PROJECT AT A GLANCE What Construction of an interchange between two currently non-connecting

interstates (I-294/I-57) and a partial interchange at I-294 and 147th Street.Where South suburbs of the City of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. Why Provides an interstate to interstate linkage, relieves congestion on local routes

that are currently utilized to facilitate the interstate to interstate linkage, enhances economic development of the region, and improves the relationship to other transportation modes in the area.

Construction Cost $510 Million (2009$ - 7% discount rate)/$619 Million (2009$ - 3% discount rate).

Benefit-Cost Ratio 3.52 (7% discount rate)/4.82 (3% discount rate)TIGER Grant Request $300 Million Construction Completion

2017

Sponsor Illinois Tollway Support The Project is supported by 7 State Representatives, two Federal

Congressional Representatives, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (represents 42 communities in southern Cook and Will Counties), the Southwest Conference of Mayors (represents 21 communities in southwest Cook County), the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, and 19 individual communities located near the project vicinity.

ADDRESSING TIGER GRANT PRIMARY CRITERIA Long-Term Outcomes State of Good

Repair The Project is expected to improve the existing transportation system and stimulate economic growth by creating better access to and from the City of Chicago and surrounding area. This more efficient transportation system may attract development (residential and commercial) and provide spending opportunity, thus stimulating growth. This project should minimize life-cycle costs of the local roadway network.

Economic Competitiveness

The Project is expected to create long-term growth in employment and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation facilities. An efficient transportation system may attract freight facilities, intermodal facilities, cargo-oriented developments (COD), and airport developments. This will contribute to the economic competitiveness of the U.S. over medium and long term.

Livability The Project significantly enhances user mobility and improves accessibility for the economically distressed population. This combination substantially improves the quality of living and working environments, and the experience for the surrounding population.

Sustainability The Project has no significant impacts on the environment and it includes the enhancement of wildlife habitat and wetlands.

Safety The Project addresses safety issues in two ways; (1) the Project develops an Interchange where one currently does not exist but is expected and (2) the Project removes interstate traffic off of the local roadway network.

Jobs Creation/Economic Stimulus

The Project has the ability to quickly create jobs and stimulate rapid increases in economic activity in economically distressed areas. The Project is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs, 4,049 direct and indirect jobs, and 1,842 induced jobs.

South Tri-State (I-294)/I-57 Interchange TIGER Grant Application

Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 

Contact Information ..................................................................................................................... 1 

Project Description & Geospatial Data ....................................................................................... 1 

Need 1: System Linkages ......................................................................................................... 1 

Need 2: Economic Development .............................................................................................. 4 

Need 3: Modal Interrelationships ............................................................................................ 5 

Project Parties ............................................................................................................................... 5 

Funding Request ........................................................................................................................... 6 

Primary Selection Criteria ........................................................................................................... 6 

Long-Term Outcomes .............................................................................................................. 6 

State of Good Repair ........................................................................................................... 6 

Economic Competitiveness ................................................................................................. 8 

Livability ........................................................................................................................... 11 

Sustainability..................................................................................................................... 14 

Safety ................................................................................................................................ 15 

Evaluation of Expected Project Benefits and Costs .......................................................... 15 

Evaluation of Project Performance ................................................................................... 19 

Jobs Creation and Economic Stimulus .................................................................................. 20 

Technical Feasibility ............................................................................................................. 23 

Secondary Selection Criteria ..................................................................................................... 24 

Innovation .............................................................................................................................. 24 

Partnership ............................................................................................................................ 24 

Certification ................................................................................................................................. 24 

FONSI Website Link .................................................................................................................. 24 

Other Agency Actions Required ................................................................................................ 24 

Protection of Confidential Business Information..................................................................... 24 

Introduction The Illinois Tollway is applying for funding from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant for the construction of the South Tri-State (I-294)/I-57 Interchange and supplemental improvements (I-294/I-57 Interchange Project). Figure 1 shows the Major elements of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project. These elements include:

• Interchange at I-294 and I-57 • Partial interchange to and from the north

for I-294 at 147th Street (IL 83) • Lane additions in each direction along I-

57 • 43 new or improved structures • CD roads along I-294 and I-57 • 2 Toll Plazas that allow for Open Road

Tolling (ORT) for I-57 movements • 2 Electronic Only Toll Plazas for I-294

at 147th Street

The construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will deliver programmatic results, achieve economic stimulus, achieve long-term public benefits, and satisfy the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’s transparency and accountability objectives.

Contact Information Illinois Tollway:

Mike King, Acting Executive Director 2700 Ogden Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 241-6800 mking@getipass.com

Project Description & Geospatial Data The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project Area is located in the south suburbs of the City of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. This area is recognized as an economically distressed region. The project is located within the Village of Robbins, Village of Posen, City of Harvey, Village of Midlothian, Village of Dixmoor, and City of Markham, as shown in Figure 2.

The purpose of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is to provide an interstate to interstate linkage, relieve congestion on local routes that currently facilitate the interstate to interstate linkage, enhance economic development of the region, and improve the relationship of transportation modes in the area. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will address the following needs:

Need 1: System Linkages There is a need to provide a linkage between two major highways within the transportation system network. The crossing of I-294 and I-57 is an unusual situation where two interstates cross, but do not connect. In addition to providing a linkage, there is also a need to improve accessibility between economic job centers in central/western Cook and DuPage Counties (including the O’Hare Airport, downtown Chicago, and Oak Brook economic centers) and the suburbs in southern Cook County.

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Figure 1: I-294/I-57 Interchange Project

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Figure 2: I-294/I-57 Project Area

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Access from the project area to I-294 is limited. I-294 was originally constructed as a limited access tolled interstate that incorporated medium and long distance trips around the Chicago metropolitan area. I-294 has transitioned from functioning as a bypass to incorporating significant suburb to suburb travel demand as the area around the interstate has developed. The need for additional access along I-294 has increased. The lack of a direct connection between I-294 and I-57 and restricted local access to I-294 creates out-of-direction travel and increases regional travel times.

