Carbondale Alerts
Carbondale Encourages Participation in the Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages Study
CARBONDALE -
The City of Carbondale encourages residents of Carbondale and the surrounding region to participate in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study. While the City is not directly involved in this initiative, we recognize that many of our residents frequently travel the corridors being studied. Providing input on this regional connectivity project will help ensure that local perspectives are considered and support outcomes that benefit our community and the broader area.
Below is more information from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) about the study with the website linked for participation:
The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to learn more about the Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages study and provide feedback on the corridor between Waterloo and Murphysboro. Instead of hosting an in-person meeting, IDOT will present project information and encourage public input from July 28 through Aug. 18 via a new website: southwestconnector.com.
The study is evaluating potential improvements along Illinois 3, Illinois 154 and Illinois 13/127 to reduce travel times, enhance safety, improve freight movement and strengthen connections between communities in southwest Illinois and the St. Louis metro area. It also includes a re-evaluation of proposed improvements to Illinois 13/127 between Murphysboro and Pinckneyville.
The public is encouraged to submit comments to help the project team develop transportation solutions that reflect community needs, reduce environmental impacts, and improve regional connectivity and future developments. The website, southwestconnector.com, includes an overview of the study objectives, existing conditions data, and a draft of the study’s Purpose and Need document. Visitors can review materials, complete a survey and sign up for email updates.
All comments received by Aug. 18 will be included in the official public meeting record. Comments can be submitted by email through Aug. 18 to contact@southwestconnector.com or by mail. Mailed comments must be postmarked by Aug. 18 and sent to: Illinois Department of Transportation, 2801 W. Murphysboro Road, Carbondale, IL 62901, Attn: Carrie Nelsen, Southwest Connector PEL Study.
Those without internet access can contact Carrie Nelsen, IDOT District 9 program development engineer, at 618-549-2171, ext. 280, for information.
For media requests contact Public Relations Officer Eva Fisher at 618-713-0711.
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
# # #