Clarification Regarding the State Route 173 Construction Project

Clarification Regarding the State Route 173 Construction Project

The City of Zion has recently received questions and concerns regarding the ongoing road construction and resulting detours along State Route 173.

We want to take this opportunity to clarify an important point for our residents:

The construction project on Route 173 is not a City of Zion project.

State Route 173 is a state highway, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is responsible for the planning, engineering, construction, traffic control, and detour arrangements associated with this project. The City of Zion does not control the project schedule, construction activities, lane closures, or the detours being utilized.

We understand that road construction can be frustrating and that detours can create inconvenience for residents, businesses, and motorists. We experience those same impacts as members of this community. However, directing criticism or complaints about the planning and execution of this particular project to the City’s Public Works Department is misplaced because the City is not the agency responsible for the project.

That does not mean the City is indifferent to the inconvenience being experienced by our residents. When construction projects conducted by other governmental agencies affect Zion, City staff and elected officials remain available to communicate concerns, provide local perspective, and advocate for our residents when appropriate.

We simply want residents to have accurate information about which governmental agency is responsible for which roads and projects.

If you have a concern regarding the Route 173 construction project, traffic control, lane closures, or the associated detours, those concerns should be directed to IDOT, the agency responsible for the project.

At the same time, if you have a concern involving a City of Zion roadway, City construction project, snow removal, street maintenance, water, sewer, or another service actually provided by the City, our Public Works Department is absolutely the appropriate place to contact.

Our goal is not to avoid responsibility. It is to make sure concerns are directed to the agency that actually has the authority and responsibility to address them.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as this work is completed and, most importantly, we appreciate our residents taking the time to ask questions and seek accurate information.