Federal highway transportation improvements that are a product of this type of study usually use Federal highway funds. To obtain this funding, certain regulations and guidelines must be met to ensure funding eligibilty. There are three phases of the implementation process that are used for any federal-aid project:

Phase I – Environmental and Design Studies
Phase II – Preparation of contract plans and Right of Way (ROW) attainment
Phase III – Construction

Phase I
In the Phase I Environmental and Design Study for this project, an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be completed. This is an environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA is prepared to establish whether a federal action would considerably affect the environment and thus require a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is not anticipated for the I-55 Wilmington Study at this time based on the preliminary data gathered to date. A Phase I engineering report will also be completed which outlines why IDOT is proposing such a project and how the improvement will be designed to satisfy a need. The IDOT Bureau of Design and Environmental Manual states:

“These reports are more than just a paperwork requirement and have been created to ensure that a proposed improvement has been carefully evaluated, that appropriate policies and criteria are being used, that the design reflects an assessment of environmental concerns and, if required, that public involvement has occurred. These reports should be able to stand on their own and document all major design decisions and exceptions to policy.”

Phase II
Once both of these documents are completed and approved, including an approval of the EA with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by FHWA, design approval is granted, and design and right of way acquisition (if required) may commence.