Illiana Expressway Project

Illiana Expressway Project

Both the Departments of Transportation in Indiana and Illinois are actively working on a new limited highway facility from I-65 south of Crown Point, IN, to I-55 south of Joliet, IL.  This facility dubbed the Illiana Expressway would connect the south Chicago Suburbs with NW Indiana along its proposed 47-mile route.  The process behind the development of the expressway is complex, and this web page will serve as an information clearinghouse regarding important dates and documents relating to approvals and possible construction of the facility.  Documents are both public and private in nature, and include all updated public comments.  Please scroll down to the content you wish to view regarding the project.  This will also include any public comment dates and forms you can submit online.   Additional questions on the expressway project can be forwarded to Mitch Barloga at mbarloga@nirpc.org.

The official INDOT/IDOT website which holds all information regarding the study process and related documents can be accessed here:  http://www.illianacorridor.org/

 

The TIER TWO FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) is now available for review on the Illiana Corridor website. Please click the following link to access the EIS: http://www.illianacorridor.org/tier_2/tier2_feis.aspx

Schedule of Previous Actions & Public Comment

NIRPC has been asked by INDOT to amend our 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan to include the Illiana Expressway project and widening of I-65 from US 30 south to US 231.  The following documents outline the planning process as well as public comment dates.

  • Illiana Expressway:  NIRPC Action Schedule (click image for larger view)
  • Public Comment Open Houses: (Public Comment period commences October 14, 2013 and ends November 20, 2013)

November 2, 2013: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
John W. Anderson Library
Indiana University Northwest
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN (Campus MAP)

November 5, 2013: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Lowell Middle School
19250 Cline Avenue, Lowell, IN (MAP)

November 13, 2013: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
NIRPC
6100 Southport Rd., Portage, IN 46368 (MAP)

November 19, 2013: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Michigan City, City Hall
100 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, IN (MAP)

The comments received at these meetings were compiled into a public comment summary report and responded to, along with other comments received during the 30-day comment period. The summary report was made available to the public and distributed to NIRPC’s Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) and NIRPC’s Full Commission prior to TPC action on December 3, 2013 and the NIRPC Full Commission’s action on December 12, 2013.