Travel Midwest News Items

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), State Patrol and partner law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists to be alert for the potential of deer darting across roadways during upcoming weeks. Deer/vehicle crashes typically peak during the October and November “rutting” period when bucks pursue potential mates. 

• Slow down, eliminate distractions, and make sure all vehicle occupants are buckled up.
•  If you see one deer cross in front of you, watch for more. One long blast from your vehicle’s horn may frighten the deer away.
•  If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid sudden swerving which can result in a loss of vehicle control and a more serious crash. If you hit a deer:
•  Get your vehicle safely off the road if possible and call law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your specific location.
•  It’s generally safest to stay buckled-up inside your vehicle. Walking along a highway is always dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle.
•  Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation will host a public hearing in partnership with Troyer Group on Thursday, October 22 regarding a proposed intersection improvement project at State Road 55 and 73rd Ave in Merrillville.

The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. at Merrillville High School (276 E. 68th Place, Merrillville, IN 46410). Attendees should follow signs for the Freshman Center and park near and enter at Entrance J.

As proposed, the project involves the conversion of the existing signalized intersection into a hybrid
single-lane/dual-lane roundabout. Construction is expected to begin in 2022.

Prior to the official public hearing, project representatives will be available to answer questions during a project open house from 5–6 p.m. Following the public hearing, a second project open house will occur from 6:45–7:30 p.m.

The public hearing will follow Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidance health and
safety protocols, including requiring face coverings, providing hand sanitizer, and encouraging social distancing. Face coverings will be available for attendees who arrive without one.

For those wishing to participate in the hearing but not attend in person, the public hearing will be
streamed live on INDOT Northwest’s Facebook page. Community members can view information on this project on the INDOT website here.

Stay Informed
Motorists in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via:

• Facebook: facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest
• Twitter: @INDOTNorthwest
• CARS 511: indot.carsprogram.org
• Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android

About the Indiana Hands-Free Law
In 2019, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported that distracted driving from mobile devices was a factor in at least 1,263 crashes and three fatal crashes. To make Hoosier roads safer, Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed the Indiana Hands-Free law to reduce distracted driving across the state. Beginning July 1, 2020, drivers are prohibited from holding a mobile device, except in emergencies, while their vehicles are moving. For more information on the new law visit www.HandsFreeIndiana.com. Hands-Free Indiana is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana Motor Truck Association and ACEC Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation
Over the past 100 years, INDOT has transformed the state of Indiana into the Crossroads of America we know today. With six district offices and 3,500 employees, the agency is responsible for constructing and maintaining more than 29,000 lane miles of highways, more than 5,700 bridges, and supporting 4,500 rail miles and 117 airports across the state. Indiana once again ranked #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in CNBC’s 2019 “America’s Top States for Business” ranking. Learn more about INDOT at in.gov/indot.

Customer Service
1-855-463-6848
www.indot4u.com
indot@indot.IN.gov

Media Contact
Cassandra Bajek
219-325-7472
cbajek@indot.in.gov 

Survey asks for opinions on existing rail services and future improvements

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is now accepting public comments in a new online survey to update the Indiana State Rail Plan.

The general public and rail stakeholders are encouraged to take the survey and share their opinions on today’s rail system in Indiana and what it could look like in the future.

The online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/INSRP20) takes about 15 minutes to complete. A link to the survey can also be found on the INDOT website at www.in.gov/indot. 

The state rail plan will guide INDOT’s efforts to:

• Maintain and improve the rail transportation system,
• Support the movement of freight and passengers in Indiana, and
• Strengthen the state’s economy and raise the quality of life for its citizens.

Federal law requires an update to the state’s rail plan every four years. The previous rail plan was released in 2017.

For more on the state rail plan survey, project updates and events, visit www.rail.indot.in.gov.

