Region 2, District 2: An online public informational meeting was held in November for the Illinois 2 corridor improvement study in Ogle and Winnebago counties. The study is examining transportation needs and solutions for the corridor, which starts at Illinois 72 in Byron and extends 10.5 miles to Beltline Road south of Rockford.

The goals of the project are multifold, and the proposed improvements being studied aim to address safety, existing geometric deficiencies and roadside hazards, improve travel time along a corridor with a growing population and increased travel demand, facilitate and enhance adjacent recreational facilities, and protect and preserve the existing environment and scenic values along the corridor.

Learn more by visiting the project website: https://idot.illinois.gov/projects/il-2-byron-to-beltline-road.

Region 5, District 8: In honor of the Illinois service members who remain unaccounted for following the Vietnam War, a new POW/MIA sign was recently installed at the Post Oak Rest Area on northbound Interstate 57 in Marion County.

The new sign is part of an effort to replace deteriorated POW/MIA signs at rest areas throughout the state to continue recognizing Illinois service members who remain unaccounted for following the Vietnam War. To keep the signs in good condition in the years ahead, IDOT staff will continue to monitor and maintain them as they do any other road signs.