November 24, 2020

Murray Baker Bridge opens on time, on budget

The Illinois Department of Transportation completed the rehabilitation of the Murray Baker Bridge in Peoria on schedule and on budget. The $42.2 million project, made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, began with a full bridge closure March 29, reopening to traffic Oct. 31. The work was done cheaper, safer and quicker by closing the work zone to all traffic for seven months instead of multiple construction seasons. Work included: Removing and replacing the existing bridge deck Completing structural steel repairs Painting the lower portions of the bridge Upgrading existing lighting Installing new decorative lights Click here to learn more about the project.

IDOT 101: Bridges Ever wonder what types of bridges are used throughout Illinois? This edition of IDOT 101 is here to help! Click here to learn more about our bridges.

Building Blocks of Success: IDOT hosts DBE workshops

The Office of Business and Workforce Diversity will host Building Blocks of Success, a series of free virtual workshops for firms interested in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program and strengthening their skills. Topics include advanced financing, QuickBooks training, estimating and bidding, insurance, management, contract compliance, steps needed to be certified as a DBE firm and more. Building Blocks of Success is part of IDOT’s Supportive Services program, which provides assistance to firms seeking DBE certification to participate on IDOT projects. Click here for information about the workshops, including dates and times. Advance registration is required.

District Updates

On Nov. 10, Region 1 Engineer Tony Quigley joined the Chicago Department of Transportation at the ribbon cutting for the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the east and west sides of the North Shore Channel Trail in the city’s Lincoln Village community.  Supported by the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, the 16-foot wide, 180-foot long Lincoln Village pedestrian and bicycle bridge is the final link in the creation of a multiuse trail connecting four municipalities along the North Shore Channel. District 4 is completing work on the Interstate 74 rubblization project from west of the Tazewell County line near Deer Creek to east of the Carlock interchange. Rubblization is a rehabilitation process where existing, deteriorated, concrete is broken down while still in place. This technique saves IDOT time and money.

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Get Local Updates

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