The Project Process / Timeline

The Illinois Department of Transportation develops and implements projects using a three-phase process. The IL 18 River Bridge Project is currently in Phase I: Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies. This two-year Phase I Study will determine the preferred alternative, including right-of-way requirements.  When the study is approved, the project will move forward with Phase II: Contract Plan Preparation and Land Acquisition. This phase includes developing detailed contract plans and purchasing land for the project, if needed, and is anticipated to take two years to complete. The project is currently included in IDOT’s Multi-Year Program. Once permits are secured, the project moves into Phase III: Construction.

During Phase I, IDOT will studied a range of improvement options for the bridge.  The Department also conducted an environmental analysis to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  NEPA is a federal law that requires federally funded projects, such as the IL 18 River Bridge Project, to analyze alternatives and identify potential effects of those alternatives on the environment.  Throughout the Phase I process, IDOT also gathered input through various public involvement mechanisms, such as a Community Advisory Group and public meetings. These efforts all helped ensure environmental values, public input, and other factors were integrated into project decisions.