“It’s Not a Game” teams up with college athletes to boost safety messages

Jan. 28, 2025

Important: See below for upcoming cutoff date reminders in letting section

IDOT is partnering with student-athletes from universities throughout the state, including the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern, DePaul University and Southern Illinois University to promote the “It’s Not a Game” campaign. The innovative partnership is leveraging the influence of college athletes to spread critical safety messages to younger audiences.

Kennedy express lanes reopen

The Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) express lanes reopened Jan. 13 following the testing of the new Reversible Lane Access Control system. In addition to the new system, work also rehabilitated the express lanes’ bridges and pavement, and installation of new LED lighting.

The overall Kennedy rehabilitation project, from the Edens junction to Ohio Street, is taking place over three construction seasons. The inbound Kennedy was completed in 2023, the outbound lanes will begin later this spring with the project completed by the end of this year.

Click here to learn more.

Region 1, District 1: A $43.3 million project began Jan. 16 to repair to the bridges carrying Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20) and the CSX Railroad in the communities of Chicago Ridge, Oak Lawn and Bridgeview.

In addition to the bridge repairs, the project includes reconstructing and resurfacing Harlem Avenue, reconstructing the Harlem Avenue/95th Street interchange, installing modernized traffic signals and lighting, drainage improvements and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.

The overall project is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.

Letting Update

March 7 is the next letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2025. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. Transportation Bulletin release (Official advertisement of projects.)
Feb. 14 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
Feb. 28 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so).
March 4 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts).
March 7 at noon Letting (Bids can be submitted until 11:59 a.m. on the day. Bids are shut down at noon).

If you are new to the IDOT bid letting process or need updated information, following are some helpful resources:

IDOT offers free subscription email services to anyone interested in finding out more about construction projects and work zones, IDOT initiatives, important safety messages and more.

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