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The project represents yet another achievement on the Chicago-to-St. Louis rail corridor, joining enhanced safety and performance between Joliet and Alton, safer crossings, and new or improved stations in Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville and Alton. New Amtrak locomotives were introduced in 2017, new passenger railcars have begun to be introduced and higher speeds are anticipated in 2023. 

DOWNERS GROVE, IL –The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved two construction contracts totaling more than $200 million at a special September Board meeting, including contracts to continue mainline roadway reconstruction and widening on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.

Nearly $990.1 million in contracts has been approved by the Tollway Board in 2022, as part of the 11th year of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program. To date, more than $10.4 billion has been invested by the Illinois Tollway since the Move Illinois Program began in 2012, with more than $2.7 billion of that total committed to small, diverse and veteran-owned firms. In addition, the capital program has created or sustained an estimated 113,040 total jobs as of August. 

“Our $4 billion Central Tri-State Project will provide congestion relief, reconstruct old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs,” said Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Construction contracts approved today will allow us to move forward with roadway rebuilding and widening in the critical center segment of this project, keeping our work on schedule for our customers.” 

Construction contracts awards include:

• A $104.1 million contract to F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, Chicago, IL, for roadway and bridge reconstruction and widening between 47th Street and Ogden Avenue as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.
• A $97.4 million contract to F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, Chicago, IL, for roadway reconstruction and widening between the Hinsdale Oasis and 47th Street as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.
  

The contracts approved at the second September Board meeting include 16 subcontractors that are certified as disadvantaged, minority-and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms and one subcontractor that is certified veteran-owned firm. Commitments for D/M/WBE participation range from 24.22 to 25.05 percent per contract and commitments for veteran participation range from 0.81 to 0.98 percent per contract.

Construction contracts for Illinois Tollway projects are competitively bid under the rules of the Illinois Procurement Code. All contracts are presented to the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors for review and approval. The Illinois Tollway broadcasts all public meetings on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com. This includes all board meetings and public bid openings. Also provided is detailed information about current Tollway construction and professional engineering services contracts through the Construction Contract Tracker.

Contractors and consultants can also access resources online to help them learn about how to do business with the Tollway, including construction bid-letting schedules, professional service bulletins, manuals and construction bid calendars. These resources can be found in the “Doing Business” section of the Tollway’s website.

About Move Illinois

The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, is improving mobility, relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating as many as 152,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first 10 years of Move Illinois are on schedule and within budget, delivering the new Illinois Route 390 Tollway and a rebuilt and widened Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) with its new SmartRoad corridor, as well as opening a new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57. Progress continues on projects addressing the remaining needs of the existing Tollway system, delivering the new I-490 Tollway Project and reconstructing the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

About the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 294 miles of roadways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway.

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Gov. Pritzker’s historic capital program improving infrastructure throughout Illinois

CHICAGO – Entering Year Four of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that multiple projects in northern Cook County are underway or planned to begin, highlighting an ongoing commitment made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan capital program. Nine major projects represent a total investment of more than $14.5 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, we are restoring and transforming Illinois’ aging infrastructure,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois is not only about investing in infrastructure but about investing in people and communities as well. In the coming months, IDOT will undertake projects that will ultimately create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs in northern Cook County and across the entire state.”

Projects and traffic impacts include:

Lake Cook Road/Main Street from west of Hart Road to south Ela Road includes resurfacing and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained throughout construction with daytime lane closures. The project began this spring and is anticipated to be completed late fall.

Hicks Road from Euclid Avenue to Kirchoff Road includes resurfacing and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction with daytime lane closures. The project began this summer and is anticipated to be completed late fall.

Golf Road (Illinois 58) from east of Hiawatha to Sutton Road (Illinois 59) includes resurfacing and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction with daytime lane closures. The project began this spring and is anticipated to be completed late summer.

Irving Park Road (Illinois 19) from Liberty Street (Illinois 25) to Sutton Road (Illinois 59) includes resurfacing and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction with daytime lane closures. The project began this spring and is anticipated to be completed late summer or early fall.

Oakton Street from Elmhurst Road (Illinois 83) to Lee Street/Manheim Road (U.S. 12/45) includes resurfacing and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction with daytime lane closures. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed late fall.

Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) from Dempster Street (Illinois 58) to Oakton Street includes resurfacing and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction with daytime lane closures. The project began this spring and is anticipated to be completed this fall.

