Big plans to improve I-55 interchanges

It’s been almost 13 years since the Route 129 exit (238) off Interstate 55 was razed, creating an inconvenience for travelers wanting to reach Wilmington and Braidwood.
But the plan to rebuild the interchange and for revamping the Lorenze Road (exit 240) brings renewed hope for commercial growth and will be made public on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. during an open house.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will host the public hearing concerning the preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) for the I-55 improvements for both locations.
At the meeting, the public can watch a video about the project, explore exhibits including the proposed improvements, leave comments, and make statements to a court reporter.
The meeting materials will also be available on the project.
Written comments may be emailed to LorenzoIL129Study@gmail.com. Comments received by Sept. 16 will become part of the official public outreach record.
IDOT projects have three distinct phases. Phase I (or the project Study) consisting of developing the project scope, environmental studies, and preliminary design of a project.
Phase II (Design) consists of refining the design to develop contract plans and land acquisition. Phase III (Construction) consists of the actual construction of the project.
The open house will be held at the William E. Dugan Training Center – Local 150, 19800 West South Arsenal Road, Wilmington.