Illinois Tollway Awards $332.2 Million in October for Construction and Professional Engineering services Contracts
More than $9.2 billion invested since start of Move Illinois Program
DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved three construction and professional engineering services contracts totaling more than $332.2 million at its October Board meeting, including contracts supporting construction of the new I-490 Tollway and reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
More than $600 million in contracts has been approved by the Tollway Board in 2021, as part of the tenth year of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program. To date, more than $9.2 billion has been invested by the Illinois Tollway since the Move Illinois Program began in 2012, with more than $2.4 billion of that total committed to small, diverse and veteran-owned firms. In addition, the capital program has created or sustained an estimated 100,000 total jobs as of September.
“The Illinois Tollway is in the midst of two of the largest construction projects in this agency’s history, and working with our Board of Directors to approve the right contracts at the right time is essential for our path to success,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “Building a new railroad bridge to carry the Union Pacific Railroad’s trains over the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Bensenville Yard and removing the Hinsdale Oasis are critical projects necessary for us to deliver the new I-490 Tollway and reconstruct the Central Tri-State Tollway.”
The contracts approved today include 27 subcontractors and subconsultants that are certified as disadvantaged, minority-and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms and three subcontractors and subconsultants that are certified veteran-owned firms. Commitments for D/M/WBE participation range from 18.3 percent to 47.5 percent per contract and commitments for veteran participation range from 0.50 percent to 3 percent per contract.
Construction contracts awarded include:
- A $214.8 million contract to Walsh Construction Company II for earthwork and construction of a new Union Pacific Railroad bridge over the Canadian Pacific Railway Bensenville Yard as part of the I-490 Tollway Project.
- A $4.1 million contract to Walsh Construction Company II for removal of the Hinsdale Oasis pavilion and bridge as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.
Professional engineering services contracts awarded include:
- A $113.3 million contract to WSP USA Inc. Consulting Engineer Services.
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.
10/21/2021 2:42 PM
(Updated 10/21/2021 2:42 PM)
Illinois Tollway Invites Public to Comment on Tentative 2022 Budget
Balanced spending plan allocates more than $1.49 billion in annual revenue and supports more than $1.49 billion for capital program
DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Illinois Tollway introduced a balanced Tentative 2022 Budget with $1.49 billion of revenue today that includes $411 million for annual maintenance and operations on the 294-mile system and provides funds to support $1.49 billion in capital spending, including funding for the 11th year of the agency’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.
“Today we are introducing a Tentative 2022 Budget that is the product of our agency’s strong fiscal management and accommodates expenditures needed to maintain our roadways and day-to-day operations that serve communities and drivers throughout Northern Illinois,” said Illinois Tollway Board Chairman and CEO Will Evans. “We encourage the public to view the tentative budget and share their comments.”
As part of the Illinois Tollway’s 2022 Budget process, the general public is invited to visit the Illinois Tollway’s website
www.illinoistollway.com to review the Tentative 2022 Budget book, view a recording of the presentation to the board or attend a live virtual public hearing on Monday, November 8, 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 877-336-4440 and with the passcode “295-5165.”
In addition, written public comments also may be submitted online via the Tollway’s website
www.illinoistollway.com, emailed to
info@getipass.com or mailed to Communications Department, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 by November 12.
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 2022 Budget
The Tentative 2022 Budget presented to the Tollway’s Board of Directors outlines a balanced spending plan to support new technology costs, better internal controls, Illinois State Police District 15, security and safety initiatives, as well as the implementation of the largest capital program in the agency’s history. The proposed spending plan allocates nearly $1.08 billion for direct funding and debt service on capital investments, as well as $411 million for maintenance and operations.
“This Tentative 2022 Budget is a balanced spending plan that will allow us to continue providing the highest-quality roadways and infrastructure, improving service to our customers and further advancing the diversity of our consultants, contractors and workers,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez.
To support Tollway spending, the Tentative 2022 Budget includes a total $1.49 billion in projected revenue, an increase of 5.4 percent over 2021. This includes $1.48 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 2022 estimated revenues also include $3 million from investment income and $11 million from concessions and miscellaneous revenue. The Tollway also plans to issue $500 million in new bonds in 2022 to provide funding for new and future capital program investments.
The Tentative 2022 Budget provides funding for annual maintenance and operations activities including an Information Technology budget of $37.5 million, $39.8 million for State Police and security services, as well as $102.3 million for Operations and Business Systems to providing customer service, support and enhancements.
