Oct. 9, 2024

Cast your vote! High-speed rail project up for national transportation award

There’s still time to vote for the Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail between Chicago and St. Louis as the top transportation project in the country. While national prestige and $10,000 in prize money are on the line, an important organization will benefit if this project wins the People’s Choice Award.

Illinois Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at railroad crossings along Illinois’ nearly 7,400 miles of active tracks. The organization promotes rail safety through public awareness campaigns and education initiatives, including free safety presentations by authorized volunteers. ​ ​

“Connecting rail commuters throughout the state of Illinois, safely and effectively, mirrors one of many priorities of Illinois Operation Lifesaver. This award will be instrumental in advancing our organization’s mission of raising awareness of rail safety education for commuters and motorists,” said Illinois Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Aisha Jackson. “With the support of IDOT, we can further educate communities and help prevent tragic incidents around rail tracks, keeping Illinois residents safe.” 

The $2 billion Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail between Chicago and St. Louis project allows train speeds to rise from 79 mph to 110 mph along the Midwest’s most heavily traveled passenger rail route, while encouraging a more balanced use of transportation modes. Led by the IDOT, this new enhanced rail service offers a “greener” transportation option, creates jobs, boosts economic activity and reduces congestion. Communities along the rail corridor, including Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville, and Alton, have new or renovated stations with improved amenities, including free Wi-Fi and expanded bicycle accommodations.

We need your help in bringing the People’s Choice Award home to Illinois for the third time in six years. How? By voting online each day through Oct. 29. The winner will be announced by AASHTO on Oct. 31. Every vote counts!

Kirk wins Dave Campbell Quality Award

Region 2, District 2: A $6.9 million project is wrapping up on Illinois 40 in Whiteside County. Work began in late May to mill, patch and resurface the road from Hennepin Feeder Canal bridge in Rock Falls to Illinois 92. Other work included new guardrail and lighting improvements at the Interstate 88 and Illinois 40 interchange.

Region 5, District 9: The bridge carrying U.S. 60/62 over the Mississippi River in Alexander County and Mississippi County, Mo., reopened to traffic Sept. 25 following a $5.86 million project. The project began in October 2023 to repair the structural steel and was completed a week ahead of schedule.

Letting Update

Nov. 8 is the final letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2024. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

• Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
• Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so).   
• Nov. 5 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts). 
• Nov. 8 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:

• Transportation Bulletin
• EBids
• Letting Schedule
• Electronic Subscription Service
• Prequalification
• Authorization to Bid
• Bid Bonds