Overview
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has initiated a Phase I Engineering Study for Illinois Route 131 / Green Bay Road from Russell Road to Sunset Avenue and will follow the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process and encourage extensive public involvement throughout the development process. It is anticipated the study will be completed in 3 to 4 years.
The study area, located in Lake County, extends approximately 7.5 miles from Russell Road (Wisconsin State Line) south to Sunset Avenue . This project will be processed as an Environmental Assessment (EA) and will include an analysis of the existing roadway and intersection deficiencies, and an examination of the impacts that proposed improvements will have on the surrounding communities and environment.
The IL Rte 131 Green Bay Road project has been designated as a Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) project by IDOT. CSS is a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a roadway facility that fits into its surroundings and preserve scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources while maintaining safety and mobility.
The proposed improvements are anticipated to accommodate existing and projected 2030 travel demands. Sections of IL Rte 131 carry as much as 23,100 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on the two lane roadway. The corridor is developed with a mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural uses, forest preserve, golf courses and the Waukegan Regional Airport.
Population and Employment Growth Drive the Need for Transportation Improvements
Between 1990 and 2000, the population of Lake County grew from 504,000 to 644,000, an increase of about 28%. This makes Lake County the fourth fastest growing county in Illinois and one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. The population growth in Lake County is projected to continue. Population forecasts by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) project that Lake Countys population will grow to 841,860 by 2030.
| Category | 2000 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 644,463 | 841,860 |
| Households | 216,327 | 290,886 |
| Employment | 352,582 | 463,501 |
Due to past, current and anticipated growth and economic development in semi-rural areas, transportation needs will change and create a demand for enhanced transportation services on the already congested transportation system.
Study Process Steps
The first step of the Environmental Assessment (EA) Study will analyze the existing and future conditions and define the Purpose and Needs for improvements.
The tasks include collecting information on current population, employment and traffic conditions; developing geographic information system to organize and display the data; forecasting future population and employment growth in the area; predicting future travel demand, and evaluating the performance of the transportation system under future conditions. With this information, IDOT will identify transportation deficiencies, and can begin the planning process for developing solutions to address these deficiencies. Upon completion of the needs assessment for the study area, deficiencies will be established, and the study then proceeds with developing the specific purpose of improvements and the needs that will be addressed.
The next step in the study process is a screening step that begins with identification of a wide range of possible solutions, and ends with the selection of an alternative(s) for further detailed evaluation. Possible solutions will be evaluated by looking at preliminary alternatives that meet the purpose and need. A wide range of alternatives will be identified and evaluated against the needs that are found. The process of evaluating and selecting possible solutions to identify needs will follow the federally mandated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, reasonable alternatives, including a no action alternative, will be objectively examined during this process. Public involvement activity and context sensitivity will continue to be applied through this part of the study.
The further detailed evaluation of the alternative includes evaluation of the affect of any possible alternative on the environment. These findings, in addition to the previous findings are reported in the Environmental Assessment document. Further detailed evaluation of the technical factors associated with the alternative(s) is also included. The technical findings will be reported in the Design Report. A Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and a Draft Design Report will be prepared. Following an extensive public comment period, a Final Environmental Assessment (FEA), and a Final Design Report will be issued that identifies a preferred alternative. The Record of Decision (ROD), the Federal authorization to proceed, would then be expected. Land acquisition and construction depends on project readiness and funding availability. This would conclude the Phase I Study.