Last Updated: 03/28/05
Won't this project result in more traffic on IL Route 7 (159th Street) east of Cedar Road? (03/05) (revised)
The Caton Farm-Bruce Road study is one part of a long-range improvement plan for a 38 mile east-west route along Caton Farm Road/Bruce Road/159th Street/U.S. Route 6 from IL Route 59 (west of I-55) to Torrence Avenue in Calumet City, IL. Will County has initiated this study for the portion of this route from U.S. Route 30 to 159th Street at Cedar Road. West of U.S. Route 30, Caton Farm Road is a four-lane roadway. Aside from this study, 159th Street east of Cedar Road is proposed to be widened to a four-lane roadway from the future I-355 interchange just west of Gougar Road to IL Route 7/U.S. Route 6 (Wolf Road). East of Wolf Road, 159th Street is a four-lane roadway.
Results of the traffic modeling indicate that, by the year 2030, under the “No-Action” scenario, traffic volumes on IL Route 7 (159th Street) east of Cedar Road will increase by more than 50% the currently observed volumes on this segment. In other words, this growth can be expected even if none of the improvement options that are part of this study are implemented. It is anticipated that traffic volumes on this segment of roadway under the “Build” options will only be slightly greater than those under the No-Action scenario.
What is the status of the I-355 south extension? (03/05) (revised)
The I-355 south extension is expected to be completed by late 2007. The first contract was awarded in November 2004 to begin earthwork and grading for the proposed improvement. The extension of I-355 south is one componenet of the Tollway's Long Range Plan to rebuild/restore the Tollway system, widen major roads and replace tollbooths on the mainline with Open Road Tolling.
Who is paying for this study?
This Phase I study is being paid for jointly by the Federal Highway Administration and the Will County Department of Highways.
Is this project related to the I-355 South Extension?
No. This project has no relation to the I-355 South Extension project. Even without the extension of I-355, there is a significant need for a new crossing of the Des Plaines River Valley, and an expansion of east-west arterial capacity in this portion of Will County.
Will there be an interchange of I-355 and Bruce Road?
Although the right-of-way for an interchange has been purchased by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, there are no current plans for an interchange of I-355 and Bruce Road.
Are noise barriers going to be constructed along Caton Farm -Bruce Road?
As part of the Phase I study, a thorough noise analysis will be completed to meet federal guidelines. If it is determined that design year noise levels will exceed those mandated by the FHWA, consideration of noise abatement must result in a determination that abatement is not only physically feasible but reasonable as well, based on an evaluation of certain site-specific factors.
When will construction on Caton Farm-Bruce Road begin?
It is expected that the Phase I study will be completed in approximately 36 months. Following its completion, engineering design plans, construction specifications, and detailed cost estimates would be developed. Plans and specifications for the construction of the new bridge would also be completed. Negotiations with property owners would occur where additional right-of-way or easements are necessary for the construction of the new roadway and the new bridge. After all of these steps are complete, construction could begin. It is estimated that the earliest construction on this project could begin would be seven to ten years from today. Of course, this is dependent upon the availability of funding.
Will there be any traffic signals added as part of this project?
Until an ultimate alignment is chosen for Bruce Road, it is difficult to state if any new intersections will be signalized or not. As this study moves forward, this information will be more readily available.
How much is this project going to cost?
Construction cost estimates are not available at this time. As the project moves forward, this information will be developed.
What happens if my property is acquired?
Right-of-Way Acquisition and Relocation Assistance for all Federal-Aid projects is governed by Public Law 91-646: Title III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
The law requires just compensation; Just Compensation is defined as payment of fair market value for the property taken, taking into account partial takings, damages and benefits to the remaining land. Title III also reimburses litigation expenses, relocation costs and incidental expenses.
Acquisition of property is a four-step process:
- Preparation of Plat of Survey and Legal Description of property to be acquired.
- Preparation of Property Appraisal by independent professional appraiser.
- Preparation of Review Appraisal by another independent appraiser.
- Negotiations and settlement.
The acquisition of property cannot begin until design approval of the Phase I report.
Where will the bridge cross the Des Plaines River?
Although previous studies recommended the Caton Farm - Bruce Road corridor as the preferred location for a new crossing of the Des Plaines River Valley, the exact alignment of the bridge connecting the two routes has not yet been determined. This will be determined as part of this study.
How many lanes will the new roadway have?
It is anticipated that the roadway will have a four-lane cross section; two travel lanes in each direction.
Will there be sidewalk or bikepath as part of this project?
The feasibility of providing both a sidewalk and a bikepath will be studied.
