2 Public Hearings to Address Proposed Changes to Eisenhower Expressway

Two public hearings will take place near Oak Park this week with the goal of gathering feedback on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed changes to the Eisenhower Expressway, or I-290.

The DEIS was first released for public comment Dec. 30 of last year, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced in a release. The purpose of the DEIS is to emphasize the need for transportation alternatives to I-290 and suggest possible alternatives to solve those transit issues. According to an Eisenhower Expressway handout, it also “addresses the potential effects on environmental resources and the potential effects on future traffic operations caused by proposed alternatives.” It also delves into a “no-build” alternative.

Proposed improvements to the expressway include reconstruction to add one lane in each direction between Mannheim Road and Austin Boulevard. IDOT said in its release there isn’t any funding allocated for completion of the projects yet.

The hearings will be held in an open-house format, according to IDOT, and an audio-visual presentation will be shown continuously through the meetings. Informational exhibits will be on display and CTA reps and I-290 project team members will also be available to chat, present findings and answer questions.

The first meeting will take place Wednesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park (8601 Roosevelt Rd.). The second hearing will adhere to the same time boundaries this Thursday at the Marriott Chicago (625 S. Ashland Ave.).

Check out a flyer for the hearings here.

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