Stay Informed
Get updates on INDOT projects and programs via:

• Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation
• Twitter: @INDOT
• CARS 511: indot.carsprogram.org
• Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Illinois Tollway introduced a balanced Tentative 2021 Budget with $1.42 billion of revenue today that includes $380 million for annual maintenance and operations on the 294-mile system and provides funds to support $1.53 billion in capital spending, including funding for the 10th year of the agency’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

 “Consistent with the Tollway’s long-term financial plan, this Tentative 2021 Budget accommodates expenditures to maintain roadway and customer service activities and includes no increase over 2020 for maintenance and operations expenditures,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “We encourage the public to view the tentative budget for 2021 and share their comments.” 

 As part of the Illinois Tollway’s 2021 Budget process, the general public is invited visit the Illinois Tollway’s website www.illinoistollway.com to review the Tentative 2021 Budget book, view a recorded webinar or attend a live virtual public hearing on Wednesday, November 4, at noon and again at 6 p.m.

 Members of the public who wish to make public comments during the either of the public hearings may participate via audio conference call by calling 1-800-875-3456 and giving the verbal passcode “Tollway.”

 In addition, written public comments also may be submitted online via the Tollway’s website www.illinoistollway.com or mailed to Communications Department, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 by November 13.

 After the Board of Directors has reviewed the public comments and any changes have been incorporated, a final budget will be presented for approval by the Board at its December meeting.

 Tentative 2021 Budget

The Tentative 2021 Budget presented to the Tollway’s Board of Directors outlines a balanced spending plan to maintain top-quality infrastructure, improve service to customers and advance diversity of businesses and workers.

 The Tentative 2021 Budget includes a total $1.42 billion in projected revenue, an increase of 11 percent over the revised 2020 estimate and 7.8 decrease from the 2020 estimates pre COVID-19. This includes $1.4 billion from evasion recovery and tolls, including an annual commercial truck toll rate increase previously approved by the Tollway Board in 2008. There is no toll increase planned for passenger vehicles.

 The 2021 estimated revenues also include $10 million from investment income and $10 million from concessions and miscellaneous revenue. The Tollway also plans to issue $600 million in new bonds in 2021 to provide funding for new and future capital program investments.

 The proposed spending plan allocates nearly $1.04 billion for direct funding and debt service on capital investments, as well as $380 million for maintenance and operations – the same as budgeted in 2020. 

 The Tentative 2021 Budget provides funding for annual maintenance and operations activities including services that focus on the Illinois Tollway’s customers. This includes $104.0 million in Business Systems and Toll Operations to support and tolling and customer service, $35.6 million in State Police for safety services, $103.1 million in Engineering and Facilities and Fleet to support roadway maintenance and traffic operations, as well as $26.8 million in Information Technology.

 The Tollway’s 2021 Capital Program calls for investing $1.53 billion in 2020 with $312.2 million budgeted for systemwide roadway and bridge repairs to keep the existing Tollway system in good repair, as well as along with funding for key projects including:

• $451.4 million to continue planning and advance construction for the new I-490 Tollway and new interchanges connecting to the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), Tri-State Tollway (I-294), the Illinois Route 390 Tollway, as well as providing direct access in and out of O’Hare International Airport as part of the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project
• $690.4 million to continue design and reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
• $78 million for construction at the I-294/I-57 Interchange

 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 120,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first nine 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 reconstruction of 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.

Study findings will help guide future improvements

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is launching a study to develop a vision for University Avenue (Highway 47) and Central Avenue (Highway 65) from Northeast Minneapolis to the Northtown Mall in Blaine. The study area passes through the cities of Blaine, Coon Rapids, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, and Minneapolis.

“The goal of this study is to understand the needs of all the people who use these roads, whether they walk, roll, bike, use transit, or drive,” said David Elvin, Principal Planner for MnDOT. “MnDOT is welcoming input from everyone, and offering ways to safely participate while not being able to meet in person.”

MnDOT will hold three virtual open houses hosted by study staff: noon, Tuesday, Oct. 27; 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct 28; and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Links to register for each event are at UniversityCentralVision.com, or attendees can join a session without advance registration. UniversityCentralVision.com also has an online survey and an interactive comment map to gather community input.

