Save Open Land In DuPage

The DuPage County Board's Department of Transportation has proposed building a new major north-south 4-lane highway along the western border of DuPage County. (see Area Map [155k]) The stated reason is to relieve traffic congestion.

SOLID is opposed to the plan for the following main reasons:

The highway would jeopardize the future of Fermilab, this nation's largest physics accelerator and a major factor in maintaining our leadership in science and technology. Fermilab sent a letter in 1999 and another in 2003 stating their opposition to the highway. (more)
The highway would result in the destruction of hundreds of acres in Fermilab and threaten Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, the two largest areas of open space in DuPage County. (more)
There is an increasing body of evidence that shows building additional highways does not reduce congestion. (more)
The highway would be extremely costly, with little benefit for DuPage taxpayers. (more)

News

As of August 2004, the DuPage County DOT has submitted a preliminary draft Design Report to the Federal Highway administration. They do not have an indication when the FHWA will complete its review. A public hearing will be held after the draft report is finished and before the completion of the Final Design Report. The meeting date will be posted here once it is available.

DuPage County officials traveled to Washington, D.C. in February 2003 to lobby for federal funds and assistance to build the Eola Road extension through Fermilab. The cost of the extension plus related projects was put at $80 million. A Fermilab spokesman said the road would disrupt operations and prevent the addition of new accelerators on the property, and thus it would be highly unlikely that Fermilab would grant access in the foreseeable future. The project remains in the County's transportation plan.

What can you do?

How can you help stop this road and protect our open space? Write or e-mail the DuPage County Board, local government officials, government agencies, and media to tell them that you are opposed to destroying our few remaining natural areas. The issues page can help you with topics for letters. The Call/Write tab gives information on telephone numbers and addresses.