Client: City of Champaign

The Curtis Road Corridor in Champaign County has evolved over five decades into a vital east-west arterial route for the Champaign-Urbana-Savoy region. Beginning in the 1970s with the planning of a new Interstate 57 interchange, it has grown into a multi-phase project that enhances mobility, safety, and economic growth.

Foundations of the ProjectCurtis road map plan

In the 1970s, the Champaign-Urbana Urbanized Area Transportation Study (CUUATS) recognized the importance of Curtis Road, designating it as a future interchange location on I-57. This set the stage for decades of continued planning and improvements.

Key milestones:

  • 1981: Federal approval for an I-57 interchange at Curtis Road

  • 1989: CUUATS reserved 100 feet of right-of-way along Curtis Road

  • 1995: CUUATS appointed a technical committee for a scoping study

Engineering and Design Development

Curtis road

In 1998, CUUATS retained Clark Dietz to perform the Preliminary Engineering Study (PES) for Curtis Road. The PES was completed in 2000, building on previous studies and setting the stage for more detailed design work.

By 2004, the Design Study Report was completed for Curtis Road from Duncan Road to First Street in Savoy. It was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Construction Milestones

The Curtis Road Corridor began its transformation with major upgrades in the 2000s. The Curtis Road Interchange at I-57 opened in 2008, and road improvements were completed from the interchange east to Wesley Avenue by 2010. These improvements cemented Curtis Road as Savoy’s primary access route.

Final Phase: Grade Separation and Complete Streets

The final phase of the project involves constructing a railroad-grade separation and additional roadway improvements. Key components include a railroad-grade separation to eliminate an at-grade crossing, a mile of roadway improvements on Curtis Road, and two miles of railroad improvements.

This phase also integrates sustainable features like solar lighting, automated pedestrian detection, and conduit for future fiber optic broadband.

Curtis road intersection

Regional Support and Funding

The project has enjoyed strong support from local, state, and federal stakeholders, as well as community partners like the University of Illinois. Significant funding has been secured through multiple partnerships:

  • 2019: $19.9 million (49.3% of the total project funding)

  • 2023: $22.6 million from a USDOT RAISE Grant

Transformational Benefits

The Curtis Road project is more than an infrastructure improvement; it’s a transformational investment for the region. Key benefits include improved safety and reduced delays, enhanced access to regional destinations, including the University of Illinois, and environmental sustainability with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The project also prioritizes accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities.

Recognition

In 2024, the Curtis Road Grade Separation and Complete Streets Project was honored with the ASCE Central Illinois Award for its innovative approach to infrastructure development and its significant impact on regional growth.

More information can be found here.