The Tollway’s 2022 Capital Program calls for investing $1.49 billion in 2021 with $296.8 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:
- $439.9 million to continue planning and 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.
- $690.1 million to continue design and reconstruction work for the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.
- $46.2 million to complete construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange
10/21/2021 12:33 PM
(Updated 10/21/2021 12:33 PM)
New website for potential Herrin Road (TR 93) extension
The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to learn more and comment about the proposed extension of Herrin Road from Cambria Road to County Line Road in Williamson County. Instead of hosting a regular public meeting, IDOT will share details on the project and encourage public participation from Oct. 18 through Nov. 1 through a new website, https://bit.ly/HerrinRoadExtension-VirtualPIM.
IDOT has prepared the meeting content to present the conceptual project plans for two alignment alternatives to extend Herrin Road from the existing roundabout at Cambria Road to the proposed roundabout being developed by others as part of the Reed Station Road improvements in Jackson and Williamson counties near Walker’s Bluff. The proposed roadway will be like the existing Herrin Road with one lane in each direction and asphalt shoulders.
Physical copies of the project materials will also be available at the Illinois Department of Transportation District 9 office from Oct. 18 through the end of the day on Nov. 1. The District 9 office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is located at 2801 W. Murphysboro Road in Carbondale. All comments received by Nov. 15, will become part of the official public meeting record.
Written comments not submitted electronically should be sent to:
Illinois Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 100
Carbondale, IL 62903
Attn: Keith Roberts, IDOT Acting Region 5 Engineer
People without internet access can contact IDOT District 9’s Program Development Engineer Carrie Nelsen at (618) 549-2171 ext. 280 for more information about the project.
10/20/2021 2:40 PM
(Updated 10/20/2021 2:40 PM)
Six-Year Plan for 1.2 Billion I-80 Improvement Project
IDOT Secretary Osman and Gov. Pritzker were joined today by local officials and community leaders to announce a six-year plan to rebuild Interstate 80 in Will County. Made possible by the Governor's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the $1.2 billion project will replace more than 50-year-old infrastructure on a condensed timeframe and create thousands of construction and permanent jobs while positioning the region for long-term economic opportunity.
10/19/2021 6:56 AM
(Updated 10/19/2021 6:56 AM)
Sangamon County: Gov. Pritzker and US senators break ground on $86 million transportation center
Gov. JB Pritzker joined U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth today along with stakeholders and local leaders to break ground on a new, $86 million Hub Transportation Center that will service the Sangamon region. Partially funded by $15 million from Governor Pritzker's bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the Hub is part of a larger $122 million total investment through the Springfield Rail Improvements Project. The multi-phased project is a large-scale effort supported by local, state, and federal funding designed to alleviate rail congestion in downtown Springfield by consolidating train traffic from Third Street to 10th Street and by constructing a series of overpasses and underpasses along the corridor.
"This is a monumental collaboration of the federal government, the state of Illinois, Sangamon County, the City of Springfield, and rail companies to create jobs, invest in vibrant community spaces, and build a better transportation system in our capital city," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Preserving and growing Illinois' long legacy as a leader in the transportation sector is all the more important as we shape our economic recovery so we can vault ahead of others as we emerge from the pandemic. And Springfield is helping to lead the way."
"Today marks the groundbreaking of a central piece of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project—the Springfield-Sangamon County Transportation Center will serve as the area's hub, bringing together Amtrak trains and Springfield Mass Transit District buses at one location right in the heart of Springfield," U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. "The Springfield Rail Improvement Project is a perfect example of state, local, and federal dollars working together to make our community better. I've been proud to work with Senator Duckworth to bring home much needed federal support for this project, including nearly $60 million in federal funding since 2014 to expedite construction. With today's event, we are one step closer to a more efficient rail system in Springfield that will dramatically reduce delays and congestion and increase safety."
"Projects like the HUB Transportation Center and the Springfield Rail Improvement Project are great examples of the multiplying effect federal resources can have on state and local infrastructure investments," U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. "They show the impact these federal resources can have on our communities and the kind of work we can do when all levels of government come together. I'm proud to join Governor Pritzker and all of our state and local leaders today for this groundbreaking, and I'll keep working with Senator Durbin to provide federal support for important infrastructure improvements all across our state."
The Hub Transportation Center will serve as the new multimodal operating base for the Amtrak and the Sangamon Mass Transit District bus system. This will improve connectivity across the state by bringing public mass transit to Sangamon County communities Chatham, Sherman, Springfield, Rochester, and Riverton.