The local roadway system is currently used to connect trips between the two Interstates leading to increased congestion and decreased mobility through the region. Drivers expect an interchange at the crossing of two interstates and the lack of an interchange therefore causes driver confusion. Since drivers unfamiliar with or new to the area may be confused as to how to reach their desired route, this potentially increases congestion and affects safety conditions.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the System Linkages Need by allowing vehicles to travel directly between I-294 and I-57. When the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is implemented, the ADT volumes along the local roads are estimated to decrease up to 46 percent. As traffic volumes on the local road network decrease, local congestion is reduced. With the reduced congestion and additional access, mobility throughout the region is enhanced. Out-of-direction travel and driver confusion that occur on the existing system are reduced by the direct interstate-to-interstate connection. The elimination of circuitous travel improves the

efficiency of the system. In 2030, the average daily travel time savings for the region in the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project compared to the No-Action Alternative is estimated to be 1,200 vehicle hours per day. In 2030, this delay can be translated to an approximately $113 million (in 2009 dollars at a 7% discount rate) or $199 million (in 2009 dollars at a 3% discount rate) cost to travelers per year.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project better accommodates the changes in functionality resulting from the shifted usage along I-294 from a bypass to a suburban commuter route. It also better incorporates trips to and from the I-57 commuter “spoke” route. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project both provides better access for patrons of the interstate system, as well as, shorter distance trips between the residential southern Cook County area and the region’s job centers to the north along I-294 and I-57.

Need 2: Economic Development The region needs an economic development stimulant. The study area experiences high unemployment and high poverty rates and could benefit from improved access to job centers as well as increased local development and associated jobs. An efficient transportation system is attractive to potential developers and would increase the opportunity for economic development.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Economic Development need by improving access and travel efficiency to the economically distressed areas surrounding the project. In addition, the project has been designed to minimally impact the surrounding developable land.

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Need 3: Modal Interrelationships Vehicular transportation modes on the south side of the City of Chicago and southeast suburbs, as well as points in central and southern Illinois, are served by I-57, which runs NNE from southern Illinois to I-94 in south Chicago. I-294 provides a circumferential bypass of downtown Chicago, providing access to Indiana to the east, Wisconsin to the north, and the Chicago suburbs to the south, west, and north. There is a need to provide a better connection between the various modes of transportation within the region. The relationship between the Interstate system and other modes of transportation (air, rail, transit) is hindered lack of a direct connection between I-294 and I-57.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Modal Interrelationships needs through its compatibility with the existing and proposed system of airports, freight rail facilities, waterways, and mass transit. The direct connection between I-294 and I-57 in the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project provides improved connectivity to an expanded O’Hare International Airport, existing Midway Airport, and proposed South Suburban Airport. The proximity to I-80, the largest cross-county trucking route, makes the area prime for industrial and trucking development. The proximity of the Interstates to the Cal Sag Channel and rail yards, including the Harvey Intermodal Station, among other intermodal facilities in south Cook and Will County, the additional interchange access could spurn new economic development in the area. Overall, the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project minimizes out-of-direction travel, which improves the process of moving goods between different transportation modes.

A complete Purpose and Need Statement for the Interchange Project may be found in the I-294/ I-57 Interchange Environmental Assessment located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

Project Parties I-294 is an Illinois Tollway facility and I-57 is an IDOT facility. The Illinois Tollway and IDOT have collaborated on developing this Project. The Illinois Tollway was responsible for Phase I engineering (Environmental Evaluation/NEPA), while IDOT finished an addendum to this Phase I engineering to include some additional arterial work and is currently working on Phase II Engineering (Design). Construction, or Phase III of the project, is expected to be a joint partnership, with both public entities scheduled to implement different portions of the project.

As stated in their mission statement; the Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing a safe and efficient system of toll-supported highways and of ensuring the highest possible level of service to their customers.

The Illinois Tollway maintains a 286-mile system comprised of four corridors. With 1,924 lane miles, 636 bridge structures, 24 mainline plazas and 48 ramp plazas the Illinois Tollway has earned a reputation as one of the best operated and maintained interstate systems in the nation. Their ORT project converted each mainline toll plaza to incorporate regular interstate speeds by instituting electronic toll collection. Their toll collection system, named I-Pass, is one of the most successful programs in the nation, with 81 percent of all Illinois Tollway toll transactions in 2008 using I-Pass.

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Funding Request Current Illinois Tollway Funding: $50 million (10%) Current IDOT Funding: $50 million (10%) TIGER Grant Request: $300 million (60%) Total Project Costs: $619 million (2009 $- 3% discount rate)/ $510 million (2009 $ - 7% discount rate).

If TIGER grants are awarded for this project, the Illinois Tollway and IDOT will continue to pursue options, including the pursuit of federal and state appropriations, to fund the remainder of the project.

Primary Selection Criteria

Long-Term Outcomes The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses all five of the Long-Term Outcomes Primary Selection Criteria.

State of Good Repair The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the State of Good Repair Long-Term Outcome Criteria by stimulating economic growth through improving the condition of the existing transportation facility. The project will reduce life-cycle costs for the local roadway system and will be effectively maintained by the supporting efforts of the Illinois Tollway and IDOT.

Economic Growth The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is consistent with local and state planning efforts and is deemed necessary to help stimulate economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago.

In the years since the initial construction of I-294 and I-57, population growth and industrial/ commercial development have overtaken the

project area and have generated the need for increased access between I-294 and I-57, especially as the desire for suburb-to-suburb travel has grown. In 2003, the crossing of I-294/I-57 experienced an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume of over 180,700 vehicles per day, with 90,700 on I-57 and 90,000 on I-294. The combined volume is projected to increase to 255,560 vehicles by 2030. It is estimated that in 2030, 56,810 vehicles per day would utilize the proposed ramps from one interstate to the other interstate. Currently, traffic is forced to use alternate routes (I-80 and the local roadway system) to connect to the other interstate. As a result, alternate routes experience higher levels of interstate traffic volumes, which reduce mobility through the region. A congested roadway system makes it difficult to attract development within a region, resulting in limited economic growth.

In addition, vehicles wishing to access the local area have limited access. The existing limited access configuration results in a substantial amount of vehicles traveling out-of-direction to reach their destination. Using I-80 is an inefficient means of traveling between the interstates as it requires circuitous travel and backtracking. For example, southbound I-57 travel to northbound I-294 requires traveling approximately five miles past the I-294/I-57 crossing to an interchange at I-80, then backtracking approximately three miles east on I-80 to the I-80/I-294 interchange, then backtracking approximately 2.5 miles north to I-294/I-57. The inconvenient access detracts from the area and discourages development.

