July 18, 2025

I-255 standing out as IDOT looks to speed up projects

Faster. Cheaper. Safer.  

Those three words were heard repeatedly during this spring’s rehabilitation of Interstate 255 in St. Clair County in IDOT’s District 8, a project that employed a full closure of the work zone to all traffic.  

On June 14, the $65.3 million project wrapped up and the road reopened, a whole six weeks ahead of the original schedule and years sooner than if the project was done traditionally, with traffic maintained through an active work zone over multiple construction seasons. The condensed timeframe also reduced the project cost by an estimated $10 million. And keeping drivers away while workers did their jobs kept everyone safer. 

Read more.

View construction photos.

ITEP awards $139.2 million to local transportation throughout Illinois 

IDOT recently announced Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program awards totaling $139.2 million to expand local travel options and enhance quality of life in communities statewide. In a whirlwind May announcement spotlighting three projects in one day, the department joined local officials, community leaders and transportation stakeholders in Evanston to celebrate $3 million for Chicago Avenue bike and pedestrian improvements, in Savoy for $1.3 million to improve the Prairie Fields path, and in Granite City to provide $1.9 million to help close a gap in the regional path and trail system. 

The projects approved through ITEP include bike and pedestrian paths and trails, streetscape beautification and other efforts designed to encourage safe travel across various modes of transportation at the local level. Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, an all-time high in funding was made available during the competitive call for projects, with approximately 74% allocated for improvements in communities that best demonstrated financial need. 

View a complete list of recipients.

The department received 233 applications for projects worth an estimated $383 million for the latest funding cycle. The next call for projects will be in 2026.

Latest “Take the Exit” podcast episode speaks with a highway mantainer

The latest episode of “Take the Exit” travels to Carlinville to learn about all things highway maintenance. Speaking with Bureau Chief of Communications Services Bree Hankins is Darby Sabo, highway maintenance lead worker for the Carlinville Operations Maintenance Yard. 

Topics discussed are everything from the center line out and a day in the life of a highway maintainer throughout Illinois’ many seasons. 

“Take the Exit” is IDOT’s podcast that explores the individuals, projects and stories shaping transportation in Illinois. New episodes of will be released monthly. You can look forward to hearing from experts across IDOT, peeking behind the scenes of day-to-day operations, brushing up on safety topics and learning about projects.

Watch and Listen:

YouTube

Spotify

Region 5, District 8: A $76.8 million multiyear project is underway on I-64 between Illinois 157 to a mile east of U.S. 50 in St. Clair County. Work consists of milling and pavement resurfacing and various overhead bridge repairs 

Work will be broken down into the following phases: 

Phase 1: Resurfacing I-64 in both directions between Illinois 159 and 1 mile east of West U.S. 50. This work is expected to be completed in late fall 2025.

Phase 2: Repairs to various overhead bridges within the project limits. Work is expected to begin in fall 2025 and be completed by summer 2026.

Phase 3: Resurfacing I-64 in both directions between Illinois 157 and Illinois 159. Work is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be completed by summer 2026.

Region 5, District 9: Work is moving full steam ahead on the second stage of the $136 million I-64 Wabash River bridge project near Grayville. Demolition of the westbound span is well underway.  

The deck and steel beams have now been fully removed, clearing the way for the next phase of construction. Stage 2 remains on track and is anticipated to be completed by late 2028. This major infrastructure project will improve safety and connectivity for drivers traveling through White County and beyond.

Letting Update

Aug. 1 is the following letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2025. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting. 

• July 25 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so).   
• July 29 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts). 
• Aug. 1 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