Once complete, the transportation improvements, made possible by the Springfield Rail Improvement Project, will not only alleviate congestion, but will ease connection between Chicago, Springfield, and St. Louis. As Illinois shapes a robust recovery in response to the pandemic, the project will stimulate economic growth by attracting more residents and visitors to downtown Springfield.
More than half of the improvement projects are completed or under construction, including the recently completed Laurel Street underpass and the Ash Street Bridge, which were finished ahead of schedule. Projects also include the Union Pacific Bridges located at 5th and 6th streets in Springfield and the new ground rail segment between South Grand and Capitol Avenues in Springfield.
The Springfield Rail Improvement Project will also facilitate a major expansion of employment and services in the local Medical District Campus and surrounding areas, which can only be fully executed once the rail lines sit farther from the hospital. The multi-million-dollar private investment in the campus will add thousands of jobs in addition to the construction jobs created by Rebuild Illinois. Furthermore, the project will reduce residential and business flooding during severe rain by providing thousands of gallons of new floodwater detention.
"The Springfield Rail Improvements Project does more than create jobs; this project establishes a career path for a diversified Central Illinois workforce in the construction industry," said Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. "These construction industry careers result from business, labor, Federal, State, County and Local governments working together to improve our aging infrastructure."
"From the first, Governor Pritzker understood the critical safety, social equity, and economic development benefits of this project for our community," said Andy Van Meter, Sangamon County Board Chair. "Equally important, he understood that this 6 mile stretch of tracks through Springfield was the major bottleneck on the entire state-wide corridor."
"This Transportation Hub is a significant public-private partnership that will transform the travel experiences of our residents, businesses, and visitors in our capital city," said Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder. "We appreciate Governor Pritzker's support, along with our federal and state legislative leaders, for the critical funding to make years of planning and preparation for this center a reality. Even through a pandemic, the Springfield Rail Improvements Project has continued to progress, and we are proud of this work that will positively transform our community."
"The impact The Hub Transportation Center will have throughout the Springfield community cannot be overstated," said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Springfield's downtown, adjacent neighborhoods, medical district, local businesses, Union labor, and everyday lives will be generationally transformed".
"The high-speed rail project is a game changer for people traveling to and from central Illinois. Not only will travel time be greatly reduced, but also the people in the nearby neighborhoods will have a much safer and quieter place to live. I care about the people of my district and have put my complete support behind this project," said State Representative Sue Scherer (D-Springfield).
"Today's funding announcement brings us one step closer to the completion of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which has been under development since 2014," said State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason). "Once finished, this project will have addressed several public safety and traffic congestion issues as well as enhanced livability and commercial activity within the city of Springfield."
"This is an important and historic project that will provide benefits to the Springfield area for decades," said State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield). "I'm thankful we were able to work to successfully secure this important funding for our region."
In addition to the $15 million in Rebuild Illinois funding for the Sangamon Mass Transit District Transfer Facility, another $12 million from Rebuild Illinois as well as $59 in county and federal funds will improve the Amtrak Station, parking garage and County Square. The Springfield Rail Project is on schedule for completion in 2025.
The Hub Transportation Center builds upon the administration's historic investment in infrastructure improvements to help Illinois maintain its status as a global hub for transportation, shipping, and logistics. Currently, Illinois is the only state where all seven Class 1 transcontinental railroads operate. To uphold this status, Rebuild Illinois dedicates more than $1 billion to expand and improve Illinois' rail systems. With the continued support of Illinois' congressional delegation, Illinois remains an international leader in transportation.
10/15/2021 10:33 AM
(Updated 10/15/2021 10:33 AM)
Final I-39/90 Project newsletter available online
Good afternoon,
The final newsletter on the I-39/90 Expansion Project, between Beloit and Madison, is now available. Articles in the fall 2021 issue of the I-39/90 Project newsletter include:
- Diverging Diamond Interchanges in Janesville and Beloit nearing completion; and
- I-39/90 Expansion Project nears the finish line.
Read it now: Fall 2021 newsletter.
You can read past I-39/90 project newsletters under the Resources tab.
We appreciate your continued patience on this major project to improve a gateway to Wisconsin! Before project completion in late November, encourage others to receive the project notifications and simply register for project email updates. Be sure to follow the I-39/90 Project Facebook page in these final months of the project!
10/13/2021 4:09 PM
(Updated 10/13/2021 4:09 PM)
Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge project named finalist for America's Transportation Awards
On Friday, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) announced the Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge project in Martinsville as one of 12 finalists in the 2021 America's Transportation Awards competition.
