IDOT to hold public hearing about project at site of former Black cemetery near I-64

The Illinois Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting about a project to replace an Interstate 64 overpass on the site of a historically Black cemetery.

The meeting will be held at James Avant Elementary School, 1915 N. 55th St., Washington Park from 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 9.

The former Douglas-Lawnridge Cemetery and St. Clair County Cemetery were relocated in the late 1960s to make way for I-64 near Washington Park. But an Illinois Archaeological survey of the site in 2019 led to the discovery of decayed coffin remnants and bones believed to be human.

IDOT is planning a $28.5 million replacement of the Kingshighway (Illinois 111) bridge over the interstate and its ramps. The Aug. 9 open meeting will include updates on project plans. Officials also will welcome input from the community, family and loved ones of those interred in the cemetery sites, according to a state release.

“The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the progress and issues concerning this project and obtain public input,” the release stated. “Due to the project’s location at the former sites of the Douglas-Lawnridge and St. Clair County cemeteries, IDOT welcomes input from the community, families and loved ones of those interred in these cemeteries.”

The current bridge that was built in 1973 does not meet the 16 feet requirement for trucks, which is partially what prompted study of the project.

Those attending will be provided with handouts and display boards to review, along with information regarding engineering, land acquisition, environmental processes and public involvement. The project discussion will be led by representatives from IDOT and consultants.

For those who cannot attend, comment forms will be available on the project website. Comments also can be mailed directly to 1102 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234. The public can submit comments via email to Matthew.Meyer@illinois.gov on or before Aug. 23.

Additional information can be found on their website or follow @IDOTDistrict8 on Twitter. The public can view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.