Background and Goals
The Study Team
This PEL Study is being conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with the assistance of professional consultants. Leading the consultant team is Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC, with support from CDM Smith Inc., Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering, H.W. Lochner, Inc., Thompson Civil, LLC, and Added Dimension, LLC.
The Importance of a PEL Study
The PEL Study process is an approach designed to aid in transportation decision making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the planning process to minimize redundancies, promote efficient and cost-effective solutions, and enhance project implementation. It is a community-centered process that allows decision makers and stakeholders to propose a range of alternatives to be considered and to identify potential issues and challenges early ahead of the subsequent National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and project design phases.
The Study Area
The Study focuses on the corridor that includes IL Route 15 (also referred to as Missouri Avenue) between I-255 and I-55, and Bond Avenue between IL Route 163 and 8th Street. A mix of heavy industrial, residential, and commercial land uses characterize this corridor. There are also intermittent vacant structures and lots along the corridor, as well as various types of intersections, including 2-way and 4-way stops. This stretch of IL Route 15 is in need of repair and evaluation.
Different from Previous Studies
While previous studies have taken place, this PEL Study provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at the needs for transportation improvements in the study area along IL 15 and Bond Avenue. Rather than repeat previous approaches, the PEL process should expand to consider a broader set of regional routes and apply updated equity and resilience frameworks. By integrating lessons learned and directly addressing prior limitations, the current effort can move toward viable, community-supported solutions that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life in East St. Louis.