To: Effingham County Officials
We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of the Lake Sara community, respectfully urge full support and prioritization of the proposed construction beginning as early as 2026.
Project Overview- Location: Lake Sara area, Effingham County, IL
- AKA: Lake Sara Road to Nazerene Road Connector
- Route/City: W. Evergreen Ave. (County Rd 1550 N.) Extension
- Section Number: 05-00084-02-PV
- Project Number: 7-10361-0000
- Type: New road construction
- Length: 1.00 mile
- Timeline: 2026–2030
- Source: Illinois Department of Transportation Proposed Improvements
Why This Road Matters
This connector is a vital safety improvement for Lake Sara residents—enhancing both daily commutes and emergency response capabilities. After nearly 10 years of planning and discussions, with the 2023 state plan now in place, we urge local leaders to prioritize its completion as soon as possible.
Safety
* Enhances emergency access and reduces response times for EMS, and law enforcement—including mutual aid from Effingham Fire Department for larger emergencies
* Provides a safer, more direct alternative to the aging and poorly maintained County Road 1600 North
Community Impact
* Benefits a significant portion of the Lake Sara community by improving connectivity and reducing daily travel stress
* Supports long-term infrastructure planning and promotes regional growth
Cost Savings for Residents
* Reduces mileage and eliminates unnecessary detours for countless households traveling to Effingham
* Lowers vehicle operating costs—including fuel, maintenance, and wear—by providing a more efficient route on a properly maintained road
Quicker Commutes
* Improves traffic flow for daily commuters, lake visitors, and future school routes
* Eases congestion during peak hours and high-traffic seasons
We Support This Project
This road will significantly benefit our community, and we respectfully urge local leaders to ensure its timely completion with transparent planning and communication.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
November 8, 2025
24 Comments
This would significantly help the ease to get from south effingham via the outer belt bypassing the congestion of fayette entirely. I’ve driven down Nazarene rd to get to the lake area to clean clients homes. It saves sooo much time during lunch traffic!!
I believe this week be a significant improvement for the residents of the Lake Sara community!
This connector would make getting to work so much faster for everyone living out by the lake. Long overdue honestly.
PLEASE get this started! emergency vehicles need better access to the lake area.
Finally!! Dealing with the keller dr traffic is a nightmare especially in the summer. Need this done ASAP.
It would be great to bypass Keller Drive and reduce unnecessary traffic there.
Road needed
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To: Effingham County Officials
We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of the Lake Sara community, respectfully urge full support and prioritization of the proposed construction beginning as early as 2026.
Project Overview- Location: Lake Sara area, Effingham County, IL
- AKA: Lake Sara Road to Nazerene Road Connector
- Route/City: W. Evergreen Ave. (County Rd 1550 N.) Extension
- Section Number: 05-00084-02-PV
- Project Number: 7-10361-0000
- Type: New road construction
- Length: 1.00 mile
- Timeline: 2026–2030
- Source: Illinois Department of Transportation Proposed Improvements
Why This Road Matters
This connector is a vital safety improvement for Lake Sara residents—enhancing both daily commutes and emergency response capabilities. After nearly 10 years of planning and discussions, with the 2023 state plan now in place, we urge local leaders to prioritize its completion as soon as possible.
Safety
* Enhances emergency access and reduces response times for EMS, and law enforcement—including mutual aid from Effingham Fire Department for larger emergencies
* Provides a safer, more direct alternative to the aging and poorly maintained County Road 1600 North
Community Impact
* Benefits a significant portion of the Lake Sara community by improving connectivity and reducing daily travel stress
* Supports long-term infrastructure planning and promotes regional growth
Cost Savings for Residents
* Reduces mileage and eliminates unnecessary detours for countless households traveling to Effingham
* Lowers vehicle operating costs—including fuel, maintenance, and wear—by providing a more efficient route on a properly maintained road
Quicker Commutes
* Improves traffic flow for daily commuters, lake visitors, and future school routes
* Eases congestion during peak hours and high-traffic seasons
We Support This Project
This road will significantly benefit our community, and we respectfully urge local leaders to ensure its timely completion with transparent planning and communication.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
November 8, 2025
24 Comments
It's time to make this a priority - lake Sara is the 2nd largest community of residents in the county. Improved roads, access and safety are long overdue.
This would significantly help the ease to get from south effingham via the outer belt bypassing the congestion of fayette entirely. I’ve driven down Nazarene rd to get to the lake area to clean clients homes. It saves sooo much time during lunch traffic!!
I believe this week be a significant improvement for the residents of the Lake Sara community!
This connector would make getting to work so much faster for everyone living out by the lake. Long overdue honestly.
PLEASE get this started! emergency vehicles need better access to the lake area.
Finally!! Dealing with the keller dr traffic is a nightmare especially in the summer. Need this done ASAP.
It would be great to bypass Keller Drive and reduce unnecessary traffic there.
Road needed
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It's time to make this a priority - lake Sara is the 2nd largest community of residents in the county. Improved roads, access and safety are long overdue.