Planning for 'Illiana Corridor' begins

SPRINGFIELD — A study on transportation needs between Illinois and Indiana is under way.

The Illinois and Indiana Departments of Transportation are conducting a study along the "Illiana Corridor." It seeks solutions for travel between Interstates 55 on the west and 65 on the east.

A working group of interested people is being formed. There will be public meetings, a public hearing, newsletters, small group meetings and a speakers' bureau.

Public meetings are scheduled for June 21 in Matteson, Ill. and June 22 in Crown Point, Ind.

The plan's first phase will identify transportation needs and alternatives for meeting them and will be completed by May 2013. The second part will include detailed engineering and environmental studies and will be completed by 2016.