From the Sudan to Springfield: Secretary Osman represents the American Dream

Oct. 19, 2022

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

From the Sudanese countryside to IDOT’s top job, Transportation Secretary Omer Osman has been a trailblazer in many ways. He credits a strong sense of family and work ethic in this profile from Peoria Magazine.

Time is running out to cast your vote for the I-74 Mississippi River bridge!

There are a few days left to vote for the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge as the top transportation project in the country. While national prestige and $10,000 in prize money are on the line, a great organization in the Quad Cities will benefit if the bridge wins the People’s Choice Award.

The non-profit Quad City Engineering & Science Council (QCESC) has over 3,000 members and supports local students in studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Award prize money would go to support QCESC’s many student programs such as their annual Battle of the Bridges, where local students showcase their engineering ingenuity with model bridge building activities. QCESC also awards scholarships to top local high school seniors to help them pursue education in the STEM field.

“Our members and students have been inspired by the I-74 bridge since the beginning of construction. Over the years, project staff gave presentations and engaged local students on all the interesting engineering and construction aspects of the project,” says QCESC President Beth Ullmark. “The prize money would go a long way in supporting our many fantastic student STEM programs."

Be sure to vote online each day through Oct. 21. Every vote counts! The winner will be announced by AASHTO on Oct. 22.

“I know with your vote, we can bring home the win for the Quad Cities and the great states of Iowa and Illinois,” Secretary Osman says. “This outstanding project deserves to be recognized for making our communities an even better place to live, work, and play.”

Region 3, District 5: Deputy Director of Transit Shoun Reece joined local, state and federal officials in the Bloomington-Normal community in late September to celebrate Connect Transit’s implementation of zero emission buses. More than $10 million in Rebuild Illinois funding helped replace 12 diesel buses with 12 that are battery electric powered.

The project aligns with Gov. Pritzker’s vision toward 100% zero emissions in Illinois and demonstrates a common vision at federal, state and local levels to improve quality of life for communities.

“Projects like these are win-win for the state,” Reece says. “They are good for the environment by reducing emissions and congestion on Illinois roads, create and support employment and serve as a lifeline for those without private vehicles.”

Connect Transit’s multi-year upgrade plan, funded from both state and federal dollars, includes a solar-powered training facility, a fleet of 22 electric powered buses by 2024 with micro transit buses to service rural regions and charging infrastructure that can power up to 40 buses in sequence. When the entire fleet is in place, it will save over 170,000 gallons/year of diesel fuel and reduce maintenance costs as these buses don’t have many similar issues that diesel buses do.

Region 4, District 7: A $8.5 million bridge repair project is underway on Illinois 105/William Street over Lake Decatur. Improvements include replacing the bridge deck, abutments, steel beams and approach pavement.

The work will reduce Illinois 105 over Lake Decatur to one lane in each direction. Benefits from the project include providing a smoother road surface and improving pedestrian safety. This project is expected to be completed in November 2023.

Letting Update

Nov. 18 is the final letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2022. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

Oct. 28 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so.)
Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts.)
Nov. 18 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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