Title/Name/Summary
143rd Street Widening from West Avenue to Southwest Highway, IDOT Letter of Intent
History
Over the past several years, the Engineering Department has met regularly with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to advocate for additional funding for both the design and construction of the 143rd Street Widening. On May 16, 2025, the Department submitted a formal request letter (attached) to Mr. Jose Rios, Region 1 Engineer for IDOT, outlining the project’s readiness, the Engineering Department’s long-standing and persistent efforts to secure federal and state grant funding, and the successful acquisition of necessary easements from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC). The letter also included a detailed summary of funding application efforts undertaken by the Department since 2015. As part of this request, the Village sought an additional $8 million in construction funding from IDOT for the segment between Southwest Highway and West Avenue.
IDOT approved this request in a letter dated December 12, 2025 (attached). In its correspondence, IDOT indicated that it was preparing a Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining the anticipated State participation in the project.
On May 29, 2026, IDOT issued the Letter of Intent (attached), increasing the Department's maximum financial participation in the project from $2,000,000 to $10,000,000. The Village will continue to act as the lead agency for the improvement and coordinate the project through IDOT's Bureau of Local Roads.
Upon receipt of the Village's concurrence, the funding will be programmed by the State.
Financial Impact
IDOT's maximum financial participation in the project will increase from $2,000,000.00 to $10,000,000.00.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Letter of Intent with IDOT, as fully presented in the recommended motion.
(Full motion - not necessary to be read)
I move to approve the Letter of Intent with the Illinois Department of Transportati...
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