Known as a Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study, this effort seeks community input early on—before construction projects and improvements have been designed. The study will continue through 2021 and result in a vision of the types of improvements that are most needed, and where they should be built. The study is an important step in helping MnDOT and the study’s partner counties and cities advance future improvements.

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, or need documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print) for this email or event, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.

Countdown to November’s General Election:

With less than one month left until the November General Election, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is ready to provide identification needed to vote by expanding online services and bolstering locations.

Most people already have a driver license or ID card, or other form of acceptable identification, to show at the polls. There is no separate “voter ID.” A federally-compliant REAL ID card, which has a star in the right-hand corner, is not required for voting purposes. Expired driver licenses or ID are still valid to vote only if they expired after November 6, 2018.

According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission website, bringit.wi.gov, other forms of acceptable IDs include:

• Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service
• A U.S. passport
• An identification card issued by a federally-recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin

DMV online resources are faster, convenient

DMV has extensive online resources to handle many identification needs and a visit to a DMV is not necessary. Among the many online resources include:

• Online driver license or ID renewal. Most people under age 65 who are qualified can renew online (wisconsindmv.gov/renewDL). Driver licenses and IDs can be renewed up to one year ahead of the expiration date.
• Replacement for lost driver licenses or ID cards can be ordered online: wisconsindmv.gov/renewDL
• Online address update – with the option to order a new driver license or ID card with updated address
• Driver license status check: wisconsindmv.gov/status

Steps to obtain a Wisconsin ID

Those who do not currently have a driver license or ID card may obtain identification, free of charge, that is valid for voting even if the documents that are required to get a regular Wisconsin ID are unavailable.

Bring the following documents, if available, to the DMV:

• Proof of Name and Date of Birth (such as Birth Certificate)
• Proof of Identity (Social Security Card, Medicaid/Medicare Card, etc.)
• Wisconsin Residency (Utility bill, government mail, lease, etc.)
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. Birth certificate or citizenship paperwork)
• Social Security Number

If all or any of these are unavailable, getting an ID for voting is still an option through the ID Petition Process. Bring all the documents available to the DMV and fill out two forms (Wisconsin Identification Card application MV3004, and DMV Administration Petition – Unavailable Documentation MV3012). These forms plus a photo will be used by DMV to verify required documentation. This process, available free of charge, can be used to quickly obtain a receipt valid to take to the polls for voting, although casting a provisional ballot may be necessary.

A detailed list of the required documents to bring to a DMV is available at wisconsindmv.gov.

DMV locations ready

DMV has at least one Customer Service Center in each of Wisconsin’s counties. DMV also reinstated travel services this fall to provide driver license and ID related services to smaller communities in the state (see sidebar for locations and times).

A new Madison South DMV, 1810 South Park Street, Suite 205, was added to serve this community midway between Madison West DMV and Madison East. This new location will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 29, 2020.

The Milwaukee Downtown State Office Building DMV Service Center, 819 N. 6th Street, will open to offer driver license and ID services on Wednesdays in October from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays in October from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Since March, in-person services provided at Wisconsin DMV Customer Services Centers have been limited to driver license and identification-related needs. All vehicle related services can be done online, by mail or through a third party agent. DMV enhanced many online vehicle-related services as well, including eMV Public to title privately-purchased vehicles, online registration renewal, and the popular title/registration MV1 application which now calculates fees. With more people conducting business online, fewer people need to visit a DMV which helps promote greater customer safety through social distancing.  

Anyone with questions related to obtaining an ID to vote should call DMV’s toll-free Voter ID hotline at (844) 588-1069.

Questions regarding voter eligibility, poll locations, voter registration information or other election information can be directed to the Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov.

Motorists driving along southern I-94, between the Wisconsin-Illinois border and Madison in Dane County, will now see alternative fuel corridor signs. These signs indicate the route has readily available electric charging stations that are part of a national network of corridors that support alternative fueling infrastructure.

