Following are key points discussed at a recent IDOT Committee Meeting:

1. A major concern discussed was Route 115. Right now, IDOT has a contract to put flashing beacons on "stop" and "intersection ahead" signs and will be placed in the next couple of months. They also stated they are always monitoring the crash data. Other potential solutions were discussed (such as a 4 way stop or roundabouts); however, IDOT stated their preference at this time is to monitor the data after the flashing beacons are in place and make a decision if further improvements are warranted then.
2. Another issue discussed was Route 113 near Edgewater Drive. They are currently looking at fixing cross slopes on some curves. They are also working on moving ditches back, widening the shoulder, and creating a flatter ditch. They are currently in Phase 1 of this process which they hope to have wrapped up in winter. They do have a consultant selected for phase 2 and hope to get started with that in summer. They currently have funding set aside for this, but construction likely won't begin until 2027 at least as there is a lot of right of way to purchase.
3. Exit 308 was discussed. They indicated that this was a huge project that has "festered" for a number of years. They are looking at creating a diamond interchange along with some I57 interstate reconstruction. They are currently working their way through Phase 1 engineering. They indicated they held a community "virtual" public involvement and plan to hold an in person one next year. Their plan is to make this one big project rather than break it into separate smaller ones.
4. They will be doing quite a bit on Route 50 in Kankakee as well. Upgrading sidewalks, ramps, traffic signals, smoothing the curve on fair street, adding a median/left turn lane on fair/hobbie. They are working through Phase 1 and believe Phase 2 will begin in FY27. They do currently have interim improvements planned for the meantime. They anticipate doing some patching jobs next summer to make things more tolerable.
5. Noise barrier along I57 in Bradley. There was recent legislation that "encouraged" IDOT to develop a policy to assist in situations where already established roads are generating noise issues. They are currently looking into this and have no timeline.

Other projects IDOT mentioned that will be coming up:

1. Route 115 in Kankakee from Jeffrey to Water Street will see pavement replacement and upgraded sidewalks. They are getting close to Phase 1 and are planning a public meeting for November 5th.
2. Route 17 interchange is another big project they hope to get the letting for in the next few years. They will reconstruct the interchange, reconstruct North to Grinnell, add new ramps, and move the interstate to the east. There are also noise walls proposed here. They are currently working through land acquisition. They are hoping to be ready for the letting by next summer.