The Illinois Department of Transportation, district 3 office, will conduct an open house public hearing meeting regarding the proposed project on U.S. 6 (fifth street) within the city of Lasalle, from Union Street and extending easterly 0.34 mile to just east of the Little Vermilion River Bridge. 

The proposed project consists of removing the bridge that once carried U.S. 6 over the now abandoned Illinois central railroad tracks.  With the removal of the structure, the existing profile of the road will be lowered by approximately 10 feet. U.S. 6 will be reconstructed between Union and Central Streets.  A westbound left turn lane will be constructed at Union Street.  The proposed curb and gutter roadway will be 30 feet and variable to 42 feet in width.  The existing frontage roads will be removed and replaced with driveways to serve the affected property owners.  storm sewers will be constructed where necessary, to provide adequate drainage.  Removal of the structure and reconstruction of this portion of roadway will require an approximate two to three month closure of U.S. 6 to through traffic at the bridge site.  Adjacent residents will have vehicular access to their homes at all times.

The deck of the bridge spanning the little vermilion river will be removed and replaced.  A 5 foot wide sidewalk will be built along the north side of the structure, separated from traffic with a concrete parapet.  Deck replacement will be accomplished under staged construction.  Temporary traffic signals will allow a single lane passage across the bridge for cars only.  Truck traffic will not have access across the bridge.  A signed truck detour, utilizing other state highways, will be in effect.  Two parcels of right of way totaling .07 acre and five parcels of temporary easement totaling 0.05 acre will be required.

IDOT personnel will be available to address questions and comments citizens may have about the project. Related exhibits, maps, and plans will also be available for public review. There will be no formal presentation.

Disabled persons planning to attend this meeting, who are in need of special accommodations, sign language interpreter or other similar assistance, should notify the Mr. Ted Fultz. Write to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 700 east Norris drive, Ottawa, Illinois 61350 (fax 815/434-8553) or telephone 815/434-8469 (tdd number 815/434-6164) so reasonable accommodations can be made.