September 16, 2021
Important: Upcoming cutoff date reminders in letting section
Collaboration creates Litchfield Route 66 Prairie
Drivers on Interstate 55 in Montgomery County will do more than get their kicks on historic old Route 66. They’ll get their sniffs and sights of the wildflowers, animals and monarch butterflies at the new Litchfield Route 66 Prairie.

The attraction, just north of Litchfield, is a collaboration with IDOT and Montgomery County environmental groups to create 10 acres of green space that is home to more than 200 native plant species and includes a walking path along the highway. The prairie is also part of the Illinois Route 66 Monarch Flyway and provides resources these insects need when making their migratory journey.
One year, one introduction and 23 editions later

We have wrapped up the first year of the Telegram! This is a major milestone for us. We thank you for taking the time out of your day to read our newsletter. We’ve enjoyed sharing all things IDOT and hope you’ve found these emails enjoyable as well as informative.

As part of our one-year anniversary, we are looking for your input! Newsletters should change and evolve to ensure you’re getting the information you want. We’re looking to get your thoughts on the Telegram. Please take the short survey below. It’s four questions that will help us improve the Telegram and keep you better informed on how IDOT makes Illinois a great place to live, work and visit.

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In District 4, landscaping is underway to beautify a mile and a half of Peoria’s Interstate 74 corridor — a highly visible city gateway from the Illinois River. Work encompasses an area west of the Murray Baker Bridge to Ellis Street and will include some native plant species while providing clear sightlines and manicured ramps.

The $226,000 project began in April and is expected to wrap up by October.
Work continues in District 8 on the Delhi Bypass project, the four-lane divided rural expressway from Godfrey. Earthwork has been completed from the beginning of the project through Delhi Road, including construction of the U.S. 67 connector.

Also, most of the drainage structures have been installed, including one large cast-in-place box culvert and a double 8-by-8 feet precast box culvert. Work has also been completed to allow traffic to use the new alignment of Delhi Road. One northbound lane has been paved and additional pavement work continues. The $18.6 million project is expected to be completed in late summer 2022.
Letting Update
 
Two more lettings for statewide construction projects are scheduled in 2021: Sept. 17 and Nov. 5. Here are some dates to note in advance of the Nov. 5 letting.
 
  • Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. Transportation Bulletin release (Official advertisement of projects.)
  • Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
  • Oct. 29 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so.)
  • Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts.)
  • Nov. 5 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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