August 26, 2021
Important: Upcoming cutoff date reminders in letting section
I-57/74 interchange reconstruction underway
The merging, weaving, tight curves and slow speeds created by the 56-year-old Interstate 57/74 interchange in Champaign are coming to an end. By 2025, a modern interchange with two flyover bridges will improve safety and increase mobility, creating thousands of jobs in the process and positioning the region for long-term economic growth.
 
The project is a cornerstone of the Rebuild Illinois capital program and adds to $83 million in road improvements already in the works for the Champaign-Urbana area.
 
A ceremonial project kickoff with Gov. JB Pritzker was held Monday, Aug. 23.
 
"Today we're breaking ground on the next stage of this $216 million, multi-year project to completely reconfigure the interchange: constructing 11 new bridge structures and new ramp pavements, improving traffic flow and safety, and setting the stage for future economic growth in Central Illinois," Gov. Pritzker said. "And this isn't just an infrastructure plan. It's a jobs plan. Taken as a whole, Rebuild Illinois is creating and supporting hundreds of thousands of new jobs in our state with good wages and benefits."
 
In addition to acting as gateways to the University of Illinois and manufacturing, logistics, health care and agricultural industries, I-57 and I-74 each serve almost 35,000 vehicles a day in Champaign-Urbana, nearly 25 percent of which are trucks.
 
"The I-57/74 interchange is one of the most significant freight and travel hubs in the entire country, but long overdue for replacement," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "As always, when driving through or approaching any work zone, please be patient, slow down, put down the devices to give the road your undivided attention and pardon our dust while we rebuild Illinois."
Safe Routes to School proposals sought

IDOT is seeking proposals for projects that will help children walk and bike safely to school through the Safe Routes to School program. The funding opportunity further highlights IDOT’s commitment under Gov. JB Pritzker to promote and expand active transportation options in communities throughout Illinois.
 
“Children who walk or bike to school from an early age have a leg up on creating an active, healthy lifestyle that benefits both them and the environment,” said Secretary Osman. “We are proud to offer this program to help ensure every student has the opportunity to take advantage of these obvious benefits by providing safe and enjoyable routes to school.”
 
A total of $12 million is available for infrastructure projects like new sidewalks, speed monitoring systems and improvements to make routes more accessible for individuals with disabilities. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Sept. 30. The awards will be announced early next year.

Click here for more information.
In District 4, five acres of pollinator habitat were planted in May along the highly traveled routes of U.S. 34 and Illinois 164 outside of Monmouth. The effort will help restore the land to its natural habitat, provide an environment for pollinating insects to thrive and lessen maintenance requirements for IDOT crews once it is established. District funding was used to purchase the seed, and the project was completed entirely in-house. The area will be monitored, and maintenance mows will be scheduled accordingly.
Officials in District 6 held informational meetings on Aug. 11 and 12 for the public to learn and provide input about proposed improvements in Central Illinois.
 
In Springfield, up to $30 million in improvements are proposed for MacArthur Boulevard from Wabash/Stanford Avenue to South Grand Avenue. Click here for more information or comment about this study.
 
In Quincy, a Planning and Environment Linkages Study is planned for Illinois 57 from Broadway Street to I-172 in Quincy. Click here for more information or comment about this study.
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 Sept. 17 letting.
 
  • Aug. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
  • Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so.)
  • Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts.)
  • Sept. 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:
 
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