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Special Update:
This study was concluded on September
22, 2005 with the signing of the Record of Decision by
the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This decision
concludes that the Selected Alterative (Longhollow
Freeway with South Simmons Mound variation) best
satisfies the purpose and need, causes the least
environmental impacts, and complies with the National
Environment Policy Act (NEPA). The FHWA’s decision is
based on full consideration of information contained in
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), public
input received at various public information meetings
held throughout the course of the study, and public
hearings held on June 25, 2003 in Freeport and June 26,
2003 in Galena.
The FHWA‘s decision allows the Selected
Alternative to be advanced through detailed design and
construction. The Galena Bypass segment of the proposed
freeway is the first segment to receive funding for
design engineering. Information of this project is
available at
www.galena-bypass.com or you may click on the link
provided below.
Galena Bypass Website
http://www.galena-bypass.com/
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
http://www.dot.il.gov/desenv/us20impact/us20_hp.htm
Final Environmental Impact Statement
http://www.dot.il.gov/desenv/us20impactfinal/us20_hp.htm
Record of Decision
http://www.dot.il.gov/desenv/us20impactfinal/US 20
Rod.pdf
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U.S. 20 / Freeport to Galena
A regional planning program, whether undertaken
because of a proposed highway, a need for jobs
locally or for recreation and/or preservation
needs, can have implications beyond just any
single purpose. A large, regional land use
planning process touches all aspects of life and
livelihood in an area. Carried out properly, it
characterizes and accommodates all regional
needs. It can fashion a future with a purpose.
To further encourage all the varied interests
that will be part of the highway planning
project to focus on its regionwide economic,
social and environmental implications, IDOT has
developed a theme for the corridor. It is one
that draws on the unique and beautiful natural
surroundings in Stephenson and Jo Daviess
Counties.
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From the land and its physical qualities grow the
lifestyles and livelihoods of the people dwelling there.
From it also grows a sense that a community’s or
region’s destiny lies in nurturing the land and
protecting its offerings. Ancient peoples who lived very
close to the land were no more bound to it’s care than
we are today. As always, tomorrow depends on wise
choices today.
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The theme Glacier Shadow Pass
captures the past, how the land came to be, and
what it may mean for the future of local
residents in all of its prismatic
facets—agricultural, economic, environmental,
recreational and in the relationships that knit
these pieces of the human fabric together. It is
a departure point setting future agendas that
link us to the past.
With the numerous studies and care that will be
taken to perform a complete investigation, it
will be a number of years before a four-lane
freeway could be completely finished in
northwest Illinois. During the period of
planning and assessment the State of Illinois
will continue to make improvements to US Route20
to make it as safe as possible for travelers.
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In the meantime the theme, Glacier Shadow Pass, will
help individuals to refocus again and again on the value
of the land and its people. It will outlast the
construction of a highway and provide an impetus for
shared visions, goals and decision-making for years to
come.
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Please send questions, comments, or site problems to the
webmaster.
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