Frequently Asked Questions
Questions updated 12/20/2022
How is the project funded?
There is $32 million identified in the 2021-2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for additional studies, design, and Right-of-Way acquisition that are necessary prior to construction of Future I-57. In the 2023-2026 Draft STIP, additional funds are included for the first segment of Future I-57.
What is the cost estimate for the project?
2021 costs for the entire project are estimated at 545 million.
Is this the last meeting on the project?
The first segment of construction has not been identified but before any Right-of-Way is acquired additional design will be completed and a design public hearing will be offered to the public and local officials.
When will project construction begin?
While some funding is reserved for future project development such as final design and Right-of-Way acquisition, there is no funding secured for construction at this point.
Which segment of the project will be built first?
There is funding in the current and draft future STIP for project development but the specific segment to be developed first has not been determined.
How was the proposed alternative determined?
All alternatives were screened and evaluated on a range of environmental and social impacts (positive and negative). The Preferred Alternative best satisfied the purpose and need of the project while minimizing the negative impacts to the extent possible.
How were the locations of the interchanges determined?
There were several factors including access to populous areas, minimum spacing between interchanges, and input from public and state officials. Per guidance for interstate design, rural interchanges should not be spaced closer than 2 miles apart.
When and how will ARDOT determine which roads stay open across the 57 footprint and where frontage roads will be used?
This will not be determined until the early stages of final design. Which local roads will be severed versus having an overpass/underpass will be determined based on the amount of traffic on them as well as proximity to other crossings.
Will the Right-of-Way be reduced if frontage roads are not included?
The Right-of-Way will be adjusted based on the final design. If frontage roads are not included, the Right-of-Way will likely be less than 400 feet.
What will be done to ensure this new highway will not increase flooding?
The highway will be designed to meet ARDOT, FHWA, and FEMA standards for drainage. Culverts and bridges will be designed to convey flow efficiently from one side of the highway to the other without causing unacceptable flood water surface elevations upstream. Roadway drainage such as inlets, pipes, and ditches will be designed to outfall to existing streams without increasing downstream flows. Drainage analysis and design techniques will account for the special challenges of flat topography within the highway corridor.
How will Future I-57 impact The Black River Levee in the Project Area?
The Black River Levee will not be diminished due to the construction of I-57. Any work around the levee will involve maintaining the existing levee, coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Levee Board so that there are no negative impacts.
Will the houses along the I-57 interim connector (if built) have to be acquired due to access issues?
The houses along State Line Road from existing Hwy. 67 to I-57 will be acquired due to ARDOT Right-of-Way policy of requiring control of access within 0.25 miles of interchange ramps.
If the interim connector is built, how will State Line Road tie back to existing Highway 67?
State Line Road will have a short new segment that will tie back to the I-57 connector road to provide access to properties to the east.
Are the meeting materials available online?
Yes, all meeting materials are available on this website.