Green Bay Road from south of Scott Avenue to south of Kenilworth Avenue includes resurfacing and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. One lane in each direction will be maintained during construction with daytime lane closures. The project will begin spring 2025 and is anticipated to be completed later that summer.

“These projects represent another year that IDOT will be making transformational investments in northern Cook County,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Please, pardon our dust while we Rebuild Illinois. When approaching and driving through any work zone, expect the unexpected and give workers a brake. Stay patient, put down the devices and slow down.” 

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $33.2 billion into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Accomplishments through Year Three of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $8.6 billion of improvements statewide on 4,422 miles of highway, 412 bridges, and 621 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

In addition to improving roads and bridges, Rebuild Illinois identifies in the Chicago area $400 million for the CREATE program, $500 million to establish passenger rail to the Quad Cities and Rockford, and $4 billion for the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

Public input sought in collaborative planning process


INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Transportation is asking for Hoosiers’ input as it begins a streamlined planning process along the U.S. 30 and U.S. 31 corridors in northern Indiana. The ProPEL U.S. 30 and ProPEL U.S. 31 studies will use a collaborative approach to consider environmental, community and economic goals early in project development.

The two-year studies will follow the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process used by transportation agencies, such as INDOT, to assess innovative ways to address transportation challenges and needs. PEL studies allow INDOT to interact with communities as they share ideas and feedback related to long-term solutions on U.S. 30 and U.S. 31.

The process includes development of alternatives that balance input from the community with transportation engineering needs and environmental concerns. The information, analysis and decisions made during the PEL process can be leveraged in later phases of project development, including the environmental review process based on requirements established in the National Environmental Policy Act.

The studies span 180 miles across 12 counties and includes U.S. 30 from Valparaiso to the Indiana/Ohio state line (excluding the Fort Wayne bypass), as well as U.S. 31 between Hamilton County and Plymouth (excluding the Kokomo bypass). Counties within the study area include Allen, Fulton, Hamilton, Howard, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Miami, Porter, Starke, Tipton and Whitley Counties.

Anticipated completion of ProPEL U.S. 30 and ProPEL U.S. 31 is in fall of 2024. With community support, each study will identify a range of alternatives, including a no-build alternative for each corridor.

Information Gathering
The PEL studies will be collaborative, data-driven and influenced by the public’s ideas. Throughout the process, INDOT will invite input from communities along the corridor to identify what needs and concerns should be addressed by future improvements. With help from residents, motorists, businesses and other road users, INDOT can build infrastructure that will better serve Hoosiers. The studies will gather questions, concerns and ideas through a variety of means, including project websites, social media, and in-person and virtual public information meetings.

The first round of public meetings are planned for this fall. More information about each meeting will be available at a later date.

ProPEL U.S. 30 and ProPEL U.S. 31 are about what is possible. Together we will look at transportation challenges and needs, and work together to identify solutions that will enhance safety, mobility and economic development along each corridor. INDOT will evaluate the public’s suggestions to provide recommendations using engineering, environmental, economic and community factors.

Once the studies are complete and funding is identified for projects, INDOT will move into the next phases of development using the feedback and alternatives gathered during the PEL process.

For more information on each study, and to share ideas, visit the project websites listed below (live by end of day on Friday, August 26).

ProPEL U.S. 30: ProPELUS30.com

ProPEL U.S. 31: ProPELUS31.com

Available for Review and Public Comment

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Transportation today announced a draft version of Indiana's Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Deployment Plan is available online for review and public comment.

The plan is required by National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in November 2021. Through the NEVI program, Indiana will receive significant federal formula funding over five years to support the construction and operation of Direct-Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations along alternative fuel corridors as designated by the Federal Highway Administration.

The intent of the NEVI program is to increase the availability of fast, reliable EV charging infrastructure across the country to reduce range anxiety and make EV ownership and operation more convenient.

Indiana's plan includes state agency coordination, public engagement, vision and goals, initial contracting and procurement guidance, existing and future conditions analysis, implementation considerations, cybersecurity planning, and civil rights and equity requirements.

The plan may be viewed online at https://www.in.gov/indot/current-programs/innovative-programs/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-network/ under the "Draft Deployment Plan" tab. Written public comment on the plan can be submitted online through the "Public Comment Form" tab and will be accepted through August 20, 2022.