Finally, the additional miles traveled caused by the existing access configuration costs people hours of time and money. Travel times on all

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roads within the study area will increase over time, leading to a loss in regional productivity.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is expected to improve the existing transportation system and stimulate economic growth by creating better access to and from the Chicago metropolitan area. This more efficient transportation system may attract development (residential and commercial) and provide spending opportunity, thus stimulating growth.

Minimizes Life-cycle Costs Without the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project, the condition of the local roadway network will likely deteriorate from circuitous travel generated from the addition of interstate traffic on the local network. The local network is not designed for the high levels of heavy truck traffic (up to 11.2 percent) using the existing arterial links between I-294 and I-57. The heavy truck traffic leads to earlier deterioration of the roadways and potentially impacts safety and progression along the roadways. Additional distress on the pavement, such as premature wheelpath rutting and breaking of concrete curbs at intersections, will result in more frequent improvements required on the local network infrastructure, directly leading to higher life-cycle costs. A connection between I-294 and I-57 minimizes these local road impacts, allowing for more conservative interstate and ramp pavement designs to incorporate the additional heavy loads.

Ability to Operate and Maintain Facility The Illinois Tollway uses a successful approach in asset management, utilizing toll revenue to maintain their facilities. With the use of their state of the art ORT program, the cost of maintaining and operating the toll facilities are at an all time low. ORT converted all 24

mainline toll plazas on the Illinois Tollway system to allow for electronic tolling via I-Pass (and E-ZPass) transponders along the mainline at prevailing interstate speeds. In 2008, 81 percent of the tolling on the entire system was collected electronically using I-Pass transponders. This percentage actually increases during peak hours of operation on the suburban and urban corridors, where facilities like I-294 operate as suburb-to-suburb connections for everyday commuters. The electronic toll collection saves on maintenance of automatic coin machines and the salaries of toll collectors. It also allows for more centralized asset management, as the majority of funds can be allocated for the electronic toll collection maintenance, allowing for more efficient returns on those investments.

Specifically for the I-294/I-57 interchange, only the movements to and from the north leg of I-294 will be tolled. All traffic to and from the south on I-294 already travel through existing mainline and ramp toll plazas, so additional tolling is not warranted. The half-diamond interchange connection between the north leg of I-294 and 147th Street will incorporate All Electronic Tolling (AET), thereby minimizing operating costs.

The Illinois Tollway has conducted an analysis in estimating the additional projected revenue from the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project. The results show additional revenue of $8.22 million in year 2030, assuming an $0.80 toll per passenger car for movements to and from the north leg of I-294. This equates to approximately $0.08/mi toll rate for passenger cars, which is below the national average toll rate of $0.11/mi. The Illinois Tollway systemwide average passenger car toll rate for

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electronic toll transactions is $0.035/mi. A copy of the Sketch-Level Revenue Analysis Technical Memorandum discussing this analysis is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

The Illinois Tollway will use a portion of this revenue in operating and maintaining the Illinois Tollway portion of the Interchange.

IDOT will continue to operate and maintain I-57. IDOT utilizes a combination of federal interstate maintenance funds, federal funds, gas tax revenue, and state-only funds to operate and maintain its system of interstate highways.

Economic Competitiveness The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Economic Competitiveness Long-Term Outcome Criteria by creating long-term growth in employment and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation facilities. Chicago is an air, truck, rail, and waterway freight hub for the entire nation. New intermodal developments in nearby Will County (including the Centerpoint Intermodal Center at the Joliet Arsenal, which will be the world’s largest inland port), the expansion of O’Hare Airport, and the proposed construction of a third major airport in the south suburbs will only increase the Chicago regions role in freight distribution. A more efficient interstate-to-interstate connection between these important freight hubs is expected to contribute to the economic competitiveness of the U.S. over the medium and long term, providing more efficient choices for freight across the country.

Long-term Growth in Employment Improving access to jobs makes an area more attractive for residential development, which in turn makes an area more attractive for industrial,

commercial, and retail development. Permanent jobs are expected to be created within the study area due to the additional connectivity to the region, including international freight trade via the local airports, rail lines, waterways, and interstate trucking. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is adjacent to three interstate highways, two rail lines, and the Cal Sag Channel. The increased connectivity for the region will promote redevelopment for industrial uses that surround these freight corridors, creating long-term employment for area residents.

The Illinois Tollway conducted a study to estimate the number of permanent employment developed through the construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project. The results of the analysis show approximately 2,000 permanent employment jobs by 2030 as a result of the Project. A copy of the Permanent Job Impacts of Alternative Tollway Projects Technical Report is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

An Increase in the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Transportation System The logistics industry in the Chicago South Suburbs is considered a major economic development opportunity. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is critical for an efficient transportation system. An efficient transportation system may attract freight facilities, intermodal facilities, cargo-oriented developments (COD), and airport developments that may create economic development, including job opportunities, within the project area, as well as, promote economic stabilization. For example, the nearby Harvey Intermodal Yard would be well positioned for redevelopment, which in turn would not only

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result in more efficient freight within the region, but also more permanent jobs for local residents.

Freight plays a critical role in Chicago’s economy. Based on Chicago Metropolis 2020’s report, Metropolis Freight Plan: Delivering the Goods, 2004, Chicago is one of North America’s freight capitals with trucks moving $572 billion worth of goods and railroads transporting $350 billion in goods in the Chicago region each year. I-294 and I-57 are two of the seven major interstates connecting to Chicago. I-80, the nation’s largest freight corridor, is only 2.5 to 5 miles from the proposed interchange, allowing for efficient warehousing near the crossroads for freight with connections via the local airports, train lines, canals, or just I-294 or I-57 themselves. This area is adjacent to not only the rail lines, but also the Cal Sag Channel, which connects to the Port of Chicago and Lake Michigan to the northeast. The lack of a connection between the interstates causes trucks to travel out-of direction and increase their trip-time, reducing freight efficiency. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will make I-294 and I-57 more attractive to trucks and is critical for development.

