While 2020 looked different for everyone, we were still hard at work coming up with original ideas that improve service for the traveling public and potentially save money for taxpayers. Those ideas were on virtual display during the Illinois Department of Transportation’s fourth annual Innovative Ideas Contest.
“Year after year, our employees continue to impress with their innovative solutions to common problems,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “In the midst of their daily work, our employees are always looking for ways to get their jobs done faster, safer and cheaper. I am proud to recognize their dedication and ingenuity.”
Ideas in two tracks— Operations and Technical —were submitted to IDOT’s internal selection committee. Projects were evaluated by size and scope of the problem, creativity in finding solutions, ability to be implemented statewide and potential to save time, money or other valuable resources. The winners:
Operations: District 3 Ashkum/Buckley Team Section’s rotating trailer-mounted attenuator (TMA) sign holder won top honors. While signs provide valuable traffic safety controls that help keep workers and motorists safe in work zones, not all TMAs come equipped with sign holders. This innovation adds a holder that attaches to the arrow board frame and keeps signs raised above the surface of the TMA. The holder features a unique design that allows it to rotate for easy access.
Technical: District 6’s Bureau of Project Implementation won for their electronic plan circulation process. This innovation uses cloud-based services to distribute plans department-wide, allowing for early and ongoing collaboration across all bureaus and with outside consultants. The process enables staff throughout the state to review and comment on planning documents in real time.