US 24 - IL 29 – Phase I Design Study

Location

Peoria, Illinois

 

Client

Illinois Department of Transportation

 

Services provided

Civil engineering

Surveying

 

Project overview

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) required Phase I engineering services for the preparation of a State Improvement Report including environmental documentation in the format of an Environmental Class Action Determination (ECAD).

 

The improvement called for relocating the existing connection of Adams Street and Jefferson Street that forms a one-way couple system for US 24 and IL 29 in Peoria, Ill. Surrounded by existing businesses and residential areas that have increased traffic flow, the plan included widening Jefferson Street, closing and relocating side-roads, parking lane reconfiguration and other collateral business connections. With business and community interests in mind, STS organized its staff and timeline to deliver efficient and safe reconstruction.

 

Approach

STS began with data collection, survey, preparation of base maps and mosaics, alignment studies, intersection design studies, hydraulic analysis and analysis of existing and future traffic patterns. Remaining sensitive to local impacts of the reconstruction, STS conducted public involvement activities that outlined traffic volumes, access, property and building impacts, right-of-way, cost, traffic management and noise and air quality analyses. STS also prepared a State Improvement Report ECAD format for environmental analysis, and developed a separate technical report for cultural resources (archaeological/ historical significance) and all other work necessary to complete the Phase I Study.

 

This project received an award for Exceptional Consulting Engineering Service from IDOT.

 

Client benefits

STS’ public improvement program garnered the active participation of local officials, area historical groups, special interest groups, neighborhood groups, individual business owners and home owners. This level of involvement helped IDOT gain consensus for the project and shorten the time frame for design approvals. All public meetings were led by STS with participation from IDOT. STS developed alternative solutions that met project specifications while remaining sensitive to the public, resulting in a successful project that addressed public comments and concerns.