Public Hearing on Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass is Wednesday

Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway will host a public hearing on the draft environmental impact statement for the Elgin O’Hare west bypass project from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Belvedere Banquets, 1170 W. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village.

IDOT and Federal Highway Administration began the Elgin O’Hare West Bypass project in 2007 to study transportation issues in a 127-square mile project area west of O’Hare Airport.

"The draft documents the need for long-term transportation solutions in the area surrounding O’Hare International Airport and assesses in detail the benefits and impacts of the EOWB project," according to a statement from the Illinois Tollway.

Representatives from IDOT and the Illinois Tollway will be available to answer questions on the EOWB project, its environmental impacts and mitigation strategies. The public is encouraged to provide verbal or written testimony that will be included as part of the public record.

“The input we have been receiving from all of the key stakeholders has been critical to reaching this next important step to building the Elgin O’Hare West Bypass,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said in a prepared statement. “This project is a priority of Gov. Quinn’s administration for its ability to create jobs, promote economic development and improve transportation. We look forward to additional feedback from the public.”

Last August, the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors adopted the 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, which commits $3.1 billion toward the $3.4 billion needed to begin building the EOWB as soon as 2013.

“(Construction) of this long-awaited project is in view,” Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is leading the effort to complete the EIS and receive a record of decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation by the end of 2012. Once the record of decision is in place, the Illinois Tollway can begin construction.

May 14, 2012, Deadline for Public Comments

Public comments will be accepted by IDOT and the Illinois Tollway through May 14. The Draft EIS and other materials will be available for review during the public hearing and are also available at municipal buildings and local public libraries within the project area and on the EOWB Project website.