Up, down and around: Project continues to solve the squeeze of Rockford's I-39/U.S. 20 interchange

Sept. 13, 2024

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

The first of two new interchange ramps to aid in the fix of the Interstate 39 and U.S. 20 interchange, long hindered by single-lane ramps, sharp curves and an outdated design, opened to traffic Aug. 14. It’s the first major improvement since I-39 first opened to traffic in 1984.

Cast your vote! High-Speed Rail project up for national transportation award

The Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail project between Chicago and St. Louis has been named a Top 12 finalist in the America’s Transportation Awards, the top honor for state departments of transportation from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As one of the Top 12, our project is now in the running for the Grand Prize and the People's Choice Award. Each comes with a $10,000 prize to donate to a charity or not-for-profit of our choosing.

The $2 billion project allows train speeds to rise from 79 mph to 110 mph along the Midwest’s most heavily traveled passenger rail route, while encouraging a more balanced use of transportation modes. Led by the IDOT, this new enhanced rail service offers a “greener” transportation option, creates jobs, boosts economic activity and reduces congestion. Communities along the rail corridor, including Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville, and Alton, have new or renovated stations with improved amenities, including free Wi-Fi and expanded bicycle accommodations.

We need your help in bringing the People’s Choice Award home to Illinois for the third time in six five years. How? By voting online each day through Oct. 21. Every vote counts!

Region 1, District 1: Intersection improvements at Illinois 53 (Independence Boulevard) and Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) in Lockport, Crest Hill and Romeoville will begin Sept. 16.

The $2.7 million project, which involves modifying the existing intersection to allow for an additional dedicated left turn lane on southbound Illinois 53, installing new modernized traffic signals, new guardrail and improved drainage, is anticipated to be completed late 2025.

Region 3, District 5: Construction is underway at the I-72/57 interchange in Champaign in preparation for next year’s reconstruction of the I-72 bridges over I-57.

Work this year will build crossovers and will require closures of the left lane in both directions of I-72. Bridge work will begin in 2025 with an expected completion in fall 2026.

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.

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:

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