After a five-year study which evaluated a multitude of travel alternatives, engineering studies, environmental data, and input from thousands of people in the study area, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the Alternative B5 with IL-47 widening as the preferred alternative for the Prairie Parkway Preliminary Engineering Study.  The study evaluated the need for future transportation improvements in northeastern Illinois.  

"The B5 alignment has been developed and analyzed through great participation from the public and in close coordination with the Corridor Planning Group", says George F. Ryan, Deputy Director of Highways.  "We are very pleased with what the public has produced through their efforts."  The Corridor Planning Group is a volunteer forum of elected officials representing the municipalities and counties adjacent to the corridor.  They are supported by technical task forces consisting of technical staff from communities, agencies, and interest groups.

The selection of Alternative B5 with IL-47 widening followed the analysis documented in the Prairie Parkway Draft Environmental Impact Statement that was released on November 17, 2006.  The decision reflects comments and input received throughout the five-year study period from the public, local officials, agencies, and other organizations, including formal comments received in response to the public hearings held for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on December 6 and 7, 2006 and February 13, 2007.

The preferred alternative, Alternative B5 with IL-47 widening, consists of 37 miles of new four-lane freeway that begins on its south end with an interchange at I-80 west of Minooka and ending on the north with an interchange at I-88 near Kaneville.  The freeway will also have interchanges with US-52, IL-47, IL-71, US-34, and US-30 to provide access to the local road system.

The B5 freeway alternative will pass under seven ComEd electric power lines and over three railroads.  The freeway will require new drainage structures at 30 major and 14 minor stream crossings, including seven with bridges.  Alternative B5 freeway also will construct 15 major and 14 minor stream crossings on existing and new roads that cross or intersect with the freeway, including five with bridges. 

The IL-47 widening component will be 12 miles long.  It will begin on its south end at I-80 and end on its north end at Caton Farm Road where it will connect to other planned or programmed IL-47 widening projects.  IL-47 will be a four-lane highway (two lanes in each direction) with a 32-foot-wide raised curb median and paved shoulders.  Median openings and left-turn lanes will be provided at existing intersections.