OPEN HOUSE TO DISCUSS GOVERNOR’S PLAN
FOR THE ILLINOIS ROUTE 13 CORRIDOR
CARBONDALE, IL - Governor Rod Blagojevich is inviting
area residents to attend an Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) open house on Feb. 11, 2004, to
discuss the improvement of Illinois Route 13 from Marion
to Carterville. This planned $51 million improvement is
part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor's
comprehensive plan to stimulate the economy and create
more jobs in the Southern Illinois region.
“The Illinois 13 corridor is a vital link to I-57 for
the Southern Illinois region,” Governor Blagojevich
said. “We must do everything we can to ensure that this
region has a first class infrastructure system that will
help retain and attract more jobs. Since traffic volumes
are increasing and are projected to soon exceed the
existing roadway's traffic capacity, it is imperative to
make these crucial improvements so commercial and
industrial development can continue.”
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and exchange
information concerning the proposed expansion of the
existing roadway from four lanes to six lanes, and to
receive public input on the proposal. The opportunity to
discuss and comment on long-range goals for the extended
Route 13 corridor will also be offered at this public
informational meeting. A separate study of the corridor
from IL Route 127 in Murphysboro to IL Route 166 east of
Marion is currently underway by IDOT to research
possible options to further alleviate traffic congestion
including frontage roads and access revisions.
“Expanding Illinois 13 between Marion and Carterville
will improve the traffic flow in this emerging
commercial region, enhancing its overall appeal to
businesses,” said IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin.
“This is an example of what Governor Blagojevich,
through Opportunity Returns, is doing to help create
more jobs and boost the economy in Southern Illinois.”
IDOT will hold the Feb. 11 open house from 3 to 8
p.m. at John A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Road,
in Carterville. The public is invited to attend at any
time during the open house hours. The site is accessible
to persons with disabilities. Persons planning to attend
who will need a sign language interpreter, or other
similar accommodations, should notify IDOT at least
three days prior to the open house.
Written statements will be accepted at the open house
and for 15 days after the open house, and will become
part of the official record. Written statements should
be addressed to Ms. Beth Ponce, Program Development
Engineer, 2801 W. Murphysboro Rd., Carbondale, IL 62901.
For further information, contact Ms. Beth Ponce by
telephone at (618) 549-2171, or TTY (618) 549-3507.
Exhibits outlining the proposed improvement will be
available for viewing.
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