INDOT must submit the plan to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for federal review by August 1, 2022. The Joint Office anticipates completing review of state plans by September 30, 2022. The plan will be updated annually over the life of the NEVI program.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that it will host a virtual public meeting July 28 to provide information and get feedback on the development of the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan, the latest in Gov. JB Pritzker’s efforts to have one million electric vehicles registered in Illinois by 2030.

“Illinois has emerged as a leader in embracing electric vehicles as a cornerstone for economic growth and carbon reduction in our state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, a foundation has been laid to remake transportation as we know it here in Illinois. We are blazing a trail by creating infrastructure to support electric vehicles, connecting and uplifting communities along the way.”

Click here or visit https://idot.click/drive-electric to register and learn more. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Comments received at the meeting will help guide IDOT in developing a statewide plan to create and support an interconnected network of charging stations along key travel corridors. The plan is required for Illinois to receive an anticipated $148 million to invest in EV infrastructure as part of the historic, bipartisan federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act passed last year.

Additional stakeholder engagement, including meetings and the opportunity to submit ideas for charging station locations, will be scheduled as the plan is implemented later this year.

Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation is overseeing the development of a network of 500,000 charging stations by 2030, ensuring a convenient, reliable, affordable and equitable charging experience for all users.

At the governor’s direction, IDOT is working closely with other state agencies, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to achieve these goals in Illinois and make the most of available state and federal funding.

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Illinois. Emissions from cars and trucks, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, are harmful to human health and the environment. Generating no tailpipe emissions, EVs are an important part of Gov. Pritzker’s directive to reduce pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Entering Year Four of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that multiple projects in the Peoria area are underway or planned, highlighting an ongoing commitment made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan capital program. Twelve major projects represent a total investment of $245.3 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

"With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, we are restoring and transforming Illinois's aging infrastructure," said Gov. Pritzker. "Rebuild Illinois is not only about investing in infrastructure but about investing in people and communities as well. In the coming months, IDOT will undertake projects that will ultimately create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs in the Peoria area and across the entire state."

Of the 12 major projects in the Peoria area, 10 of them are scheduled to be completed in 2022, with the remaining two in 2023.

"Improving our roadway infrastructure throughout the Peoria region with these 12 projects reflects that it is a priority for all levels of Illinois government," said Peoria Mayor Rita Ali. "Road investments in our region not only employ people from our communities, but also helps to bolster our economy."

Projects and traffic impacts include:

• Eastbound McClugage Bridge replacement began spring of 2019 and is estimated to be open in fall 2023, with demolition of the existing eastbound bridge to occur in 2024. Eastbound U.S. 150 is reduced to one lane. Northbound and southbound Illinois 29 are reduced one lane from Lorentz Avenue to Eureka Avenue, with the ramp to eastbound U.S. 150 from northbound Illinois 29 closed. Access to eastbound U.S. 150 from northbound Illinois 29 is available via a different ramp.
• inecrest Drive over Interstate 74 replacement will finish late this summer after starting in 2020. Periodic lane reductions will continue to be required on I-74. One lane is open in each direction on Pinecrest Drive, with signals at the ramps.
• Western Avenue from Adams Street to Lincoln Avenue reconstruction began last year and is scheduled to be completed in December. Full closure of Western Avenue between Malone Street and Adams Street.
• Interstate 474 from the Illinois River to I-74 resurfacing began last summer and will be completed in November. Lane reductions and ramp closures with detours.
• Illinois 74 from Morton to Goodfield painting, bridge overlay repairs and joint/bearing replacement work began last year and scheduled to be completed later this spring. Lane reductions in both directions.
• I-74 and I-474 and Illinois 6 interchange structure repairs and bridge deck overlay work began last year and scheduled to be complete this spring. Lane reductions and ramp closures with detours.
• McNaughton Bridge over the Illinois River in Pekin rehabilitation, joint replacement and deck repairs began in 2021 and scheduled to be completed this summer. Lane reductions at the intersection in Pekin with shifting lanes on the bridge using crossovers with one lane in both directions is to be expected.
• Illinois 8 structures: Nixon Run, Warsaw Creek and Kickapoo Creek Tributary structural overlay and joint repairs began in early April and scheduled to be completed in August. Traffic reduced to one lane operated by traffic signals.
• U.S. 24 1 mile west of Mapleton superstructure replacement began in early April and scheduled to be completed in October. Traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions.
• I-74 from east of Morton to Woodford County line resurfacing began in early April and is scheduled to be completed in November. Traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions.
• Broadway Road from Veterans Drive to Springfield Road resurfacing and drainage improvements began in March and is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2023. Detours will be posted throughout the project.
• Courtland Street from Walton Avenue to Main Street in Morton reconstruction and widening work begins in May and is scheduled to be completed in November. Detours for closures will occur throughout the project.

