| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Happy New Year from the Southwest Connector PEL Study Team! As the study picks up the pace in the coming months, we are introducing a new resource to make sure that you receive current, straight-from-the-source study information. Get all your updates in one place by signing up here.
Last year we made a lot of progress, so as we kick off 2026, here is a list of achievements from just the last 12 months:
- Launched the new project website
- Initiated and completed data collection throughout the corridor
- Prepared the NEPA Reevaluation for the IL 13/127 segment from Pinckneyville to Murphysboro
- Began development of initial concept alternatives
- Prepared a corridor conditions assessment
- Drafted and began receiving input on the preliminary problem statement and the Purpose & Need
- Identified project focus groups and their members
- Hosted the first Virtual Public Information Meeting
Keep reading for an in-depth explanation of the most requested
topics from the list above. Welcome to the first edition of the Southwest Connector Sentinel!
|
|
Completed Data Collection
In 2025, the study team completed their collection and analysis of existing conditions data for the entire study area from Waterloo to Murphysboro. Their findings cover travel volumes across the corridor, speed, congestion, delays, and other factors affecting travelers. This information will be used alongside public input for a complete picture of the corridor's present use.
|
|
|
|
NEPA Re-Evaluation Filing As we wrap up data collection, we'll soon be filing for a NEPA Re-evaluation of the segment from Pinckneyville to Murphysboro (this is a key reason why the PEL process was chosen for this project!). This strategy gives us a legal pathway to use the previous information gathered from past studies in addition to the information that already needs to be gathered for the rest of the corridor -- producing the most efficient outcome for a project that has been worked on intermittently for decades. Stay tuned for updates in our next newsletter!
|
|
|
|
Began Development of Initial Concept Alternatives
Using the collected data and public input, the team prepared preliminary concepts of what future alternatives could look like, and they are a bit different from previous suggestions. It is important to know that these are not final designs, and that all of these can change in response to future analysis and your input. Here is a quick rundown of what we are thinking:
Previous iterations (first image) covered a wide area of the corridor. The current study is focused on a much more condensed pathway (second image) that aims to improve the corridor's function without taking away from the scenery and current routes that people, communities, and businesses love.
|
|
|
|
It might look confusing, but that's because each of these colors show a different possible route can be adapted locally to better fit the needs of residents. Improvements made along the route will depend on the needs of the area, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution to the corridor. With this design, it is also possible to study a wide variety of improvements, such as adding travel lanes, widening shoulders, improving a high-crash location with a safety project, or even adding bicycle and pedestrian facilities or connections at key places along the route.
But what do you think would make sense in your area? Is there a spot we should avoid or protect? Let us know by filling out a survey.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next Steps – Stay Tuned! - Hybrid Public Meeting #2
- IDOT/FHWA NEPA Merger Meeting
This newsletter will always be created with you in mind. If you have an idea for what you want us to cover next, let us know here!
|
|
|
|
Website: southwestconnector.com Illinois Department of Transportation, District 9 Attn: Southwest Connector PEL Study
2801 Murphysboro Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-2171
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