“This is an important step in developing the transportation system of tomorrow,” Governor Tony Evers said. “As a state, we must continue our efforts to encourage the use of vehicles that run on clean, alternative fuels.”

 “The signage is key to informing current electric car owners, as well as those considering electric car purchase, of the opportunity to fuel up when needed,” Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “Easy access to fuel is critical to expanding electric vehicles from local use to cross-country travel for private and corporate use.”

 As a part of the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” (FAST) Act, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) called on states to nominate Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) along major roadways. Currently more than 145,222 miles of the National Highway System are designated as AFCs.

 AFC designations

There are two designation types available for a given corridor:

1. “Corridor-Ready”: the route has enough facilities to warrant signage indicating locations of alternative fueling stations
2. “Corridor-Pending”: the route does not yet have enough facilities to warrant signage. FHWA coordinates with state and local entities to bring corridor-pending routes up to corridor-ready.

This section of I-94 is the first in Wisconsin designated as corridor-ready. Uniform signage has been developed to identify the start and end points of the designated alternate fuel corridors, so travelers can look for a consistent reference point. The signs indicate that a DC Faster Charger (DCFC) is available at least every 50 miles, and no more than 5 miles off the Interstate, along this 110-mile section of I-94.

 The new signs are designed to label the corridor, but not necessarily direct motorists to specific refueling stations. To find specific electric vehicle charging stations in the state, and along I-94, drivers are encouraged to use the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

 Supporting alternative fuel vehicle use

 WisDOT is working with Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Department of Administration to coordinate state efforts that will support the use of alternative fuels. In addition, WisDOT is participating in several Midwest initiatives to improve alternative fuel vehicle travel:

·         Allow for inter-city, regional, and national travel using clean-burning fuels

·         Address user range concern

·         Integrate with existing transportation planning processes

·         Accelerate public interest and awareness of alternative fuel availability

More information can be found on WisDOT’s Alternative Fuel webpage.

Angola, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation today unveiled signs officially naming U.S. Highway 20 as the “Medal of Honor Memorial Highway” across Northern Indiana. A naming ceremony and sign unveiling took place Friday along U.S. 20 in Angola with federal, state and local officials as well as Hoosier veterans’ groups taking part.

“Indiana is a state with a proud history of showing honor and respect to our nation’s veterans,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “Naming U.S. 20 as the Medal of Honor Memorial Highway is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who protect our freedom and our country, and I’m so grateful to Rep. Zent and the veterans’ organizations that led this effort.”

State Representative Denny Zent led the naming effort in partnership with Indiana veterans’ organizations. Rep. Zent introduced legislation calling renaming, unanimously approved by the Indiana House and Senate during the 2020 session of the Indiana General Assembly.

By designating U.S. 20 as the Medal of Honor Memorial Highway, Indiana joins a national effort to name U.S. 20, which runs 3,365 miles from Boston, MA to Newport, OR.  Indiana is home to 156 miles of US-20 and is the sixth state to adopt the Medal of Honor name formally.  Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska have named their sections, and efforts are underway in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts to name their portions.

"I'm proud that INDOT played a role in joining this national effort to pay tribute to our heroes," Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. "The freedoms we cherish as Americans would not exist without the extraordinary bravery and selfless sacrifices of Medal of Honor recipients and all our veterans."

INDOT will place eight commemorative signs along U.S. 20’s route through Steuben, LaGrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph, LaPorte, Porter and Lake counties in Northern Indiana. Signs will be placed in the following locations:

• Westbound near the Ohio State Line
• Westbound after I-69
• Eastbound after I-69
• Eastbound after Elkhart County Road 17
• Westbound after US 31 (West junction)
• Eastbound after I-94 (Exit #22)
• Westbound after I-94 (Exit #22)
• Eastbound at the Lake/Porter County Line

Since the Medal of Honor was first presented during the Civil War through March 2020, 3,508 awards have been issued with every state represented.  As of October 2020, there are 68 living Medal of Honor recipients across the U.S.  To earn the Medal of Honor, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces must act with “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during combat at the risk of one’s life against an enemy of the United States.”

