 771.111). The project will require additional right of way and easements. Information regarding land acquisition will be available in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs (49 CFR 24).

All meeting materials, including a recorded presentation and downloadable project exhibits, will be available for review on the project website. The virtual format allows the public to view the proposed roundabout improvement and provide feedback at their convenience during the 30-day public comment period.

Public input is a critical component of the project development process. The public is encouraged to submit comments via an online comment form in the "Get Involved" section on the website. Completed comment forms must be submitted by May 14, to be included in the public record. The project team will respond in writing to all comments received, and a summary of comments and responses will be posted on the project website.

Questions or comments also can be submitted through any of the following channels:

Illinois Department of Transportation, District 3

700 E. Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350

Attn: Kenneth Banga, P.E.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 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 to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.