History

This project started in response to a feasibility study that was initiated by the City of Collinsville that was completed in July of 2004. A feasibility study is conducted to determine if a highway improvement warrants further study. This initial feasibility study reviewed existing and planned land uses, existing and projected traffic volumes, and the network transportation as a whole. Results of this study and its public involvement effort concluded that the IL Route 159 corridor warranted additional study.

If you would like to review the completed IL Route 159 Feasibility Study, please click here. (35MB)

In August 2005, the Illinois Department of Transportation began a Location and Environment Study (Phase I). This phase of the project involved evaluation of potential alternatives to address congestion and safety issues within the corridor. Potential alternatives were evaluated based on environmental impacts, residential and commercial impacts, improvements to the transportation system, and feedback from the public. There was extensive input from the public during this phase through Community Advisory Group meetings, stake holder meetings, and Public Involvement Meetings.

The IL Route 159 Location and Environment Study (Phase I) was completed in January of 2009. If you would like to review the approved IL 159 Project Report, please click here (text only).  To view a full copy of the final report, please contact:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Attn: Ms. Candace Sauermann
1102 Eastport Plaza Drive
Collinsville, Illinois 62234

Aerial Exhibits of each of the three sections (South, Central, and North) of the project have been created. 

To view the South Section exhibit, please click here. (16MB)

To view the Central Section exhibit, please click here. (11MB)

To view the North Section exhibit, please click here. (21MB)

What’s Next?

Portions of the IL Route 159 project have moved to Phase III, i.e. construction has begun. Phases II and III (design and construction respectively) of this project were divided into three sections-South, Central, and North. The South Section construction plans (S. Morrison to north of Church Street) and the Central Section construction plans (north of Church Street to north of E. Johnson Street) have been awarded and construction has begun. Building demolition and utility relocations are underway, and roadway construction began in the Fall of 2010.

Demolition at UMB Bank

Construction of new box culvert south of Cherokee Street

Installation of new water line south of Catsup Bottle

To view a copy of the final plans and specifications for the South Section, please click here. 

To view a copy of the final plans and specifications for the Central Section, please click here.