The interchange is also well situated for future air freight. Not only does it provide a connection from I-80 to O’Hare and Midway Airports, but it is also located near the proposed third regional airport. In July 2002, the Record of Decision for the Tier 1: FAA Site Approval and Land Acquisition was adopted for the Proposed South Suburban Airport. This third regional airport is proposed for development in central Will County in the south suburbs of Chicago, approximately 20 miles south of the I-294/I-57 crossing. Figure 3 shows the location of the Proposed South Suburban Airport. I-57

would provide the direct connection to the western terminus of the airport. Since airports attract supporting infrastructure, the construction of the South Suburban Airport may attract developments along I-57. An interchange at I-294 and I-57 would be an additional benefit to these developments and to travelers using the proposed South Suburban Airport.

The development of intermodal facilities has been discussed among various communities within the study area. Figure 3 shows the location of existing intermodal facilities. An efficient transportation system is an attractive point for industries potentially locating within the study area. A lack of an interchange between I-294 and I-57 possibly deters potential business from locating within the study area. Access to intermodal facilities, particularly freight rail, needs to be improved for the highway system to be a positive factor in attracting potential developments.

Within the project area, Canadian National Railroad and the Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal (CSX) Railroad tracks are located below I-57, near the northern end of the project limits. The Canadian National Railroad has also recently purchased portions of the EJ&E Railroad to assist with routing freight through Chicago by providing a bypass for their trains. The east-west section of this new route is located halfway between this project and the proposed South Suburban Airport, providing additional opportunities for intermodal connections between air, rail, interstate highway, and even surrounding waterways.

According to the Blue Island Plan for Economic Development, 2006, three locations within Blue Island have been identified for COD. One of the COD sites located in the northeast area of

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Figure 3: Transportation Modes within and surrounding the Project Area

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Blue Island involves proposed industrial development and proposed freight development. An improved highway system may assist Blue Island and other municipalities to attract industries and other business developments.

A copy of the Metropolis Freight Plan: Delivering the Goods, 2004 is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

Livability The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Livability Criteria through significantly enhancing user mobility and improving accessibility for the economically distressed population. This substantially improves the quality of life and working environments for the population.

Significantly Enhance User Mobility The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will significantly enhance the mobility within the economically distressed areas of the South Suburbs of Chicago through the creation of a more convenient transportation system. The inefficient routes used to travel between I-294 and I-57 affect a significant number of drivers every day. It is estimated that in 2030, 56,810 vehicles per day would need to travel from one interstate to the other interstate. The projected ADT volumes for the eight possible movements between the two interstates are shown in Table 1. Without the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project, these 56,810 vehicles will need to travel either along I-80 or the use the local network to reach their destination.

The out-of-direction travel on local roads adds interstate traffic to the local roadway network. Increased traffic volumes on local roads contribute to congestion and decreases mobility throughout the region. In 2030, these vehicles

are anticipated to increase the demand for travel on the local roads. The local roads that would experience the largest increase in traffic demand in 2030 include: 127th Street, 159th Street, Cicero Avenue, Pulaski Road, Kedzie Avenue, and Dixie Highway, as summarized in Table 2.

Table 1: Estimated 2030 ADT Interstate to Interstate MovementsInterchange Vehicles Per DayNB I-294 to NB I-57 10,500NB I-294 to SB I-57 NegligibleSB I-294 to NB I-57 7,500SB I-294 to SB I-57 10,830NB I-57 to NB I-294 9,320NB I-57 to SB I-294 NegligibleSB I-57 to NB I-294 8,210SB I-57 to SB I-294 10,450Total 56,810 Table 2: Increase in Traffic Demand on Local Road Network 2030 (vehicles per day)Street Vehicles Per Day 127th Street 3,670159th Street 7,080Cicero Avenue 1,740Pulaski Road 1,510Kedzie Avenue 540Dixie Highway 5,100

The increased traffic demand on 159th Street varies greatly, but it supports up to 7,080 additional vehicles traveling between I-294 and I-57 due to interstate traffic reroutes. Similarly, the increased traffic demand on Dixie Highway is expected to be approximately 5,100 vehicles per day between 147th Street and 159th Street. Many of these trips may be avoided if there was a direct connection between the two interstates.

The additional interstate traffic using the local network makes it difficult for the locals to travel within their communities by adding travel time

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to every day activities. Sitting in traffic deteriorates the quality of life for drivers. The project area also has a high minority population, a low average age, low average income, low housing values, and high poverty rates, compared to the average for Cook County and the State of Illinois. The additional interstate traffic is negatively affecting the quality of living and working environment for this population.

It is estimated that the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will have an average daily travel time savings of 1,200 vehicle hours per day. This travel time savings can be translated into dollar savings for the traveling public. Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation Guidelines for the Evaluation of Travel Time in Economic Analysis $15.60 per hour was the value of time in 2000. Assuming 1.6 people per vehicle (U.S. Department of Transportation, Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey) the cost of the additional delay is $113 million (assuming 4% escalation factor, 7% discount rate, construction completed in 2017, and the project life is 2030, the current planning horizon for the Chicago Metropolitan Area).

Improve Accessibility for Economically Distressed Population There is currently limited access between I-294 and the Project Area. Without a connection to I-294 from 147th Street, accessing the O’Hare, Oak Brook, and downtown Chicago job centers from the local community is difficult, creating unnecessary travel. Figure 4 shows the local road connections between I-294 and 147th Street.

Access from the Project Area to I-294 is only provided at 127th Street/Cicero Avenue (approximately 4 miles north and 2 miles west

of 147th Street along I-294) and 159th Street (approximately 2 miles south and 0.5 miles east of 147th Street along I-294). These two interchanges are the second most widely spaced interchanges along I-294 (approximately 6 miles apart). The majority of interchanges along I-294 are spaced less than 3.0 miles apart, due to the now urban nature of the surrounding development and the use of the interstate by regional commuters. Accessing northbound I-294 at 127th Street includes adverse travel time, including crossing the Cal Sag Channel, while accessing northbound I-294 at 159th Street includes out-of-direction travel.

As an example of the adverse travel time associated with the existing conditions, trips were completed between the Midlothian Metra Commuter Railroad Station and 147th Street at the I-294 crossing using different routes. Under existing conditions, one trip used Kedzie Avenue and 147th Street to connect between the two locations. The other trip was completed by traveling from the Midlothian Metra Station eastbound on 147th Street to southbound I-57 and then connecting via 159th Street to northbound I-294, finally ending where I-294 crosses 147th Street. The travel times for these trips resulted in 8 to 9 minutes of additional travel when compared with the travel time if there was access to I-294 at 147th Street. This longer trip time will only increase in the future with additional congestion on the local network.

