January 27, 2010 - 386 words
IDOT looking for Route 47 input
MIKE NEUMANN - The Woodstock Independent
Illinois Department of Transportation officials are seeking input from residents about how they would like to see Route 47 improved.
At the Jan. 19 City Council meeting, representatives from IDOT announced they would begin the first phase of the Route 47 improvement project. Over the next three years, IDOT plans to identify road deficiencies and determine needs. To help accomplish this, IDOT is asking residents for input at a series of upcoming meetings.
The first meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology, 222 Church St. People attending have the opportunity to watch a presentation, review project exhibits, comment on the current and future needs and conditions along the corridor and meet with IDOT and study team representatives on a one-on-one basis.
Carrie Hansen, the director of planning and government relations for Images Inc., a communications consultant working with IDOT, said resident interaction is an important part of the process. She said IDOT wants to preserve the aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects important to residents while increasing mobility and safety along the corridor.
"You're going to see us early and you're going to see us often over the next couple of years," Hansen said.
The project scope includes a 4-1/2-mile stretch of road along Route 47 from Highway 14 to Charles Road. Darcy Gabrisko, vice president of Strand Associates Inc., another consultant working with IDOT, said establishing the scope and alignment in preparation for construction is the main goal of the first phase. Subsequent phases have yet to be funded, meaning construction is likely years away. Residents can view a Web site about the project at www.il47woodstockstudy.com. The city's Web site, www.woodstockil.gov, has a link to the site.
"This route, for our residents, is approaching intolerable," said Councilman Mike Turner in support of the project.
Mayor Brian Sager said traffic along Route 47 has been a concern for a number of years, and that, while improvements are likely years away, he is happy to be starting such an ambitious project.
IDOT representatives said they anticipate comments about the need to expand the Route 47 railroad overpass to include additional lanes underneath. Earlier reports have indicated the cost for the expansions to be about $20 million. No specific information about the overpass was discussed at the City Council meeting, however.
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