Travel Midwest News Items

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that graffiti removal is scheduled to take place along the expressway system in Cook and the collar counties over two consecutive nights, weather permitting, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26.

Motorists can expect shoulder closures with brief lane closures as required and should allow extra time for trips through areas where workers are present. At all times, drivers are urged to pay close attention for flaggers and signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment. If you encounter maintenance vehicles and workers, slow down, move over and give them space – it’s the law.

Throughout the year, IDOT works in conjunction with the City of Chicago on graffiti removal operations but looks for the public’s cooperation as well.

Graffiti can be extremely dangerous for those involved, with removal efforts costing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. If you see this kind of vandalism taking place, please call law enforcement immediately.  

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.

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.

\More than $9.6 billion invested since start of Move Illinois Program

DOWNERS GROVE, IL –The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved seven construction and professional engineering services contracts totaling nearly $31.5 million at its May Board meeting.

Nearly $195.8 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 $9.6 billion has been invested by the Illinois Tollway since the Move Illinois Program began in 2012, with more than $2.5 billion of that total committed to small, diverse and veteran-owned firms. In addition, the capital program has created or sustained an estimated 108,400 total jobs as of April.

"Move Illinois is providing construction and professional services opportunities for a wide variety of work needed in rebuilding and strengthening the Tollway’s transportation infrastructure across Northern Illinois,” said Interim Executive Director Lanyea Griffin.

The contracts approved in May include five contractors and consultants and 10 subcontractors and subconsultants that are certified as disadvantaged, minority-and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms and six subcontractors and subconsultant that are certified veteran-owned firms. Commitments for D/M/WBE participation range from 16.37 to 87 percent per contract and commitments for veteran participation range from 2.31 percent to 6 percent per contract.                                                                                                         
May construction contracts awarded include:

• A $12.9 million contract to Aldridge Electric Inc., Libertyville, IL, for active traffic management (ATM) system/intelligent transportation system (ITS) device and fiber installation on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) between Wolf Road and Balmoral Avenue as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway Project.
• A $6.3 million contract to Sumit Construction Co., Chicago, IL, for concrete pavement repairs on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) between the Kishwaukee River and River Road.
• A $1.5 million contract to Foundation Mechanics, Chicago, IL, for drainage improvements on the Tri-State Tollway (I-94) between Half Day Road and Atkinson Road.
• A $275,808 contract to Vixen Construction, Bridgeview, IL, for bridge sealing on 15 bridges on the Tri-State Tollway (I-94) between the Canadian National Railway and U.S. Route 41.

May professional engineering services contract awarded includes:

• A $4 million contract to Delta Engineering Group, Chicago, IL, for systemwide intelligent transportation system (ITS) design services upon request.
• A $3.3 million contract to HBM Engineering Group, Hillside, IL, for pavement and structural preservation and rehabilitation on the Illinois Route 390 Tollway between Lake Street and I-290.
• A $3 million contract to American Surveying & Engineering, Chicago, IL for systemwide land acquisition services upon request.

Illinois Tollway professional engineering services contracts are selected in accordance with the qualifications-based selection process (Illinois Public Act 87-673 (30 ILCS 535/1-535/80) Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Qualifications-Based Selection Act), which requires state agencies to select professional architects, engineers and surveyors based on demonstrated competence and professional qualifications. 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.

•  Slow down, buckle up and focus your full attention on the roadway.
•  Watch for slowing traffic and be ready to move over for all roadside workers, including highway crews as they repair damaged pavement.
•  Before your trip, check the 511 Travel Information system (511wi.gov) for the latest on any incidents or delays.
•  If necessary, report serious pavement issues by calling 911. Be ready to provide specific location information.

Annual spring lifting of 27 bridges from Ashland Avenue to Lake Shore Drive continues on a bi-weekly schedule on Saturdays and Wednesdays until June 29

CHICAGO – The City of Chicago continues its spring bridge lifts through the end of June, with the raising of 27 bridges from S. Ashland Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The annual boat runs allow recreational sail boats to move from boat storage yards to harbors in Lake Michigan. Tomorrow’s boat run will start at 9 a.m.  During boat runs, the bridges are raised sequentially, typically one at a time. Each bridge lift takes an average of eight to 12 minutes.

A total of 27 bridges will be lifted in succession starting with the Ashland Avenue Bridge, bi-weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays, based on demand from boat yards. The first bridge is raised at about 8 a.m. on Saturdays and about 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. When temperatures are high, we will start Saturday lifts earlier to avoid high heat. It typically takes about four hours for the boats to reach the lake.

The spring 2022 bridge lift schedule is as follows:

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently launched an online option for ordering special or personalized plates. 

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.