[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 125 (Thursday, June 29, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 33904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15920]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Impact Statement: Saline County, IL
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice of intent to advise the public
that an environmental impact statement (EIS) will be prepared for a
proposed action in Saline County, Illinois. The proposed action
considers the replacement or reconstruction of U.S. Route 45 between
Harrisburg and Eldorado and the possible construction of a bypass of
the City of Harrisburg. The potential bypass would connect Illinois
Route 13 to U.S. Route 45 east of the city. The study area for the
project begins at a point on new Illinois Route 13 west of Harrisburg
and extends northeasterly to the intersection of U.S. Route 45 with
Illinois Route 142 in Eldorado. The estimated length of the proposed
project is 13.8 kilometers (8.6 miles).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Walter C. Waidelich, Jr., Design
Operations Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, 3250 Executive
Park Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703, Telephone: (217) 492-1622; Mr.
Karl Bartelsmeyer, District Engineer, Illinois Department of
Transportation, District 9, Old Route 13 West. P.O. Box 100,
Carbondale, Illinois 62903-0100, Telephone: (618) 549-2171.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Existing U.S. Route 45 is a north/south
route that runs along the eastern edge of Harrisburg. Existing Illinois
Route 13 runs through the center of Harrisburg, intersecting with U.S.
Route 45 on the east edge of the city. The proposed action would
replace or reconstruct U.S. Route 45 between Harrisburg and Eldorado
and possibly construct a four lane bypass of the City of Harrisburg.
The potential bypass would begin at a point on new Illinois Route 13
west of Harrisburg and intersect with U.S. Route 45 east of the city.
The estimated length of the proposed project is 13.8 kilometers (8.6
miles), and would be designed as a rural, four-lane expressway with two
7.6 meter (24 feet) wide pavement separated by a 15 meter (50 feet)
wide median. The proposed roadway would be partially access controlled.
No direct commercial access would be allowed.
From Harrisburg to Eldorado, existing U.S. Route 45 experiences
congestion, with the amount of traffic meeting the warrants for
consideration of a four-land highway. Within Harrisburg, Illinois Route
13 also experiences congestion, especially at the existing intersection
with U.S. Route 45 in town. Upgrading U.S. Route 45 from Harrisburg to
Eldorado and upgrading Illinois Route 13 from west of Harrisburg to
U.S. Route 45 or constructing a bypass of Harrisburg would provide
continuity of the regional highway system; relieve congestion between
the two cities and at critical locations within Harrisburg; improve
safety; and provide increased opportunities for development through
better access to this economically depressed area of southeastern
Illinois. Alternatives to be considered include a no action
alternative, reconstruction of the existing facility, construction of a
new facility on new alignment, and construction of a bypass of
Harrisburg.
The scoping process undertaken as part of this project will include
distribution of a scoping information packet; coordination with
federal, state and local agencies; and review sessions as appropriate.
A formal scoping meeting will not be held. Further details and a
scoping information packet may be obtained from one of the contact
persons listed above.
To ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed
action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or
questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be
directed to FHWA or IDOT at the addresses provided above.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205,
Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The regulations
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this
program.)
Walter C. Waidelich, Jr.,
Design Operations Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Illinois
Division, Springfield, Illinois.
[FR Doc. 95-15920 Filed 6-28-95; 8:45 am]
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