Office: (217) 523-2208
Location: 241 North 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62701
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COVID-19
Upcoming Events
IDOT Transportation Bulletin
Friday, October 02, 2020
IDOT Letting
Friday, November 06, 2020
Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 17, 2020
December 7 - 8, 2020
NAPA Free Webinars
Wednesday, October 07, 2020 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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September 18, 2020 12PM
IAPA Board Meeting
Wed, Sep 9, 2020
Virtual
Fri, Sept 4, 2020 9:00 AM
Thu, Sept 10, 2020
Tue, Sep 15, 2020 9:00 AM
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IAPA member Murphy Pavement Technology has developed a resource to assist Contractors with cold weather paving.
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Federal Funding Status
President Trump signed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds federal government programs on October 1 – the beginning of fiscal year 2021 after it cleared the Senate late on September 30 by a vote of 84 to 10. The House passed its CR on September 22 by a vote of 359 to 57, with one member voting present.
Key transportation components include:
- Obligation limitation through December 11, estimated to be $9.1 billion for the Federal-aid Highway Program.
- An extension of FAST Act funding and provisions from FY 2020 to all of FY 2021, including contract authority formula apportionments to states.
- A $10.4 billion general fund transfer to the HTF’s Highway Account and a $3.2 billion transfer to the Mass Transit Account.
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A $14 billion general fund transfer to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, making up for the aviation excise tax holiday included in the $2 trillion CARES Act passed in March.
- An increase to the “multimodal cap” within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America or INFRA discretionary grant program from $500 million to $600 million.
- An extension of 2017 and 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development or BUILD grant program obligation deadlines through September 30, 2021.
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Motor Fuel Tax and Transportation Renewal Funds
Motor fuel usage continued its recovery in September 2020 with a combined $205 million of motor fuel taxes deposited into the Motor Fuel Tax Fund and Transportation Renewal Fund. While the trend is moving in the right direction, usage still appears to be 5 - 10% lower than historic average. In addition, motor vehicle registration and licensing fees continue to come in lower due to expiration extensions granted by the State of Illinois.
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APA is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Perpetual Pavement Award...
The APA is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Perpetual Pavement Award. (PPA). The PPA is an excellent opportunity to highlight asphalt's long-life characteristics. This prestigious award honors state and local agencies that have had the foresight to design and build asphalt pavements which have long life, are cost-effective, and provide the comfort and convenience that the traveling public expects.
The link to the nomination forms is here. The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2020.
Keep your eyes out in the future for information on two additional Perpetual Pavement awards that are currently being developed!
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REMINDER
Cutoff day to participate in AASHTO PSP Extraction sample for Method 2 PSP disputes is October 22, 2020.
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New Member Spotlight
IAPA would like to welcome two new members that were approved by the Board during the September Board meeting.
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Zep is a strategic partner with Compound Technologies with a dedicated group of technical specialist to assist Contractors with product technology that effectively works with the increasingly challenging modified or “sticky” mixes. In addition, an automated Drag Slat maintenance system has been developed that cleans, lubricates and includes release properties and is water based with a flash point of 445 degrees F for substantial safety benefits. The automated delivery system can treat both the bottom and top with a push of a button.
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Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for nearly 80 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
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IAPA is looking for construction photos...
Due to problems with the Google Shared Folder provided, a Dropbox folder was created to share construction and on the job photos (please include a description of the project(s)) via IAPA's social media accounts. Each month through November, IAPA will hold a drawing for members that submitted photos to award two individuals a $25 Amazon Gift card.
Submissions can also be made to yoggerst.alexis@comcast.net if the Dropbox folder is not available.
July Winners
Beck Simonds - E.T. Simonds Construction
Mike Leopardo - Curran Contracting
August Winners
Jon Kaye - Gallagher Asphalt
Gregory Miller - Diamond Construction Company
September Winners
Michelle Smelko - Builders Asphalt/Paving
Joe McGuire - Iroquois Paving Corporation
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AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample Program
Asphalt Mixture Solvent Extraction:
- Enrollment Cut Off - October 22, 2020
- Closing Date - January 14, 2021
Asphalt Mixture Ignition Oven:
- Enrollment Cut Off - November 19, 2020
- Closing Date - February 4, 2021
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2018-2020 Research Cycle Highlights
Rejuvenators
Cargill is sponsoring parallel testing at the NCAT Test Track and the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s MnROAD test highway to determine how to best implement balanced mix design procedures in asphalt mixes containing rejuvenators and high levels of reclaimed asphalt pavement. As part of the project, test sections made with Cargill’s Anova rejuvenator and a 45 percent reclaimed asphalt mix will be compared to control sections with lower recycled contents, measuring factors such as pavement ride quality, cracking and rutting. By conducting experiments at both the Test Track and MnROAD, researchers will be able to monitor results in both northern and southern climate extremes.
