Question 1

Where is South Alpine Road?

Accepted Answer

South Alpine Road is in the City of Rockford, in Winnebago County.

Question 2

Is the entire South Alpine Road being studied?

Accepted Answer

No. This project, which is in the planning phase (Phase I), covers approximately 2.5 miles of South Alpine Road, from Linden Road to just north of Charles Street. There are other segments of South Alpine Road that are not a part of the project.

Question 3

Why is this project being studied?

Accepted Answer

South Alpine Road has been identified as one of Rockford’s roads in the greatest need of improvements and repair, particularly regarding safety and modality. It is also a critical corridor for residents, small businesses, industry, and area traffic. It has long been the source of discussion when it comes to improving the city’s infrastructure. The project is moving forward under a partnership between the City of Rockford and the State of Illinois to determine the issues and evaluate and recommend various improvements to this corridor infrastructure, including pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. 
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Question 4

Why is this planning study important?

Accepted Answer

The corridor is in poor condition and lacks accommodations for pedestrians/cyclists. Illinois & Rockford officials have publicly emphasized the importance of the corridor’s repair and improvements for the community and region.

Question 5

How many people travel on South Alpine Road per day?

Accepted Answer

The South Alpine Road project corridor accommodates approximately 15,000 vehicles per day at the south end of the corridor to approximately 30,000 vehicles per day at the north end of the corridor.

Question 6

Is this necessary? What about prior improvements?

Accepted Answer

The Illinois Department of Transportation invested $1.5 million in resurfacing just under a mile of the roadway from Harrison Avenue to Charles Street in 2023. Other previous improvements included a traffic signal replacement at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Florida Drive in 2021 and resurfacing from Harrison Avenue to Sandy Hollow Road in 2014. Instead of continuing with stand-alone improvements, the new endeavor takes a holistic multimodal approach to the corridor, so that solutions are developed for all roadway users including vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit-riders.

Question 7

What is the timeline for the project?

Accepted Answer

The initial Phase I preliminary engineering study is expected to conclude in Summer 2027, leading to the design phase of the project (Phase II).

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