IDOT holds meeting on Route 149 proposed improvements

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation held a public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 7 to discuss proposed improvements to Illinois Route 149 and to hear from residents of West Frankfort.

The project will begin on Route 149 from Route 37 all the way to Interstate 57.

The proposed plan will maintain the existing traffic lane configuration, and replace the existing concrete pavement while resurfacing the existing asphalt pavement.

Work will also consist of new curb and gutters, curb inlets and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

IDOT says this will also improve drainage and safety of pedestrians and bicycles.

The City of West Frankfort will be responsible for some of the proposed project such as lamp posts, but IDOT is leading the project.

West Frankfort Mayer Tom Jordan says that there was concerns about the project displacing businesses, but that the city decided to keep Route 149 down to three lanes instead of five as not to disrupt those businesses.

Mayor Jordan spoke about how he believes this will be an improvement for the city.

“Whenever we turn off the interstate into a new community we always kind of judge by what it looks like and get an overall impression, and I think the overall impression is going to improve for our community,” he said. “And hopefully when people get off the interstate and see it, its going to have a pleasant appearance.”

The construction is projected to begin in 2021, and an estimated budget has not been determined.

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