As part of the current research cycle, the Mississippi and Tennessee Departments of Transportation have both sponsored rejuvenating seal experiments. NCAT conducted a preliminary screening study to evaluate seven rejuvenating seals to determine which products would be used on the Test Track sections. The products were ranked based on their rheological properties and friction test results. The Mississippi DOT selected ReGenXTM (Blacklidge Emulsions) and Delta MistTM (Collaborative Aggregates LLC) to be evaluated on its S3 Test Track section. The Tennessee DOT selected Reclamite® (Ergon) and an experimental product, e-Fog S (Ergon), to be evaluated on its S4 Test Track section. The field performance of these four rejuvenating fog seals will be evaluated for the entire two-year Test Track cycle. More information about the preliminary study can be found here.
While not new construction, Section N7 with Delta S®, sponsored by Collaborative Aggregates LLC, continues to be monitored by NCAT following completion of the 2015-2017 research cycle.
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NAPA’s latest Quality Improvement Publication (QIP) 131, Practical Guide for Using Recycling Agents in Asphalt Mixtures, provides a tiered set of step-by-step approaches to facilitate the use of recycling agents to produce asphalt pavements with good performance and to promote sustainability. Available in the NAPA Online Store, QIP 131 is free for members and government/academia and $50 for non-members.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced a $1 billion investment in American infrastructure through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The funding has been awarded to 70 projects in 44 states. The Department is awarding 50 percent of BUILD Transportation grant funding to projects located in rural areas that deliver positive benefits for these communities. For this round of grants, the maximum grant award is $25 million, and no more than $100 million can be awarded to a single state, as specified in the appropriations act. The full list of awards is available here.
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House Special Investigating Committee
The Special Investigating Committee, formed after House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and two other House Republicans filed a petition to commence disciplinary proceedings against Speaker Madigan for his involvement in the ComEd deferred prosecution agreement, has met twice. The first committee meeting was to establish a structure and protocol for the committee. The members agreed to contact the US Attorney’s office about how to conduct an investigation without interfering with the ongoing federal investigation. The Republican and Democratic members did not interpret the US Attorney's Office response the same. Therefore, fallout from that meeting has turned this committee into the political spectacle as expected.
Since the first meeting, Chairperson Chair Welch has sent letters to Speaker Madigan and others mentioned in the legal documents to appear before the committee. A representative from ComEd testified at the September 29, 2020 meeting in Springfield where each committee member had a chance to ask questions.
As a reminder, the legislative probe is not focused on whether the Speaker committed a crime, but whether he “engaged in conduct which is unbecoming to a legislator or which constitutes a breach of public trust.” If his fellow lawmakers find he did, disciplinary action could range from a reprimand or censure to expulsion from the House.
Speaker Madigan Challenged
Even though the November election is still over a month away, Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) announced that she is seeking the democratic nomination for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
COVID-19 Numbers
Region Seven, Will and Kankakee counties, recently brought their positivity rate average down and returned to Phase Four mitigations of our Restore Illinois plan. That region is now sitting at a 5.7 percent average.
Region Four, the Metro East, has brought its average down to 7.3 percent, after reaching a positivity rate as high as 10 percent and despite bordering Missouri, which has a 12 percent positivity rate. They may be on their way down to 6.5 percent and a removal of regional mitigations. The Governor encouraged local law enforcement, local elected officials, and local public health officials to continue to work together to help enforce the guidance on capacity limits and encouraging masking and distancing.
The Governor warned Region One in northern Illinois, which includes Rockford, Dixon and Galena, has continued to climb toward the 8 percent threshold at a concerning rate - now sitting at a seven-day average of 7.5 percent.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 17 counties in Illinois are at a warning level for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of COVID-19 increase. The 17 counties include: Bond, Boone, Cass, Christian, Clinton, Crawford, DeWitt, Fayette, Grundy, Hamilton, Macon, Menard, Peoria, Putnam, Washington, Wayne, and Winnebago.
While Illinois’ average positivity rate remains lower than surrounding states, the governor still believes the rate is too high to lift any mitigations, including allowing high school sports to resume. The governor says he would rather the rate be below 2 percent.
SoS Announced Another Extension for Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
The Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months – from Nov. 1, 2020, until Feb. 1, 2021. This new Feb. 1 extension also includes those who have October, November, December and January expiration dates. As a result, expired driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until Feb. 1, 2021, so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities during the pandemic.
