ILLINOIS ROUTE 23 (LaSalle St.) DOWNTOWN RE-ALIGNMENT December 2, 2008

Introduction Brian D. Brown, P.E. Associate / Sr. Project Manager Jose R. Alvarez Project Engineer

Preface The Ottawa Route 23 Re-alignment is an initiative by the City of Ottawa to examine the potential relocation of southbound transient traffic on Illinois Route 23 (LaSalle Street) to Clinton Street or Fulton Street, providing the opportunity to enhance Ottawa’s Historic downtown to attract businesses and visitors.

Criteria No costs, except signal removal, are included for improvements to LaSalle Street. Property costs used were based on similar commercial property for sale in Ottawa. Miscellaneous costs to cross the Illinois and Michigan Canal were not included in this assessment. Environmental and historic issues were not investigated as part of this assessment. Lighting improvements are included along the entire length of re-alignment.

Criteria (cont.) Full pavement replacement at intersections and approaches are included to remove existing crown for the overlay options. Sidewalk replacement costs are included in the reconstruction sections of this assessment. Roadway cores indicate that Fulton Street and Clinton Street north of Washington Street would need to be completely reconstructed. City utilities would be replaced. Storm sewer will be constructed, in accordance with IDOT regulations, discharging to the Illinois River.

Project Approach For estimating purposes, a two-lane urban roadway section has been assumed with minimal parking on the street. The assumed cross-section includes two 14’ through lanes and two 12’ auxiliary turn lanes all within the current right-of-way width. 3 alignment options were identified through scoping meetings with City of Ottawa Staff.

Option - No Build Advantages No capital costs No environmental impacts Disadvantages Long term plan of revitalizing Downtown Ottawa objective cannot be achieved No capital costs are associated with the “No Build” or “Do Nothing” option. The No Build option assumes no major new investments other than what already has been approved or is required for regular maintenance.

Option #1 Begins on LaSalle Street, mid-block between Superior and Washington Streets, and continues in a southwest direction, through existing mixed use property, connecting with Clinton Street north of the Lafayette Street Intersection All intersections along the re- alignment will be signalized and interconnected Estimated cost for property acquisition and building demolition for this option is $1.94 million $6.88 million for total roadway reconstruction and widening costs ($8.82 million total including acquisition) $6.16 million for overlay and intersection reconstruction ($8.10 million total including acquisition)

Option #2 Begins at the existing Illinois Route 23 southbound “S curve”, east of the merge with LaSalle Street, crossing LaSalle Street heading west, through commercial property, parallel to the Illinois and Michigan (I & M) Canal All intersections along the re-alignment will be signalized and interconnected Estimated cost for property acquisition and building demolition for this option is $1.28 million $9.07 million for total roadway reconstruction and widening costs ($10.35 million total including acquisition) $8.61 million for overlay and intersection reconstruction ($9.89 million total including acquisition)

Option #3 Begins at the same location as Option #2, crossing LaSalle Street heading west parallel to the Illinois and Michigan (I & M) Canal, then turning south, crossing the I & M Canal and connecting with Fulton Street north the Superior Street Intersection All intersections along the re-alignment will be signalized and interconnected Estimated cost for property acquisition and building demolition for this option is $1.58 million $9.26 million for total roadway reconstruction costs ($10.84 million total including acquisition)

Advantages Less roadway to construct Existing Roadway structure may be adequate for overlay Only increase total travel length by 500’ Six (6) signalized intersections Within visual distance of Downtown enticing visitors to downtown Disadvantages Potential Environmental issues with underground storage tanks (UST) Potential Historic impacts Significant property acquisition and building demolition Parking limited for existing businesses along relocated route OPTION #1

Advantages By-passes downtown A portion of the existing Roadway structure may be adequate for overlay Less building Demolition Less property acquisition Disadvantages Potential Environmental issues with underground storage tanks (UST) Potential Historic impacts Seven (7) signalized intersections Complete reconstruction of Roadway is required north of Washington Street Parking limited for existing businesses along relocated route OPTION #2

Advantages By-passes downtown Disadvantages Potential Environmental issues with underground storage tanks (UST) Potential Historic impacts Seven (7) signalized intersections Significant property acquisition and building demolition Complete reconstruction of Roadway is required Parking limited for existing businesses along relocated route OPTION #3

What’s next? Feasibility and/or Phase I Study (Major items) –Develop Purpose and Need Statement –Preparation of Intersection Design Studies –Access Control Elements and Impacts to Business –Cultural/Historic impacts –Environmental Impacts –Street Lighting and Landscaping –Impacts to Utilities –In-Depth Evaluation of Alternatives –Public Meetings and Hearings –Identify Potential Funding Sources

What’s next? (cont.) Phase II - Design Plans –Based on results and approvals of Phase I report, prepare construction plans, specification, estimate of cost and estimate of time for review and approval from IDOT. Project to be bid on IDOT letting. Phase III – Construction –Construct project in accordance with Phase II Design Plans. Provide construction observation and documentation in accordance with IDOT guidelines and regulations. on results and approvals of Phase I report, prepare construction plans, specification, estimate of cost and estimate of time for review and approval from IDOT. Project to be bid on IDOT letting.

Questions?