June 8, 2022
Important: See below for upcoming cutoff date reminders in letting section
IDOT employee retires after a 34-year military career, continues his day job

While Ivan Ortiz is still going strong in his day job at IDOT, he has retired from the military with 34 years of service.
IDOT website now features Google Translate

Information on IDOT’s website is now available in more than 109 different languages using Google Translate.

Region 1, District 1 in late May removed litter and graffiti along the expressway system in Cook and the collar counties.
 
Crews removed litter along roadsides, interchanges, ramps and shoulders during the weeks of May 23 and May 30. This year, IDOT is hiring private firms to help with the frequency of trash removal and shoulder sweeping operations, while also filling gaps in coverage areas. Priority consideration is given to smaller companies seeking opportunities to participate on state projects and programs through the state’s Small Business Initiative.
 
Crews also spent two nights in late May removing graffiti. Graffiti can be extremely dangerous for those involved, with removal efforts costing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. IDOT works in conjunction with the city of Chicago during on graffiti removal operations but looks for the public’s cooperation in reporting vandalism.
Region 3, District 5 recently removed the westbound Interstate 74 bridge over Market Street in Champaign. The work is part of a larger $33 million project to replace the Market Street bridge and a bridge over the Canadian National Railway yard in Urbana.
 
Both bridges were built during the 1950s, widened in 1992, and are in advanced stages of deterioration. Some substructure repairs, including the replacement of one pier near the Canadian National yard. The westbound bridges are expected to be complete by Thanksgiving.
Letting Update
 
June 17 is the next letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2022. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

  • June 10 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so.)
  • June 14 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts.) 
  • June 17 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:
 
IDOT offers free subscription email services to anyone interested in finding out more about construction projects and work zones, IDOT initiatives, important safety messages and more.

Subscribe to IDOT in Motion or update your preferred email lists today.