Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this study?
- This study is a preliminary Engineering Assessment (a Phase I study) and is taking a look at the needs and evaluation of IL 131 Green Bay Road in Lake County extending approximately 7.5 miles from Russell Road (Wisconsin State Line) south to Sunset Avenue.
- Who is responsible for this study?
- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will act as the joint lead agency for preparing a complex Environmental Assessment (EA) for the IL 131 Green Bay Road Study project in order to satisfy NEPA requirements. As such, FHWA (Division Administrator) and IDOT (Secretary of Transportation) are the ultimate decision-makers for this project.
- How is this study funded?
- This study is funded through State and Federal transportation planning funds.
- What constitutes a Stakeholder?
- Stakeholders for a project include any person or organization that has a direct stake in the project being considered. This can be anything from a small group of residents and businesses affected by the redesign of a rural intersection to thousands of individuals when a major roadway or transit extension is being built. Stakeholders can include residents and landowners near a project, advocates for policy, community and historic interests, elected officials, government agencies, and many others.
- Will any homes or businesses be displaced?
- Since a full range of alternatives have not been identified or analyzed, it is impossible to say, however, through the NEPA and CSS process, IDOT will strive to mitigate impacts and ensure responsible planning in the area of increasing population growth and traffic congestion.
- Is the Waukegan Port Authority's runway expansion part of this study?
- No. The Waukegan Port Authority and the IL 131 Green Bay Road study are two separate studies lead by different agencies. The Waukegan Airport Authority is conducting an Environmental Assessment for a possible future runway expansion, whereas, this study is looking at needs and evaluation of the highway infrastructure needs. The Waukegan Port Authority is a stakeholder in this study and IDOT will make every effort to coordinate with their project plans throughout this study.
- Will safety be addressed in this study?
- One of IDOT's primary concerns is providing safe, accessible transportation therefore, safety will be evaluated and addressed in this study.
- How do you know what is needed - and who needs it?
- There will be a number of factors involved in determining need. These factors could include, but are not limited to: Mobility, Accessibility, System Connectivity, Safety and support for Economic Development.
- What is a Purpose & Need Statement?
- An important factor for selecting the best alternative is the ability for a solution to address the purpose and need for improvements. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of those needs as we identify possible alternatives. A Purpose and Need:
- Defines why the study is being done and what problems will be addressed.
- Begins with statements of problems that the should resolve.
- Starting point for evaluation of transportation alternatives.
- Who can I contact about the study?
- You can direct questions and comments to us via this website. Written correspondence can be sent directly to:
- Illinois Department of Transportation-Region One / District 1
- Diane M. O'Keefe, P.E., Deputy Director of Highways
- 201 W. Center Court
- Schaumburg, Illinois 60196
- How can I keep informed about the study's progress?
- IDOT has a number of contact points for information on the study? The best way to keep updated is to join the mailing list and frequently check the study website?
