Q: What is the Elgin O’Hare-West Bypass project?

A: With the goal of improving transportation in the region, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been engaged in a study to identify options for building an extension of the Elgin O’Hare Expressway and a western bypass of O’Hare International Airport. Known as the Elgin O’Hare-West Bypass, the project includes preliminary engineering and environmental studies of a wide range of alternatives, including both the potential extension of the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway to the east as well as a potential western bypass of O’Hare connecting I-90 and I-294. As part of this fresh approach, IDOT has embarked on a major effort to gather ideas and suggestions from residents and business and civic leaders in the 24-community study area.

Q: What area does the study encompass?

A: The study area is roughly bounded by I-90 to the north, I-290 to the south, I-294 to the east, and the existing E-O to the west of O’Hare International Airport. The area includes 27 communities and two counties. IDOT has been working with residents and leaders from these communities to gather their ideas and suggestions at different points throughout the study. IDOT is depending on participation from residents and leaders from these communities to ensure that the study incorporates their feedback. Beyond the study’s geographical boundaries, it is notable that this study will be examining many possible transportation solutions. At this stage of the study, 15 roadway and 4 transit options have been developed and evaluated, with a smaller set of DEIS finalist alternatives to be identified in the spring of 2009. The study is examining new roadways, improvements to existing roadways, bus, rail, mass transit, and bike/ped accommodations.

Q: When will this study be complete?

A: The first segment, or tier, of the study is scheduled for completion in early 2010. The final product of this phase will be the IDOT’s submission of a final environmental impact statement and record of decision that states the preferred transportation system plan for the area. Once a preferred plan is identified, IDOT will begin the study’s second tier, which involves detailed engineering and environmental studies for parts of the selected plan that are ready to move forward. This stage is expected to be complete by 2013.

Q: How much will this project cost?

A: Federal legislation designated this transportation corridor as a region of national significance and earmarked $140 million to advance the Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass project. This study will consume less than 10 percent of that total, leaving the rest for future phases of the project.

Q: What opportunities will the public have in determining the preferred plan?

A: IDOT needs robust public input to develop a plan that improves transportation while also recognizing the many economic and environmental impacts a project of this magnitude presents. The Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass team is committed to being inclusive, open-minded and transparent through this process. IDOT views public input as a key component of this study and is committed to providing opportunities for all interested parties to get involved in the project. In addition to briefing elected officials, the team has held public meetings in 2007 & 2008 to discuss preliminary study findings and solicit feedback. Additionally, the study team formed a Corridor Planning Group and task forces made up of local officials who will provide ongoing feedback as the study moves ahead.

Q: What prior studies related to this issue will be considered during the Elgin-O’Hare West Bypass study?

A: This study, more than anything, represents a fresh start. We begin a new effort to solve an old problem with a blank slate. While prior studies and findings will factor in to this study, the main goal is to start anew to consider project alternatives and corridor locations. Further, a new study will take in to consideration the enormous amount of growth that has taken place in the area over the last two decades.

Q: When will the project be constructed?

A: At this point, there is no firm construction timeline. It is likely that construction on any proposed improvements would begin before 2016. Based on the typical project development process, studies and planning efforts come in advance of funding. Our study scope does include, however, development of potential financing strategies.

Q: How does this relate to the O’Hare Modernization Program?

A: This project is completely separate from the O’Hare Modernization Program. The OMP did set aside a 300 foot corridor that will be considered for a future roadway. However, the study team must still perform some planning work to determine the best roadway location and configuration for the area, independent of any future improvements at O’Hare.

Q: How will this study affect ongoing roadway improvements in the study area, such as IL 19 at Wood Dale Road and IL 19 at York?

A: This project will not impact any of the ongoing improvements, and those projects will be considered as part of the baseline transportation network (in other words, it is assumed to be built regardless) for the Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass traffic analysis.

Q: Who is involved in the project?

A: IDOT and the Federal Highway Administration are the project sponsors. Smith Engineering has been retained by IDOT to serve as project management consultants, working essentially as an extension of the IDOT staff. A consultant team lead by CH2M HILL and including Christopher Burke Engineering, Landrum and Brown, Regina Webster Associates, DB Sterlin, Res Publica Group, STV, Images, Inc. and Vlecides-Schroeder will perform the technical work associated with the project.

Q: What is the status of the Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass study?

A: The Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass project team has reached out to local communities to identify specific transportation needs in the study area. We have an active Corridor Planning Group and three task forces which are focusing on land use, transportation and environmental concerns—offering detailed input and raising specific concerns. Meanwhile, a major analysis of existing conditions is underway so we can eventually identify the best course based on community input and hard data.

Q: What happens to the comments I submitted to the project team?

A: All the feedback we receive from the public, along with technical analysis, will be duly considered throughout the project. Both have been especially valuable at key milestones such as shaping the project’s “purpose and need” statement. Feedback has also been instrumental as we have developed and evaluated project alternatives.

Q: How is this study different from the one conducted by DuPage County?

A: The DuPage County study offers general concepts and a vision for future economic development and transportation opportunities. In fact, the study is an excellent example of communities coming together to generate fresh ideas. The Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass study is incorporating the DuPage County study in to its efforts, as it is with all public input. Our study is also seeking to identify roadway improvements on a more detailed level.

Q: How can I find out what solutions are under discussion?

A: From start to finish, the Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass study will be transparent. As our analysis takes shape we will be sharing summaries of our work, as well as technical reports. These will be available on the project website (www.elginohare-westbypass.org). The team also works closely with project stakeholders such as municipal officials and task force members, who will also receive these materials and be encouraged to share them with the public.

Q: Will you consider mass transit or any sort of transportation beyond just roadways?

A: That consideration is certainly part of this process. The Elgin O’Hare – West Bypass study’s final recommendation will include any appropriate bike, mass transit and pedestrian elements, along with roadway improvements. The project team is actively seeking community members’ input on these elements as well as other traffic considerations.