The Project Process / Timeline

The Illinois Department of Transportation develops and implements projects using a three-phase process. Phase I: Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies for the IL 18 River Bridge Project have been completed, pending a signed Memorandum of Agreement for Cultural Resources. These studies determined the preferred alternative, including right-of-way requirements. The project is now in Phase II: Contract Plan Preparation and Land Acquisition. This phase includes developing detailed contract plans to be used for construction and purchasing land for the project. Once plans are completed and permits secured, the project moves into Phase III: Construction. The project is currently included in IDOT’s Multi-Year Program, so the timeline can proceed as smoothly as possible. The earliest planned construction start date is late Fall of 2027.