Connecting I-294 and I-57 and partially connecting I-294 and 147th Street provides easier access to Chicago from the south suburbs offering residents improved access to O’Hare Airport, Oak Brook, and downtown Chicago jobs centers along with schools, shopping, entertainment, and other regional attractions.

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Figure 4: 147th Street Travel Patterns

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The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is critical for the communities within the economically distressed areas.

In addition to improving vehicular access, the project is also expected to improve accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. The existing local road system incorporates interstate truck traffic, including high volumes of heavy trucks. The proposed interchange will reduce the number of these vehicles, thus allowing for safer use of the public right-of-way for on-road bicyclists and hopefully providing safer pedestrian crossings. Bridge improvements that span local roads will incorporate pedestrian crossings, per Illinois’ Complete the Streets legislation. By keeping heavy and long distance traffic on the interstate system, the local streets can be better utilized by neighbors that walk to commercial or cultural centers. By providing improved bridge crossings, sections of municipalities that are separated by the access-controlled highways will have safer cross-access locations, regaining connectivity with their neighbors.

Sustainability The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Sustainability Criteria by having no significant impacts on the environment and improving habitat and wetlands. A copy of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

Habitat Improvements The Interchange project abuts one of the most highly sensitive ecological areas in the entire Midwest. The Indian Boundary Prairies (IBP) Complex includes a 300-acre collection of protected land owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Illinois University and the Natural Land Institute. The

IBP complex contains designated nature preserves and is home to several Federal and State threatened and endangered species.

A previous Illinois Tollway roadway project created a foundation of trust and a solid working relationship with the entities involved in the preservation of the IBP. Although Federal, State and local environmental and transportation agencies often differ in policy perspectives, concepts such as wetland mitigation and environmental protection require the knowledge and experience across disciplines in order to best protect and preserve viable resources. By partnering with IBP landowners, the Illinois Tollway was able to protect high quality resources. All mitigation activities will be guided and implemented by dedicated site stewards creating a sustainable mitigation component.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will require the acquisition of low quality conservation areas. Impacts to conservation areas are not a required mitigation component and have an unprecedented mitigation factor. The Illinois Tollway recognized the value of the conservation areas and volunteered to mitigate the loss of the land. Coordination and communication with the landowners and environmental agencies will guide how two acres of mitigation will be accomplished to compensate for the loss of conservation property.

Wetland Enhancement The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project requires 10.6 acres of wetland mitigation as a result of low quality impacts under both the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Wetland impacts occur primarily within the highway

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right-of-way and are of low ecological value and function. Wetland mitigation activities will include wetland mitigation banking and improvements within the adjacent IBP complex. The IBP supports remnants of mesic prairie, wet prairie, and sedge meadow plant communities, representative of the Chicago Lake Plain Section of the Northeastern Morainal Natural Division of Illinois. Situated within the City of Markham in Cook County, these prairies support approximately 150 acres of wetland habitat, more than third of which are degraded or declining in quality and are in need of enhancement. The project will enhance approximately 28 acres of degraded wetlands within the IBP complex thus ensuring mitigation will provide greater ecological resource value, in perpetuity, than those wetlands impacted as part of the project.

Safety The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Safety Criteria in two ways; (1) the project develops an interchange where one currently does not exist but is expected and (2) the project removes interstate traffic off of the local roadway network.

In general, drivers expect an interchange at the crossing of two interstates, and the lack of an interchange may cause driver confusion. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may be confused as to how to reach their desired route, potentially increasing congestion and creating undesired weaving movements. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project eliminates this confusion.

Without the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project, interchange traffic is forced to use the local roadway network to reach their destination. This puts heavy vehicles and excess cars on a system that was not designed for such traffic. The local

road network also incorporates bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and the additional interstate traffic increases the potential for conflicts.

The additional congestion creates more opportunities for vehicle crashes throughout the local network, especially at intersections with heavy turning demand. Also, the current arterial interchanges and their signalized control points will not incorporate the high demand as efficiently as the proposed directional ramps proposed at five of the six proposed ramp connections to and from I-57 and I-294. Finally, providing ORT on the interchange ramps will reduce the number of decelerating, stopping, and accelerating vehicles, compared to existing tolling for the movements which forces vehicles to stop at manual toll booths (with toll collectors) at the 163rd Street Mainline Toll Plaza or automatic coin machines at the I-294 at 159th Street interchange.

Evaluation of Expected Project Benefits and Costs An evaluation of expected project benefits and costs was completed. The benefits calculation for the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project includes travel time reduction, vehicle operating costs savings, local maintenance costs savings, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, habitat improvements, wetland improvements, and increased employment. Other anticipated benefits that are not included in the benefits calculation due to lack of quantifiable details include crash reduction, potential brownfield redevelopment economic growth, job-housing balance, and land use affects. Based on the acquired information, the total benefit of the project in 2009 dollars is $1.8 billion at a 7% discount rate and $3.0 billion at a 3% discount rate.

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With the construction costs and operating and maintenance costs being $510 million (7% discount rate) and $619 million (3% discount rate); the expected benefit to cost ratio is at least 4.82 (assuming a 7% discount rate) or 3.52 (assuming a 3% discount rate). The ratio may be higher if all benefits could be measured and included.

Travel Time Reduction The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will have an average daily travel time savings of 1,200 vehicle hours per day.

The monetary benefit of eliminating this delay is $113 million at a 7% discount rate and $199 million at a 3% discount rate. This value is based on 1.6 persons per vehicle.

Crash Reduction The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses safety in two ways; (1) the Project develops an interchange where one is expected but does not currently exist and (2) the Project removes interstate traffic off of the local roadway network.

Crash reduction is expected with the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project although a monetary value for this benefit cannot be determined. Interstate to interstate interchanges are generally provided as part of the initial construction of facilities. A crossing of two interstates without an interchange is rare and crash data for a before and after scenario is not available.