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

"These projects represent another year that IDOT will be making transformational investments in the Peoria area and all across the state," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "Please, pardon our dust while we Rebuild Illinois. When approaching and driving through any work zone, expect the unexpected and give workers a brake. Stay patient, put down the devices and slow down."

Accomplishments through March include approximately $7.3 billion of improvements statewide on almost 3,800 miles of highway, more than 370 bridges and nearly 550 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

Entering Year Four of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that multiple projects in the Quad City area are planned or underway, highlighting an ongoing commitment made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan capital program. Seven major projects represent a total investment of $55.78 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, we are restoring and transforming Illinois’s aging infrastructure,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois is not only about investing in infrastructure but about investing in people and communities as well. In the coming months, IDOT will undertake projects that will ultimately create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs in the Quad Cities and across the entire state.”

Five of the seven projects in the Quad Cities are scheduled to be completed in 2022.
“We welcome all types of infrastructure investments in the Quad Cities by our state partners,” said Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. “I look forward to continued investments in the future.”

“Our residents that travel on these streets and highways on a daily basis will be appreciative of the-much needed resources to improve their daily commute and travelling experience,” said East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman. “In particular, I thank Gov. Pritzker for listening to our requests, addressing our needs and facilitating a good partnership with our community.”

Projects and traffic impacts include (link to map):

• Interstate 280 over the Mississippi River (Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Bridge) began the second year of a three-year bridge deck replacement project in March. Construction shifted in the eastbound lanes after the westbound lanes were completed in 2021. This year’s work is scheduled to be completed in November. Traffic is currently using the westbound lanes. Work will continue in 2023 with repainting the bridge and resurfacing I-280 from the bridge to the Illinois 92 interchange.
• Interstate 74 in Henry County pavement patching from the Interstate 74/80/280 interchange to Illinois 81 began in March and finished in May.
• Colona Road/Avenue of the Cities in East Moline and Silvis pavement patching was completed in April. The repairs were from Kennedy Drive in East Moline to Hospital Road in Silvis.
• I-74/280 over Shaeffer Creek in Coal Valley will begin in May. Work includes replacing bridge expansion joints and steel repairs. One lane will be closed in each direction during the project, which is scheduled to be completed in July.
• Interstate 74 in Moline will begin landscaping from the Mississippi River bridge to the Avenue of the Cities this summer. Daily lane closures will be part of this project, which concludes this fall.
• Illinois 192 in Edgington construction will begin in July to resurface the highway from 123rd Street West to 140th Street West. Daily lane closures will be part of this project, which concludes in September.
• Centennial Bridge (U.S. 67) over the Mississippi River in Rock Island repairs to structural steel, hanger and other related items begin this fall.. The first stage of work will continue until winter before resuming in spring. Daily lane closures will be required.

“These projects represent another year that IDOT will be making transformational investments in the Quad Cities area,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Please, pardon our dust while we Rebuild Illinois. When approaching and driving through any work zone, expect the unexpected and give workers a brake. Stay patient, put down the devices and slow down.”

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Accomplishments through March include approximately $7.3 billion of improvements statewide on almost 3,800 miles of highway, more than 370 bridges and nearly 550 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

 CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a full closure will take place on the Amstutz Expressway (Illinois 137), between Genesee Street and Greenwood Avenue, weather permitting, from 5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, to 1 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13.

The closure is necessary to accommodate the filming of Chicago Fire. A detour will direct motorists to Belvidere Street (Illinois 120) and Sheridan Road (Illinois 137). Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained

Keep Us Alive Drive 45 is our commitment to keep workers and motorists safe in work zones. Each year, many people are killed in construction zone accidents, both commuters and workers. Please abide the posted speed limit in work zones. When workers are present, it's 45 M.P.H. - It's The Law.

Join us in our pledge to increase awareness and promote safe driving in our work zones by displaying an orange ribbon. Together we can make our roadways a safer place to commute and work. With your help, we can see to it that a construction zone is not an end zone.