Illinois 57 study underway, but it’s a long road to reality

QUINCY – Don’t expect to see the Marblehead bypass any time soon.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is preparing a study to see if there is a need to expand Illinois 57 heading south of Quincy to Interstate 172.

“The study defines the project purpose and need along with goals and objectives based on input from stakeholders and the public,” according to IDOT. “…an initial range of alternatives will be evaluated to identify those alternatives that best support the project goals; account for project costs and constructability; and avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental impacts.”

The project would run from Broadway Quincy to I-172 south of Marblehead, a distance of approximately 13 miles. The Study area is comprised of the developed downtown in Quincy, with a combination of industrial developments, farmland, and a residential community to the south of Quincy. IL 57 crosses Mill Creek in Marblehead and Austin Creek just north of I-172.

So the study is scheduled for completion in late 2022. Then, if feasible, must get put into some sort of schedule.

Quincy will see a new bridge to replace Memorial Bridge long before Illinois 57 will be expanded.

www.IL57Quincy.org