Route 162/157 intersection reconstruction planned
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By Devese “Dee” Ursery
dursery@timestribunenews.com
The public had a chance to sit in on an informational meeting and give their opinion on specific issues concerning the reconstruction of Illinois 162 at Illinois 157 in Glen Carbon.
The Illinois Department of Transportation put together a meeting to discuss plans of managing traffic at the intersection of Illinois 162 and Illinois 157 due to the proposed reconstruction project. The meeting took place from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, at the Glen Senior Center.
The public was able to voice their opinion on the way traffic will be maintained throughout the duration of the construction which was the purpose of the meeting. Dawn Johnson, IDOT director explained the purpose of the reconstruction project.
“IDOT is realigning the intersection of Illinois 162 with Illinois 157,” Johnson said. “The purpose of the project is to provide a safer, more efficient transportation facility at this intersection.”
Johnson said the specific needs addressed include safety, operational and capacity issues.
The project will realign the west leg of Illinois 162 to connect with the east leg Illinois 162 at a suggested traffic light, getting rid of the offset intersections of Illinois 162 with stop control. The reconstruction job will involve the restoration of a bridge that takes Illinois 157 over Judy’s Branch, a stream in Glen Carbon. A pedestrian bridge will also be constructed parallel to Illinois 157 and a new bridge built to carry Illinois 162 over Judy’s Branch, as well.
“This project will provide a safe and reliable intersection to those residents and commuters who use it,” Johnson said.
IDOT provided the handouts and display boards for review by the public as well as information concerning the construction sequencing.
Jonson said the construction project is estimated to start in the year 2024 and will cost an estimated $23.8 million. “The project will take at least two-years,” she said.
According to Cheryl Keplar, project engineer for IDOT the contractors for the project have not been selected as of yet. She said the contract has to go through the letting and bidding process to determine the low bidder and award the contract.
“The project will improve the intersection of Illinois 162 at Illinois 157,” Kepler said. “The two legs will be realigned to form a standard four-legged intersection and will be signal controlled. It will provide a safer, more efficient transportation facility for the residents and commuters from all the surrounding communities.”
This is so annoying. You (and other local newspapers) drop a story on FB, then you can’t see it unless you subscribe. Make the online subscription price more affordable, especially for senior citizens and veterans! Or at least remove the block when you post it!