Sept. 26, 2024

IDOT’s Cycle Rider Safety Training Program classes returning statewide

Safety and strikeouts: Orange Barrels Work Zone event scores for IDOT, Peoria Chiefs

The public stepped up to the plate in August for a family-friendly evening at the Orange Barrels Work Zone Safety Street Fair and game at Peoria's Dozer Park. The event wraps up the second year of partnership between IDOT and the Peoria Chiefs to promote work zone safety awareness.

Participants of all ages engaged with several interactive exhibits and activities outside the park before going inside to watch the Orange Barrels take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

View video.

Next round of public engagement for Move 2024, IDOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

Region 1, District 1: An improvement project on Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20) in the communities of Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn, will begin Sept. 30.

The $43.3 million project consists of reconstructing and resurfacing Harlem Avenue over 95th Street between 92nd and 99th Place, reconstructing the Harlem Avenue/95th Street interchange, installing modernized traffic signals, lighting, drainage improvements and new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. The project also includes rehabilitating the Harlem Avenue bridges over the CSX Railroad and over 95th Street along with the eastbound 95th Street elevated ramp to southbound Harlem Avenue outer connector ramp over the CSX Railroad.

Additionally, 95th Street from I-294 to New England Avenue will be resurfaced and new storm sewers installed. The overall project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

Region 4, District 6: Repairs are underway on Illinois 185 between Hillsboro and Coffeen in central Illinois following a large sinkhole caused by mine subsidence.

The project requires the highway to be closed until Oct. 10. The Deer Run Mine will fund all repairs on Illinois 185. A posted detour will direct traffic to use Vandalia Road (Illinois 127), School Street (Illinois 16), Fillmore Trail (CR 1050 N) and Coffeen Road. The work is scheduled to be completed Oct. 16.

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. 4 at 10 a.m. Transportation Bulletin release (Official advertisement of projects.) 
• 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