Game On: Simulation Tests Dynamic Message Signs

Aug. 12, 2024

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

Posted along interstates and highways, electronic dynamic message signs can inform the public of travel times, traffic conditions, construction, weather events and other important information. They also are used to promote safe driving habits that help reduce crashes.

But which types of safe driving messages are most effective? And for which behaviors? A joint project by the Illinois Center for Transportation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Department of Transportation aimed to find out.

IDOT Economic Development Program grant helps build road to new Peru business

IDOT’s Economic Development Program provides state assistance for road improvements to accommodate access to new or expanding industrial, manufacturing or distribution companies.

The primary focus of the program is the creation and retention of permanent full-time jobs. The city of Peru was a recent recipient of an EDP grant and used the funding to construct a road leading up to the GAF roofing manufacturing plant. The project not only supports jobs created by GAF but provides a catalyst for future business to locate to Peru and La Salle and Bureau counties.

Watch the video.

Learn more about the EDP program.

Region 2, District 3: Work is underway to reconstruct more than 4 miles of Illinois 71 in Kendall County from Orchard Road in Oswego to Illinois 126 in Yorkville. The $32.9 million project will reconstruct Illinois 71 from a two- to a four-lane highway with a raised median.

Other work includes the installation of storm sewers, box culverts and traffic signals. Initial work will be off road, with traffic being controlled by flaggers. The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2026.

Region 4, District 6: Secretary Omer Osman celebrated the opening of Springfield’s Madison and Jefferson Street underpasses on Aug. 6. Through Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program, the state invested more than $58 million in the project, which improves safety, response times during emergencies, quality of life, and mobility for multiple forms of transportation in the capital city.

Letting Update

Sep. 20 is the next letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2024. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. Transportation Bulletin release (Official advertisement of projects.)
Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so).
Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts).
Sept. 20 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.

Subscribe to IDOT in Motion or update your preferred email lists today.

Get Local Updates

idot.illi nois.gov