I-80 Widening Provides Motorists a Safer Route to the City
In 2007, the Illinois State Tollway completed the I-355 South Extension as a part of the IST Congestion Relief Program – Open Roads for a Faster Future. This effectively extended I-355 south 12.5 miles to Interstate I-80. The extension reduced local congestion in Will County and created direct access from Will County to the greater Chicagoland area.
In 2011, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) awarded Stanley Consultants a widening contract for an eight-mile section of I-80, four miles east and four miles west of the I-355/I-80 junction that was created in 2007. The completion of the I-355 extension created a significant rise in congestion on this section of I-80 as motorists could now use this route to travel to and from the city, as well as many of the surrounding suburbs. IDOT's intent in widening this section of roadway was to reduce the increased congestion and travel times to I-355.
Stanley Consultants provided Phase III engineering services on three separate construction contracts that included roadway widening, landscaping, signage, pavement markings, sewer work and noise barrier installation.