"The Grand Valley Boulevard project being recognized as one of the top projects in the country is an absolute honor," Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. "This is a testament to the State of Indiana's commitment to improving quality of life and helping to develop towns, cities and communities across the state through infrastructure."
Part of the larger I-69 Finish Line project, the Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge was the first overpass to open over future lanes of Interstate 69 between Martinsville and Indianapolis. The bridge opened to traffic on June 15, 2020, and provides a safe, new east-west connection for both drivers and pedestrians in the City of Martinsville. Previously an at-grade intersection, the Grand Valley Boulevard bridge improves traffic flow and allows residents to safely reach residential neighborhoods, education facilities (Martinsville High School), and commercial areas.
Opening the Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge marked one of the first major construction milestones for the I-69 Finish Line project in Martinsville.
The project was named the regional winner in the Quality of Life/Community Development, Small Project category earlier this month at the Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials (MAASTO) annual meeting in Chicago.
Two national awards will be announced in October at the AASHTO annual meeting in San Diego; a Grand Prize, decided by committee vote, made up of transportation industry experts, and a People's Choice Award, decided by the general public via online vote.
A $10,000 cash prize is awarded to each winner and will be donated to a charity or transportation-related scholarship of the winner's choosing. Indiana's winnings would go toward the Indiana State Transportation Workers Foundation (ISTWF) Scholarship Program. The program was created in 2006 to provide assistance to the families of INDOT workers who were killed or disabled in the line of duty.
"We want to honor and remember those we have lost by choosing the ISTWF Scholarship Program as the recipient of the prize winnings should we be named a winner next month," said INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness. "We ask everyone to go online and vote daily for the Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge project so we can continue to help out the families of our fallen employees."
The Grand Valley Boulevard bridge project was selected as a national finalist from among 80 nominee projects representing 35 state Departments of Transportation from across the United States.
Online voting for the "People's Choice Award" is now open at americastransportationawards.org and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, October 25. Individuals may cast one vote per day. The America's Transportation Award is sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
AASHTO's official announcement is available here.
About the Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge
- Opened June 15, 2020 over S.R. 37 (future I-69) in Martinsville
- Three-span bridge, measures 373 feet in length
- Two beams are 130 feet in length, the third is 109 feet
- Measures 44 feet wide, accommodates two 14-foot travel lanes and a 6 1/2-foot sidewalk on each side
- Used over 1,500 cubic yards of concrete to construct
- Visit i69finishline.com to learn more about the project
9/29/2021 8:24 AM
(Updated 10/1/2021 11:16 AM)
Merging technology and safety in Wisconsin: the new work zone
WisDOT podcast explores how work zones are evolving for safety
Envision a work zone in Wisconsin and you’ll likely picture orange barrels, heavy equipment and workers in hard hats. Technology may not come to mind, but it is playing an increasingly important role in keeping motorists and workers safe. In the latest episode of Transportation Connects Us, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) podcast, WisDOT engineers discuss the safety benefits of work zone technology, including:
Queue Warning Systems
Dynamic Late Merge System (zipper merge)
Modern work zone inspection equipment
Engineers also clarify common work zone driving questions and misconceptions
Statewide work zone operations engineer Erin Schwark explains why the state employs the Dynamic Late Merge System (zipper merge) in many work zones with lane closures and heavy congestion.
“I think we've all driven in work zones where you see the sign ahead that the left lane is closing and everyone merges to the right, and then you have cars flying by you in that adjacent lane. We're trying to reduce those speeds, those erratic maneuvers, and basically telling people that you can use both lanes up to that merge,” said Schwark.
Statewide work zone engineer Mike Seifert talks about the cameras and digital technology inspectors use to help keep work zones operating similarly across Wisconsin.
“We want to make sure that the work zones are consistent throughout the state. So that way, if a driver were to drive in a work zone in one part of the state and then they drive through a work zone in a different part of the state, they're going to know what to expect,” said Seifert.
The podcast ends with the engineers answering common work zone safety questions that every driver should know, like “Why do you close off a long stretch of roadway, when work is only being done in a short section?” You’ll have to listen to the podcast for the answer.
Transportation Connect Us is a podcast series produced by WisDOT which focuses on transportation safety, engineering, transportation investments and DMV topics. Download or subscribe wherever you find your podcasts.
5/19/2021 12:21 PM
(Updated 7/1/2021 12:52 PM)
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.
8/21/2006 12:00 AM
(Updated 1/21/2015 10:29 AM)
