New speed photo enforcement vans coming to work zones

Illinois State Police Capt. Bill Langheim and Highway Safety Programs Unit Chief Juan Pava stand in front of one of the five new photo enforcement vans that will be used in work zones.

Five new photo enforcement vans unveiled by IDOT will be used throughout Illinois work zones starting this construction season. A continuation of a program with roots back to 2004, the goal is to save lives by reducing speeding.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge receives $11.1 million in federal funds to complete multiuse trail

A significant milestone in completing the Crab Orchard Greenway multiuse path in southern Illinois has been achieved, thanks to an $11.1 million federal grant. The funding for the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Williamson County will be used to finish the path from the east side of the refuge near Marion to Greenbrier Road near John A. Logan College in Carterville. Once completed, the multiuse path will extend from Carbondale to Marion.

The trail will help improve safety, accessibility and overall quality of life for cyclists and pedestrians. IDOT is a partner agency involved in the design, construction and funding of the 20-mile Crab Orchard Greenway multiuse path project. Click here to learn more about the project.

U.S. 51 near DeSoto reopens after sinkhole repair

Repairs to a sinkhole that formed on U.S. 51 north of DeSoto in southern Illinois wrapped up in late May following a three-week closure. The opening of the road, which carries up to 6,350 vehicles daily, was a relief for Jackson County commuters.

Region 1, District 1: A $21.4 million project to repair northbound La Grange Road (U.S. 12/20/45) was finished in late May. The project is in a corridor that has several bridges crossing Santa Fe Drive, the Canadian National Railroad, Illinois & Michigan Canal and the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal in Justice, Hodgkins, Countryside and Willow Springs.

Funded through Rebuild Illinois, the project replaced the northbound bridge decks and installed new LED lighting in addition to pier, abutment and structural steel repairs.

Region 4, District 6: A $8.8 million project to repair the U.S. 136 Mississippi River bridge between Hamilton and Keokuk, Iowa began June 3.

Work will be completed in two stages. During the first stage, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction through mid-summer. The next stage will close the eastbound lanes, with two-way traffic maintained in the westbound lanes until the end of November.

Letting Update

Aug. 2 is the next letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2024. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

June 28 at 10 a.m. Transportation Bulletin release (Official advertisement of projects).
July 12 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts).
July 26 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so).
July 30 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts).
Aug. 2 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:

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