Project Location

The project study limits are bounded by I-80 on the south, US 52 on the north, Houbolt Rd on the east and River Rd on the west. The study limits are within the City of Joliet and the Village of Shorewood in Will County, Illinois. The study is anticipated to address roadway access, operational deficiencies, traffic safety and traffic congestion.

Project Phases

Phase I

This phase involves the preparation of an engineering and environmental report which focuses on a geometric alternatives analysis and an environmental impact evaluation. Various alternatives are developed as part of this process. After all alternatives are evaluated and considered, they are further refined to avoid and minimize impacts. If avoidance is not possible or feasible, mitigation measures are identified. Subsequent to this evaluation, a preferred alternative is selected and carried forward into the next design phase.

Phase II

During this stage, detailed construction plans and specifications are produced for the purpose of allowing contractors to develop a price proposal to construct all proposed improvements. The required land needed to build and operate the highway, as identified as a result of the Phase I Study, is negotiated and purchased in Phase II.

Phase III

The proposed improvements are constructed, operated and maintained.

Phase I Project Schedule

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)

This project is being developed using the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) approach. CSS is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that endeavors to involve all interested stakeholders to develop a facility that fits into its surroundings and preserves cultural, scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources while maintaining roadway safety and mobility. By utilizing the CSS approach, we are able to consider the unique framework, or context, of the I-55 project as we develop a plan for its improvement.
The Definition of Context
Context is all elements related to the people and place where a project is located. This includes visible elements such as environmental or historic resources and also invisible elements such as community values, traditions and/or expectations.
The Definition of Consensus
Consensus is defined as a majority of the stakeholders in agreement on an issue or solution. Dissenting stakeholders agree their input has been heard and appropriately considered. Consensus is NOT expected to achieve total agreement from ALL parties.
The Role of Stakeholders
Project stakeholders include anyone potentially affected by, concerned with, or interested in the outcome of the proposed improvements being contemplated by IDOT. Stakeholders can include homeowners and business owners, as well as local counties, villages and park districts. 
Communications with Stakeholders
Opportunity for communication with project stakeholders is vital to the project's success; therefore, once stakeholders are identified, we work closely with them to understand how the roadway changes may affect them now and in the future. We hold public information meetings and develop community advisory groups to be able to address the diverse needs and priorities of the affected communities.
IDOT
IDOT will attempt to achieve stakeholder consensus on project choices. While IDOT is ultimately responsible for the final project decisions, it makes those decisions by considering all of the information at its disposal.
Email: [email protected]
City of Joliet
www.Joliet.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation
​201 W. Center Court
Schaumburg, IL 60196
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