In addition, the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will remove traffic (including a large number of heavy vehicles) from the local network system. It has been estimated that 56,810 vehicles will use the I-294/I-57 Interchange in 2030. Without the interchange, these vehicles would need to

utilize a different route along the existing roadway network to reach their destination. It is known that a reduction in the number of vehicles within a roadway network will provide less opportunity for crashes, but full analysis of the arterial network is not deemed feasible.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a result of reduced fuel consumption. As a result of the project, a decrease of 2.1 tons per day of carbon dioxide (CO2), a primary greenhouse gas emitted from vehicles, is expected.

The monetary benefit of decreasing CO2 emissions is $392 million at a 7% discount rate and $691 million at a 3% discount rate.

Vehicle Operating Costs Reduction The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is expected to reduce the operating costs of vehicles. This reduction is primarily due to lower fuel consumption and better ride quality.

The monetary benefit of vehicle operating costs is $2.3 million at a 7% discount rate and $4.1 million at a 3% discount rate. This benefit was calculated based on the gasoline fuel consumption savings.

Local Roads Maintenance Costs Savings The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project Area is expected to reduce the costs of maintaining the local roads due to extending the life of the roadways by removing a large number of interstate vehicles (including heavy vehicles) off of the local roadway network. These cost savings are a large benefit for the communities since the Project is located within economic distressed areas of the Village of Robbins, Village of Posen, City of Harvey, Village of

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Midlothian, Village of Dixmoor, and City of Markham. These communities currently do not have additional funds to maintain the roadways that are being damaged at a higher rate due to the interstate traffic. In addition, being in an economically distressed area, there is not a large tax revenue stream where funds can be redirected to such maintenance.

The monetary value of this benefit is $40 million at a 7% discount rate and $70 million at a 3% discount rate. This value was calculated by assuming that the local roadway lives can be extended by 5 years. The cost savings of reconstructing the every 25 years versus every 20 years was applied to the miles of arterials within the study area.

Habitat Improvements The wetland and conservation area mitigation activities will improve the natural habitats within the adjacent IBP complex. Recognizing, the IBP is home to Federal and State protected species as well as provides habitat to common native species, the interchange project provides an opportunity for habitat improvements that may not take place without a dedicated funding entity.

The monetary value of this benefit is $0.15 million at a 7% discount rate and $0.16 million at a 3% discount rate. This value was calculated by applying the cost to enhance prairies within the IBP to the 2.0 acres of mitigation to be provided.

Wetlands Enhancement There are many benefits of wetlands including improving water quality, providing recreational opportunities, controlling floods, protecting uplands from erosion, supporting a diversity of wildlife, and recharging groundwater. The I-

294/I-57 Interchange Project includes mitigation of 10.6 acres of wetlands, which will be provided through wetland mitigation banking and a five year monetary investment to enhance the enhancement of approximately 28 acres of wetlands within the IBP complex.

The monetary value of this benefit is $0.77 million at a 7% discount rate and $0.87 million at a 3% discount rate. This value was calculated based on the number of acres of wetland mitigation required for the project and the cost to enhance an area of wetlands within the IBP equivalent to the 10.6 acres of required mitigation.

Brownfield Redevelopment Economic Development It is anticipated that the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will provide an opportunity for economic development within the region. An efficient transportation system is a vital role in the success of redevelopment within economically distressed areas. With the majority of the Project Area being located within historically industrialized areas, brownfield redevelopment is required.

Based on the Brownfield Redevelopment Study conducted by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP, May 2008, updated March 2009) there are several brownfield redevelopment sites within the Project Area. Each site may be beneficial to its community and surrounding communities. Based on this study, brownfield redevelopments bring sites back to active use, in turn returning it to the tax rolls, leveraging private investment, and creating businesses and jobs where they are needed most.

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The City of Blue Island (located within the Project Area) has created a redevelopment plan for the downtown and surrounding area. A large part of this plan is to use the existing infrastructure and redevelop brownfields. Blue Island has been awarded $600,000 in funds from the US EPA to assist in their redevelopment plans. This process shows the commitment from the communities within the Project Area to create economic development.

The monetary value of economic development leading to the redevelopment of brownfields cannot be determined due to the few case studies available. However, one study found that for every $1 of state investment in the brownfield program yielded a median return of $16 in private investment. The study also showed an average of 66 full-time equivalent jobs created by each brownfield redevelopment project. In regards to tax revenue, the City of Chicago estimates that their Brownfields Initiative has increased the City’s tax base by more than $1 million annually. Returning these abandoned sites to active use not only creates jobs and investment, but increases a community’s tax revenue. This should also create a more livable community.

A copy of The Brownfield Redevelopment Study conducted by CMAP (May 2008, updated March 2009) is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

Jobs-Housing Balance There is a jobs-housing imbalance within the Chicago Metropolitan Region. This imbalance creates long commutes, which diminishes the quality of life by straining the region’s infrastructure and natural environment, creating economic burdens for employers and residents, and exacerbating social inequities across the

region. Economic and quality of life burdens hit hardest on the low-income families, such as those within the Project Area, since they have few options on where they can afford to live. In addition, these families tend to spend a higher percentage of their income on their housing and commuting costs.

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project Area is located within a housing-rich area, where over 80 percent of housing is considered affordable housing. Refer to Table 3-4 in the EA, which shows the low amount of employment in the area surrounding the interchange.

Job-rich areas are located in central Chicago and along interstate corridors, most prominently along the I-294 corridor in north and northwest Cook County near O’Hare Airport, southern Lake County, and DuPage County near both O’Hare and the Oak Brook employment center. Other job corridors, such as along I-90 near Shaumburg and I-88 near Naperville/Aurora, would be accessible to this region most efficiently via I-294.

It is a high priority of CMAP to balance job opportunities with housing availability. There are three ways to create this balance: (1) create jobs where affordable housing is available, (2) develop affordable housing where jobs are available, and (3) develop an efficient/convenient transportation system that connects the available jobs with the affordable housing. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses two of these three solutions. This project will create jobs where affordable housing is located and will develop an efficient, convenient transportation system to assist the low-income families on getting to the job opportunities elsewhere.

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The monetary benefit of jobs-housing balance is unavailable. However, it is known that this balance benefits the quality of life for travelers by reducing stress levels by decreasing time sitting in traffic, communities by improving natural environment through decreasing emissions levels, employers by providing energetic employees from less stress), families by decreasing the amount of money and time spent on commute, and local businesses by increasing the amount of money and time available to spend on local businesses.

