Virtual public meeting for Southwest Connector July 28

SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to learn more about the Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages study and provide feedback on the corridor between Waterloo and Murphysboro. Instead of hosting an in-person meeting, IDOT will present project information and encourage public input from July 28 through Aug. 18 via a new website: southwestconnector.com.

The study is evaluating potential improvements along Illinois 3, Illinois 154 and Illinois 13/127 to reduce travel times, enhance safety, improve freight movement and strengthen connections between communities in southwest Illinois and the St. Louis metro area. It also includes a re-evaluation of proposed improvements to Illinois 13/127 between Murphysboro and Pinckneyville.

The public is encouraged to submit comments to help the project team develop transportation solutions that reflect community needs, reduce environmental impacts, and improve regional connectivity and future developments.

The website, southwestconnector.com, includes an overview of the study objectives, existing conditions data, and a draft of the study’s Purpose and Need document. Visitors can review materials, complete a survey and sign up for email updates.

All comments received by Aug. 18 will be included in the official public meeting record. Comments can be submitted by email through Aug. 18 to contact@southwestconnector.com or by mail (postmarked by Aug. 18) to:

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illinois Department of Transportation
​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2801 W. Murphysboro Road
​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Carbondale, IL 62901
​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Attn: Carrie Nelsen, Southwest Connector PEL Study

Those without internet access can contact Carrie Nelsen, IDOT District 9 program development engineer, at 618-549-2171, ext. 280, for more information.

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