Illinois Department of Transportation, Milton R. Sees, Secretary Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor
Traveling PublicMapsProjectsRoad ClosuresNewsDoing BusinessLetting & BiddingCareers@IDOTGeneral Info

Galena Bypass

Special Update:

This study was concluded on September 22, 2005 with the signing of the Record of Decision by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This decision concludes that the Selected Alterative (Longhollow Freeway with South Simmons Mound variation) best satisfies the purpose and need, causes the least environmental impacts, and complies with the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA). The FHWA’s decision is based on full consideration of information contained in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), public input received at various public information meetings held throughout the course of the study, and public hearings held on June 25, 2003 in Freeport and June 26, 2003 in Galena.

The FHWA‘s decision allows the Selected Alternative to be advanced through detailed design and construction. The Galena Bypass segment of the proposed freeway is the first segment to receive funding for design engineering. Information of this project is available at www.galena-bypass.com or you may click on the link provided below.

Galena Bypass Website
http://www.galena-bypass.com/

Draft Environmental Impact Statement
http://www.dot.il.gov/desenv/us20impact/us20_hp.htm

Final Environmental Impact Statement
http://www.dot.il.gov/desenv/us20impactfinal/us20_hp.htm

Record of Decision
http://www.dot.il.gov/desenv/us20impactfinal/US 20 Rod.pdf


Input During
Public Hearing
Open Houses
and Public Comment Period
FOR

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PROPOSED U.S. ROUTE 20 FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY CORRIDOR (GLACIER SHADOW PASS), EXTENDING FROM IL 84 NORTHWEST OF GALENA IN JO DAVIESS COUNTY TO US BUSINESS 20 NORTHWEST OF FREEPORT IN STEPHENSON COUNTY.

Two identical meetings were held, one in Freeport and one in Galena. Maps and exhibits of the preferred alternate as well as all the alternates considered were presented. A slide show providing general information and summarizing the status of the project was shown, as was a video presentation of how such a new highway might look after construction.

DATES AND LOCATIONS WERE:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2003
HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FREEPORT, ILLINOIS
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2003
GALENA CONVENTION CENTER
GALENA, ILLINOIS

The hearings were held to present the Department's planned improvements to US Route 20 between Freeport and Galena, and to solicit public input. Approximately 600 people attended the hearing, and many comments were provided. Examples of several of the most frequently asked questions, along with IDOT responses, are provided here.

  • Comment 1 (Concerns about Emissions and noise from truck traffic)
  • Comment 2 (Potential visual impacts)
  • Comment 3 (Suggested expansion of existing US 20)
  • Comment 4 (Property acquisition questions)

Please send questions, comments, or site problems to the webmaster.
IDOT Privacy Statement | Illinois Privacy Information | Kids Privacy | Web Accessibility  | FOIA