Increased Employment The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is expected to create 4,049 direct and indirect jobs, and 1,842 induced jobs. In addition, approximately 2,000 permanent jobs are expected to be created as a result of this Project. A copy of the Permanent Job Impacts of Alternative Tollway Projects Technical Report is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

The monetary value of this benefit is $1.2 billion at a 7% discount rate and $2.0 billion at a 3% discount rate.

Land Use Affects The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is anticipated to affect property values and land use as a result of improved access to the interstates, improved safety, and changes in business productivity.

Improved access to the interstate generally makes locations more convenient and desirable as places to live and do business, thus increasing property values. Improved safety along local roadways may increase property values by making the neighborhood streets safer for children and other residents. The improved interstate access and convenience of the I-294/I-

57 Interchange Project may increase market accessibility to the commercial and industrial area, thus increasing the potential customer market that can be served.

This project will also promote infill development and redevelopment closer to the urban core, thereby helping consolidate growth to maximize utilization of the region’s existing transportation infrastructure – road, rail and water. It will also alleviate financial pressures and natural resource impacts associated with continued expansion into the suburban and exurban areas. The consolidation of growth allows federal, state and local funding to be expended most efficiently.

The monetary benefits of the land use affects cannot be conducted because there are no comparable Project Areas, since there are few locations in the United States where two interstates cross without an interchange.

Evaluation of Project Performance The Illinois Tollway and IDOT are committed to evaluating the success of the Project and measuring short- and long-term performance with respect to the economic recovery measures and long-term outcomes. This will be done through several different studies.

Economic stimulus within the region can be measured through studying the number of jobs created as a result of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project. As discussed, this Project is located in an economically distressed area. The number of jobs within each Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) will be compared before and after the construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project. This comparison will provide an understanding of how many permanent jobs the Project created. In addition, the contractor and

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suppliers will be required to track the number of full-time employee equivalents used during each quarter of construction. This will provide an understanding of how many short-term jobs the Project created.

Increased efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation system can be measured through studying the number of users of the new interchanges. The number of vehicles using the facility can be reviewed to provide an understanding of how the additional access impacted the local roadway system.

In addition, a travel-time savings analysis will be performed. This analysis will include the comparison of the time it takes to make various trips before and after the construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project. Various trips will be timed, showing how operations have changed since the project was implemented. The short trips analysis will show how the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project improved the travel times within the local community by removing the interstate traffic off of the local network. The longer trips analysis will show how the Project improved the travel times by creating new access points. Reduced travel times relate to an improved quality of life for those in an Economically Distressed Area.

Jobs Creation and Economic Stimulus The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project addresses the Jobs Creation and Economic Stimulus Criterion through its ability to quickly create jobs and stimulate rapid increases in economic activity in economically distressed areas.

Project Area Demographics (Economically Distressed Area) The Project Area, in general, has a high minority population, a low average age, low average income, low housing values, and high poverty rates compared to averages in Cook County and the State of Illinois, using 2000 census information.

The median household income within the study area is lower than average rates for Cook County and the State of Illinois. The average per capita income within the study area is $14,371, while the average in Cook County is $23,227 and within the State of Illinois is $23,104. For more information on the median household income of communities within the study area refer to Table 3-4 in the EA located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

The average poverty rates within the study area were higher than rates for Cook County and the State of Illinois. The average poverty rates for the project area are 16.0 percent for families and 19.8 percent for individuals, while they are 10.6 percent for families and 13.5 percent for individuals in Cook County and even lower within the State of Illinois. For more information on the average property rates of communities within the study area refer to Table 3-6 in the EA located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

The Project Area is encompassed by an area of high unemployment. The unemployment rate for the communities within the study area ranges between 4.3 percent (Village of Midlothian) and 10.9 percent (Village of Robbins). The average unemployment rate of the study area is 7.6 percent, while the unemployment rate of Cook County is 4.8 percent. For more information on

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the unemployment rates of communities within the study area refer to Table 3-7 in the EA located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

By providing a direct interstate to interstate connection, the proposed improvements will create beneficial impacts for the communities along I-294 and I-57.

Economic Growth Positive economic impacts will be realized during the construction period due to the expenditure of public funds. This includes direct income for construction workers that may be spent on services and goods within the study area. Local materials suppliers may benefit from providing goods to the construction contractor for the project. Based on calculations following the Council of Economic Advisers, Estimates of Job Creation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, May 2009, the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will create approximately 4,049 direct and indirect jobs over the 8-year construction period. In addition, approximately 1,842 induced jobs (new jobs created as a result of the extra spending) will be created. These jobs will be created in areas of high unemployment rates (up to 10.9%). A copy of the spreadsheet is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

Illinois Tollway Best Practice Hiring Programs The Illinois Tollway participates in best practice hiring programs. The Illinois Tollway is committed to providing Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs, made up of minority and women owned businesses) with the opportunities afforded to them by State and Federal law, and Illinois Tollway policies. To complete this, the Illinois Tollway has

developed a Diversity Program. The program ensures that qualified Illinois businesses, regardless of the owner’s racial or gender background, participate in the Illinois Tollway’s procurements. The focus is on improving participation from DBE firms on Illinois Tollway contracts.

A Disparity Study is being conducted as part of the Illinois Tollway Diversity Program. This study is analyzing the availability of DBE firms and a disparity study of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Tollway construction contracting and design services industries.

Another element of the Diversity Program is the Earned Credit Program. This Program is a rewards initiative that allows contractors and subcontractors to earn credit toward their next Illinois Tollway contract when they hire from a pool of pre-screened apprenticeship candidates.

The Illinois Tollway and IDOT generally have Disadvantage Business Enterprise goals of 20 percent for standard contracts for services by contractors or consultants.

Project Construction Schedule. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project can begin construction in Spring 2010, with a potential full completion date in late 2017. This eight-year construction schedule could be accelerated so a substantial amount of the project could be constructed by February 2012 to meet the ARRA goals if additional funds were available between 2010 and 2012. A copy of the current schedule is located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

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Table 3 shows how the funds would be spent per year under the current schedule, assuming cash flow constraints associated with toll revenues and current bond capacity, as well as the dispersion of 14,127 jobs.