License plates stickers remain extended until Nov. 1, 2020, as they can easily be renewed online.
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Public comment sought on proposed North LSD improvements
The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation are inviting the public to learn more and to comment about the proposed improvement of U.S. 41 (North Lake Shore Drive) from Grand Avenue to Hollywood Avenue in Chicago. Since the last public meeting, the project team has evaluated criteria and narrowed the range of alternatives to five finalists. We want to hear from you!
Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Meeting #4 will be conducted online through an interactive website. There are multiple opportunities to provide comments.
Interactive Website We have created a clearinghouse of materials, interactive exhibits, and an audio-visual presentation to provide project details and help you review project updates.
NLSDinput.org Members of the public are encouraged to provide input through the interactive website in multiple ways:
• Use the interactive map and ideas wall to comment and provide input on the proposed improvements.
• Complete the public survey to tell us how you use the Drive and share your priorities.
• Review and comment on the project exhibits.
• Sign up for a small group discussion with the project team.
Registration starts on September 28. Since the last public meeting in 2017, IDOT and CDOT have evaluated the initial range of alternatives for North Lake Shore Drive, using technical analysis as well as input from task force members, stakeholder organizations, and the public. The stakeholder task force groups have met 11 times since this project’s inception. The task force groups focus on specific topics, including accommodation of all modes of transportation, park user access, environmental features, businesses and access to neighborhoods and institutions. IDOT and CDOT are now seeking additional public input on the project’s five finalist alternatives and will consider all 2 input as the planning process moves forward.
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Registration is now open for the 35th annual IDOT Fall Planning Conference!
The conference is just around the corner, and we've got a full, virtual, event planned for everyone! The virtual event will consist of our traditional welcome session followed by a series of five webinars. Topics for the sessions are COVID-19, active transportation, equity, sustainability, and planning and environmental linkages. They are being developed like our typical conference breakout sessions and will include panels as well as presentations by your peers.
Webinar schedule and registration links below.
Session 1
Oct. 6, 1-2 p.m. Welcome to the 35th Annual IDOT Fall Planning Conference
Session 2
Oct. 8, 1-3 p.m. The Effects of COVID-19 on Transportation and Planning
Session 3
Oct. 13, 1-3 p.m. Active Transportation: Funding, Mapping and Access
Session 4
Oct. 15, 1-3 p.m. Equity in Planning and Programming
Session 5
Oct. 20, 1-3 p.m. A Sustainable Future: Planning for the Electrification of Transportation
Session 6
Oct. 2 2, 1-3 p.m. Planning and Environmental Linkages
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IAPA Good Government Council |
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Through the years, the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association (IAPA) and its Good Government Council Political Action Committee (GGC PAC) have supported elected legislators and officers of Illinois who understand the critical role that highway infrastructure plays in Illinois’ economy. Through these efforts and the hard work of member companies and staff, IAPA is recognized as a leader for our industry. With the recent passage of the historic $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Bill, it is important for GGC PAC to be prepared to ensure the program is implemented as intended. Therefore, IAPA is requesting additional donations from members to the GGC PAC. Plant mix members are encouraged to donate $1,000 to $5,000 and all other membership categories are encouraged to donate $500 to $1000. Please support IAPA's GGC by completing the Donation Form.
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The Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association's scholarship program was started in 1984. To date, the program has awarded over 200 scholarships worth more than $500,000. The purpose of the program is to:
- Promote knowledge of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and HMA pavements;
- Enhance IAPA's relationship with engineering and construction schools throughout the state of Illinois; and
- Provide educational assistance to qualified students.
Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate engineering or construction management program at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, University of Illinois - Chicago, Bradley University, Lake Land College, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, or Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville are eligible for the program. Applications are coordinated through each respective university. Students selected for award are required to complete a minor research report related to asphalt pavements and are invited to attend IAPA's Annual Conference.
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Marshall R. Thompson Professorship Endowment |
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The Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association (IAPA) appreciates the support, guidance, and contributions that Professor Marshall R. Thompson has provided to the Illinois and National asphalt pavement industry over his career. Marshall is well respected by academia, government agencies, and private industry. IAPA members are dedicated to providing high quality, long lasting, sustainable pavements to the travelling public and taxpayers of Illinois. In addition, IAPA is committed to ensuring the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign's (UIUC) Civil & Environmental Engineering Department of the College of Engineering remains as a national leader in flexible pavement design and asphalt materials. Therefore, our goal is to raise funds from our members to endow the "Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association Marshall R. Thompson Professorship".
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Thank you for helping Illinois Asphalt keep those
in our community safe on the roads!
Kevin Burke III, P.E.
Executive Vice-President
Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association
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