Study Process/Schedule
The study process will follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The NEPA process will be approached in two parts, or Tiers, with extensive stakeholder involvement throughout. The study results will be documented in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will outline the technical work and stakeholder input that support the Tier One preferred alternative.
Tier One will involve the identification of transportation needs, the development and evaluation of alternatives for all modes, and the selection of a preferred alternative at a conceptual level of detail. A range of factors is considered in the decision making process including stakeholder input, engineering, and environmental considerations. It is anticipated that Tier One will be completed by the spring of 2013.
After the completion of Tier One, Tier Two studies will be initiated, with more in-depth discussion and analysis of the preferred alternative in Tier One. This will involve more detailed engineering and environmental studies to define a preliminary design and footprint of the project, and financing options. Tier Two may take an additional 24-36 months.
Tier 1
- Travel Demand Model
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- System alternatives
- Preferred alternative “concept”
Tier 2
Preferred Alternative Details
- Geometrics
- Drainage
- Environmental
- Mitigation plan
- Formal Financial Plan
Schedule
The Illiana Corridor Tier One EIS Study was initiated in April 2011 and is anticipated to be completed within 24 months. Tier Two EIS studies may take an additional 24-36 months. The Tier One and Tier Two EIS are the only phases of the project that are funded. Land acquisition, contract plan preparation, and construction are currently not funded.