Table 3: Construction Costs and Job Creation Year Construction

Costs (2009 $) Jobs Created

2009 4.6M 51 2010 55.5M 590 2011 102.3M 1,061 2012 135.1M 1,369 2013 71.0M 705 2014 58.4M 569 2015 87.9M 839 2016 56.3M 528 2017 19.3M 179

The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project has several interim milestones, as it incrementally opens new ramp movements as soon as they can be safely incorporated. Movements to and from the south leg of I-57 and north leg of I-294 will be opened by the end of 2013, as they are projected to incorporate the most traffic demand. Movements to and from the north leg I-294 to and from both I-57 and 147th Street can be opened by 2014. Movements to and from the north leg of I-57 and the south leg of I-294 can be opened by 2016. Arterial improvements along 147th Street would be completed in 2017. As stated above, this schedule is projected using current assumed cash flows. If additional funding is obtained, work could be accelerated to construct additional segments by February 2012, which in turn would accelerate some of the ramp opening dates.

Environmental Approval Receipt The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project FONSI was signed on April 29, 2009 and can be found at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57 or on the Illinois Tollway website:

http://www.illinoistollway.com/portal/page?_pageid=133,2045125&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Legislative Approval Receipt and Support With I-294 being an Illinois Tollway facility and I-57 being an IDOT facility, the agencies have collaborated for the success of this Project. The Illinois Tollway was responsible for Phase I engineering (Environmental Evaluation/NEPA), while IDOT finished an addendum to this Phase I engineering to include some additional arterial work and is currently working on Phase II Engineering (Design). Construction, or Phase III of the project, is expected to be a joint partnership, with both agencies scheduled to implement different portions of the project.

There is a consensus among state legislators and local municipalities regarding the need for the I-294/I-57 Project. This is demonstrated by formal resolutions that have been passed by the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association that represents 42 communities in southern Cook and Will Counties, the Southwest Conference of Mayors that represents another 21 communities in southwest Cook County, the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, and 19 individual communities located near the project vicinity.

Seven Illinois State Representatives, Constance Howard, Kevin McCarthy, Anthony DeLuca, David Miller, William Davis, Bob Rita, and Al Riley, signed a letter of support for the I-294/I-

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57 Interchange Project on May 21, 2009. Federal Congressional Representatives Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. and Danny K. Davis provided a signed letter of support on August 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009, respectively.

The proposed interchange at I-294 and I-57 is part of the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for the Chicago area. As stated in the 2030 RTP, “completion of a full interchange between I-294 and I-57 is expected to improve the accessibility of the south and southwest suburbs”. Specifically, the project is expected to improve the accessibility of these suburbs to commerce.

The proposed I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is also consistent with the Village of Midlothian’s Plan for Our Community’s Future, 2001, in that it maintains and enhances an effective connection to the region.

The package of resolutions and support letters are located at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57

Technical Feasibility The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project has been divided into 13 separate construction packages so the engineering and construction work could be divided amongst several companies/teams, if work needed to be accelerated. By breaking the construction into smaller pieces, more competitive bids are obtained. These smaller construction packages also results in more active involvement from DBE contractors, allowing some of the medium sized companies to compete for projects as prime contractors. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is currently being designed with an overall completion date of 2017 with the majority of the design completed by February 2012.

Financial Feasibility As a major project with a cost estimate that exceeds $500 million, the project has already been through a formal Federal Cost Estimate Review in March 2009, which identified project risks and opportunities as Phase I engineering was finalized. The interchange project already underwent a rigorous Value Engineering assessment in March 2009, and several of the VE Study’s recommendations have been supported for implementation. Through a combination of national techniques, local knowledge, and the potential for additional cost savings as part of the project, the project is financially feasible.

Illinois Tollway Project Management staff has a lot of experience implementing large projects in the region, as they are in the middle of a $6.3 billion Congestion Relief Program (CRP) that will upgrade and expand Illinois Tollway facilities, with the majority of the major expansion and reconstruction projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2009. In fact, I-294 will be reconstructed and expanded from 6 to 8 mainline lanes within the interchange project limits as part of this larger CRP, opening to traffic in the fall of 2009.

IDOT and Illinois Tollway recently collaborated on the reconstruction of the Kingery Expressway east of this project, which included the complete reconstruction of an interstate-to-interstate interchange for I-94 at I-80 (including connections to I-294 and IL 394). This work also involved the Indiana Department of Transportation, and the scope of the project is generally considered more complicated than the proposed I-57/I-294 connection, including full reconstruction along the mainline facilities while maintaining existing ramp connections

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during reconstruct, replacing them with an improved design.

Secondary Selection Criteria

Innovation The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project includes an innovative element in the collection of tolls. The connections between I-57 and the north leg of I-294 will have an ORT option, allowing the majority of ramp traffic to progress at the regular speed of the ramp or collector-distributor road within the tolling areas. The half-diamond interchange connection between the north leg of I-294 and 147th Street will incorporate All Electronic Tolling (AET).

The Illinois Tollway is currently investigating new tolling techniques, and this interchange is a prime candidate for these techniques due to the large number of long distance truck trips that would utilize the facility. A credit card option may be provided for cash users, or the ability to pre-pay associated tolls through the Illinois Tollway website. The entire interchange may even be implemented as AET, with cash users billed through license plate recognition software. Although none of these plans are finalized, new techniques will continue to be investigated at this important interstate-to-interstate connection.

Partnership The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project is a collaborative project between IDOT and the Illinois Tollway. This project will benefit other public services such as Metra Commuter Rail and Pace Suburban Bus Service through the improved transportation system. There are 4 Metra stops and 10 Pace bus routes within the Project Area and Pace is currently investigating additional service along I-294 from this region

to the job centers that are located along I-294. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will improve access to transit, which will reduce travel times and should increase ridership.

Certification The Illinois Tollway will comply with the requirements of subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (Federal Wage rate requirements), as required by the Recovery Act in included in Attachment A.

FONSI Website Link The Federal Highway Administration has determined that the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project has no significant impacts to the environment. The I-294/I-57 Interchange Project FONSI was signed on April 29, 2009 and can be found at http://www.hdrprojects.com/engineering/i294i57 or on the Illinois Tollway website:

http://www.illinoistollway.com/portal/page?_pageid=133,2045125&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Other Agency Actions Required A U.S. Army Corps Section 404 Permit is required prior to construction.

Protection of Confidential Business Information Nothing in this application is considered to be confidential.

Attachment A