Long anticipated underpass in Savoy expected to cost $14 million dollars more

SAVOY, Ill. (WAND) - After years of discussion, the anticipated underpass in Savoy just got a new price tag.

The Village Board of Savoy proposed a new underpass at E Curtis Road and N Dunlap Ave. Last week, President John Brown said the project total has gone up from nearly $40 million to more than $54 million. This is due to inflation.

Brown shared at the board meeting last Wednesday that Savoy is working with several local, state and federal agencies to help cover this increase of $14 million dollars.

"A village of our size... to pull off a project of this magnitude is incredible. It is not common. This is remarkable," Brown said. The initial idea to create an underpass arose when drivers found the railroad and trains to disrupt everyday travel.

The benefits of having this Curtis road underpass are to help limit interrupted traffic, as well as make sure first responders can get to their destinations sooner.

Currently, the board shared that Savoy has $52.4 million dollars funded, and they still need $2 million before construction can start.

The board said they hope to start the project in 2027. It will take roughly two years until completion.