June 30, 2025

SCAM ALERT: We’ve been aware of a current text message scam claiming recipients owe money associated with traffic tickets, tolls, and other fines. These are not legitimate messages from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Do not click any links in these messages. 

If you receive a message report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and delete them immediately.

Princeton’s damaged Red Covered Bridge enters next rehabilitation phase 

Big Bureau Creek’s current runs strong under Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge. The surrounding trees march through the passage of the seasons, turning from green to orange and red before going barren. The craftsmanship used to build the bridge’s wooden decking, siding and roof back in 1863 remain evident to this day.  

Just two things are missing: Traffic and people.  

The bridge, an Illinois landmark, has been closed for more than a year. Heavy barricades keep anyone taking a scenic drive on Bureau County Road 1950 E. Although there is access just up to the bridge’s entrance, the temporary bracing that has held up its roof from the elements has not made for an iconic background seen in photos throughout the generations. 

But this is not the end of the Red Covered Bridge’s story. 

IDOT’s District 3, where the bridge is located, has worked behind the scenes to prepare for the structure’s rehabilitation following a vehicle strike that left it severely damaged. 

Read more.

NIU students offer fresh strategies to boost IDOT grant interest 

The Office of Communications, Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering, Bureau of Programming’s Special Programs Unit, and the DCC Marketing agency, which helped create the “It’s Not a Game” campaign, teamed up with six business students from Northern Illinois University’s Experiential Learning Center on a project this past school year.  

Read more.

Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee focus of latest “Take the Exit” podcast episode

Public Information Officer Paul Wappel interviews Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee during the latest episode of “Take the Exit,” IDOT’s podcast that explores the individuals, projects and stories shaping transportation in Illinois. 

In the episode, Joyner-Kersee discusses her success as an Olympian and how she is committed to serving her hometown of East St. Louis. Also discussed was her role as the motivational speaker during this year’s IDOT's Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Rewards conference in February.

New episodes of “Take the Exit” 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 3, Region 4: Construction is underway on U.S. 34 from just south of Monmouth to just south of Kirkwood in Warren County. The $9.3 million project involves pavement patching and resurfacing as well as guardrail improvements.

The work will require lane closures, with traffic controlled by flaggers, until November.

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 11 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
• 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