Projections indicate that traffic will continue to increase along U.S. Business 20. With the roadway providing a direct link to both Interstate 90 and the Boone County Fairgrounds, traffic congestion is particularly heavy during traditional work commute hours in the mornings and evenings, and during the Boone County Fair.

As a result, roadway widening and reconstruction of the 4.5-mile study corridor may be necessary to increase capacity, improve safety and strengthen pavement condition. The project is currently in Phase I, which includes preliminary engineering and environmental study to further assess existing conditions and the project purpose and need.

The preliminary engineering study is evaluating reconstructing and widening of approximately 4.5 miles of two-lane roadway of U.S. Business 20 from State Street to U.S. 20 in Belvidere to increase capacity, improve safety and strengthen pavement condition. ADA design and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations will also be studied.

Specific planned improvements include:

· Reconstructing the bypass from 2 to 4 lanes from Illinois 76 east to Logan Avenue

· Reconstructing the bypass from 3 to 5 lanes between Logan Avenue and U.S. 20

· Alternative improvements to the Poplar Grove Road bridge to accommodate the proposed geometry

· Bridge widening or construction of a new parallel bridge over the Kishwaukee River

· Resurfacing of existing lanes

The Average Daily Traffic for U.S. Business 20 is as follows:

Between State Street/North Appleton Road and Beloit Road/Big Thunder Boulevard: 10,400

Between Beloit Road/Big Thunder Boulevard and Illinois 76: 7,650

Between Illinois 76 and Marengo Road/Bonus Avenue: 10,500

Between Marengo Road/Bonus Avenue and Lawrenceville Road: 8,150

Between Lawrenceville Road and Logan Avenue: 12,100

Between Logan Avenue and U.S. 20: 12,100

The study is currently in the preliminary engineering and study phase, or Phase I. The data collection and initial studies that are part of the Phase I study process which are expected to conclude by the end of 2025. Findings from Phase I will be used to begin Phase II, or the design and land acquisition phase of the study, which is anticipated to start in early 2025. Phase III is the actual construction of the improvement and timing is pending funding and design approval.

Funding for a portion of this improvement is included in IDOT’s Proposed Multi-Year Highway Improvement Program via the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

The project is in Phase I and right-of-way and land acquisition needs have not been determined. Additional information will be made available to the public as study findings are presented at future public meetings. Upon completion and approval of a project design, the Department’s Bureau of Land Acquisition will contact property owners to discuss the land acquisition process and specific property impacts in more detail.

A noise analysis will be performed along the study corridor as part of the Phase I planning process to evaluate the potential need for noise walls as part of the recommended improvements. Existing noise measurements will be taken along the corridor and a computer model will be prepared to estimate noise levels at sensitive receptors (including residential properties) considering the future traffic and roadway configuration. In any areas where the future noise levels are predicted to be at or higher than federal noise abatement criteria, noise abatement measures, such as noise walls, will be considered. If the results of the study indicate noise mitigation may be a benefit, propertyowners will have the opportunity to provide input before it is decided if mitigation measures will be included as part of this project.

The project is currently in the Phase I study stage. As part of this study, alternate methods for maintaining traffic including detouring and constructing in stages will be considered. Information on any required road closures and detours during the construction phase of the project will be made available here as applicable.