About the Indiana Department of Transportation
Over the past 100 years, INDOT has transformed the state of Indiana into the Crossroads of America we know today. With six district offices and 3,500 employees, the agency is responsible for constructing and maintaining more than 29,000 lane miles of highways, more than 5,700 bridges, and supporting 4,500 rail miles and 117 airports across the state. Indiana once again ranked #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in CNBC’s 2019 “America’s Top States for Business” ranking. Learn more about INDOT at in.gov/indot.

Media Contact
Scott Manning
317-233-9866
smanning1@indot.in.gov

Cassandra Bajek
219-325-7526
cbajek@indot.in.gov   

Angola, Ind. - On Friday, October 9,  Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Director Dennis Wimer will join federal, state and local officials as well Hoosier veterans' groups for a ceremony and sign unveiling to designate U.S. Highway 20 as the "Medal of Honor Memorial Highway" for its entire 156 mile length across Northern Indiana. State Representative Denny Zent introduced a resolution calling for the dedication during the Indiana General Assembly's 2020 legislative session. The resolution, approved unanimously by both the Indiana House and Senate, makes Indiana the sixth state to name U.S. 20 in recognition of Medal of Honor recipients.

What: Dedication and Sign Unveiling for Medal of Honor Memorial Highway

Who: Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, IDVA Director Dennis Wimer, Federal, state and local officials, Veterans groups

When: Friday, October 9, 2020 at 1 p.m., *Media should arrive by 12:50 p.m.

Where: Steuben County Courthouse, 55 S. Public Square, Angola, IN 46703

Media Contact
For Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties:
Cassandra Bajek
219-851-1251
cbajek@indot.in.gov

For Elkhart, LaGrange and Steuben counties:
Scott Manning
317-517-0072
smanning1@indot.in.gov 

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation are inviting the public to learn more and to comment about the proposed improvement of US-41 (North Lake Shore Drive) from Grand Avenue to Hollywood Avenue in Chicago. Since the last public meeting, the project team has evaluated criteria and narrowed the range of alternatives to five finalists. We want to hear from you!

Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Meeting #4 will be conducted online through an interactive website. There are multiple opportunities to provide comments.

Interactive Website

We have created a clearinghouse of materials, interactive exhibits, and an audio-visual presentation to provide project details and help you review project updates.
 

NLSDinput.org
Members of the public are encouraged to provide input through the interactive website in multiple ways:
 

•     Use the interactive map and ideas wall to comment and provide input on the proposed improvements.
•     Complete the public survey to tell us how you use the Drive and share your priorities.
•     Review and comment on the project exhibits.
•     Sign up for a small group discussion with the project team. Registration starts on September 28. 

Since the last public meeting in 2017, IDOT and CDOT have evaluated the initial range of alternatives for North Lake Shore Drive, using technical analysis as well as input from task force members, stakeholder organizations, and the public. The stakeholder task force groups have met 11 times since this project’s inception. The task force groups focus on specific topics, including accommodation of all modes of transportation, park user access, environmental features, businesses and access to neighborhoods and institutions. IDOT and CDOT are now seeking additional public input on the project’s five finalist alternatives and will consider all input as the planning process moves forward. Visit NorthLakeShoreDrive.org for more information about the project.

Written comments can be submitted beginning Sept. 28 through the interactive website, mailed to the project team, or submitted during the small group discussions. Comments received by Nov. 9 will become part of the official public meeting record.

This public input opportunity will be accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance should contact info@northlakeshoredrive.org or (312) 561-3140. Persons planning to attend the small group discussions who will need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the department’s TTY/TTD number (800) 526-0844/or 711; TTY users (Spanish) (800) 501-0864/or 711; and Telebraille (877) 526-6670 at least five (5) days prior to the meeting.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to learn more and comment about proposed improvements to the I-57 interchange at IL-17 (Court Street) in Kankakee. Instead of hosting a regular public meeting, IDOT will share details on the project and encourage public participation Oct. 1-31 through the project website.  

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.