2011 Press Releases
DECEMBER
December 28, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, announces the 2011 Contractor of the Year awards at the December General Contractors of Illinois’ Annual Conference.
December 22,
2011
Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials today urged motorists to prepare for winter driving conditions. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are working together to ensure the state’s frontline winter crews and emergency equipment are available to respond to possible inclement weather and make travel safer and easier on Illinois’ highways, tollways and major roads.
December 22, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today released
crash data showing a continual reduction in the number of
alcohol-impaired motor vehicle fatalities in Illinois from 2006
through 2010. The measure of alcohol impairment involves at least
one driver with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or
beyond the legal blood-alcohol limit in Illinois. IDOT and law
enforcement agencies statewide are partnering this holiday season to
boost safety and continue the fight against impaired driving.
December 21, 2011
With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over the Christmas and New Year holiday weekends, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended where possible for the weekends to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
December 21, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Existing Conditions Report, a key milestone in the master planning process for the South Suburban Airport.
December 19, 2011
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
workers donated nearly 1,200 pounds of food and supplies to be
sent to military personnel serving overseas through the
holidays. IDOT staff participated in a collection drive for the
Operation Support Our Troops - America organization, which also
resulted in more than 170 Christmas cards and personal letters
going to armed services members.
December 12, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be hosting three
public meetings this month to obtain feedback on the Target Market
Program and to make Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms aware
of new initiatives to address their specific financial needs.
December 12, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today
announced that a cooperative agreement has been finalized with the
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and host railroads to begin
construction of the Chicago-Moline passenger rail corridor. The project
is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs.
NOVEMBER
November 28, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today unveiled
a new diversity Internet site to boost communication of employment and
contracting opportunities for prospective minority workers and
minority-owned and women-owned firms in Illinois.
November 22, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today unveiled the Illinois Yellow Dot program, a life-saving, traffic safety initiative that provides first responders with critical information to improve emergency care for persons involved in vehicle crashes. IDOT along with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Department of Aging (IDOA) and county health departments across the state are working together to increase awareness of the voluntary, federally funded program, and provide distribution centers and information for interested residents.
November 22, 2011
With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended where possible for the weekend to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. IDOT also provided advance notice of lane closures for the holiday weekend to aid motorists’ travel plans and improve safety.
November 21, 2011
With heavy traffic expected over Thanksgiving weekend and to boost
roadway safety, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today
kicked off the Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
mobilization with Illinois State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement
agencies statewide. By the end of the weekend, Illinois motorists could
see over 1,700 safety belt enforcement zones and 40 roadside safety
checks conducted by over 200 law enforcement agencies, all with a
special focus on safety belt violations and impaired driving during
nighttime hours.
November 18, 2011
Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials today stressed safety by urging motorists to prepare for unfavorable winter driving conditions. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Tollway and the Illinois State Police (ISP) have partnered to roll out the state’s frontline winter crews and ensure that emergency equipment is ready for the upcoming snow and ice season.
November 10, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that beginning Monday, November 14, 2011, weather permitting, the structure carrying IL Route 140 over E. Fork Silver Creek located 0.5 miles east of IL 160 near Alhambra will be reduced to one lane.
November 7, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn, joined by the Illinois Department of
Transportation, Regional Transportation Authority and Pace officials,
today announced the Nov. 14 launch of the region’s first Bus on Shoulder
program, a two-year pilot project that allows Pace buses on the
Stevenson Expressway’s inside shoulder during heavy congestion.
OCTOBER
October 27, 2011
I-270 Westbound Chain of Rocks River Bridge, near Granite City
October 27, 2011
22nd Street and Midwest Road intersection restrictions in Oak Brook, IL.
October 27, 2011
U.S. 6 closure at CSX railroad crossing in Channahon, IL.
October 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources today announced that collisions between vehicles and deer declined in 2010 and reminded motorists to once again be alert for deer along roadways during one of their most active periods of the year.
October 25, 2011
U.S. 20 (Lake Street) Exit Ramp Closed from Interstate 290
October 24, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today reminded motorists
that one of the most frightening things about Halloween is encountering
an impaired driver. The message is simple…Drive Sober or Get Pulled
Over!
October 14, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation and other state agencies and
organizations are teaming up to make Illinois veterans and other
residents aware of information pertaining to well-paying job
opportunities as highway maintainers.
SEPTEMBER
September 29, 2011
To support a healthy lifestyle for children and encourage green
transportation practices, the Illinois Department of Transportation and
the Illinois State Board of Education are urging schools across the
state to participate in International Walk to School Day on Oct. 5. September 29, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the release of a new study that will help the agency revise minority participation goals for state highway projects. The study updates benchmarks established a decade ago and further demonstrates Governor Pat Quinn’s commitment to increasing diversity on projects statewide.
September 22, 2011
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State Police, AAA, Evenflo
and St. John’s Hospital today announced Seat Check Saturday and called
on all parents and caregivers to ensure children are properly restrained
in correctly installed child safety seats when traveling on Illinois
roadways. On Saturday, September 24, over 80 free child safety seat
checks will take place in Illinois providing parents with hands-on
training from 682 certified child passenger safety (CPS) technicians.
September 15.
2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is partnering
with NASCAR and the Chicagoland Speedway to promote safe driving for the
5th straight year during the NASCAR race weekend, September 15-18. The
strategic partnership will promote the Buckle Up America and the Fans
Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaigns to boost safety and encourage
positive motorist behavior.
September 15, 2011
Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider, along
with other state and local officials, today broke ground on a $39.6
million construction project to upgrade a segment of U.S. 67 to a
four-lane expressway. The improvement project will create 500 jobs,
improve traffic capacity, enhance safety and promote economic growth
along the corridor.
September 13, 2011
Since 2004, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT)
sponsorship of the Engineering Explorer Post 6 has helped students
explore the different aspects of engineering through field trips, group
activities, and special guest speakers. The Engineering Explorer Post
will host its annual “First Nighter” on Thursday, September 15th from
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the IDOT Central Office – 2300 South Dirksen
Parkway in Springfield. This is an open house to explain the program to
both students and parents.
September 1, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State
Police today announced plans to increase impaired driving enforcement
efforts over Labor Day weekend, and dedicated the weekend’s roadside
safety checks to victims of impaired driving. Motorists are strongly
encouraged to drive sober and buckle up this Labor Day weekend as the
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign heads into the final stretch.
September 1, 2011
With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended where possible for the weekend to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. The advance notice of lane closures for the holiday weekend is designed to aid motorists’ travel plans and improve safety.
AUGUST
August 26, 2011
The Illinois Department of
Transportation’s (IDOT) Division of Traffic Safety along with state and
local law enforcement officials today used a controlled training
exercise called a “wet lab” to demonstrate the negative effects of
alcohol on driving.
August 26, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that weather permitting, construction will begin on I-64 on Monday, August 28, 2011 or Tuesday, August 29, 2011.
August 26, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that there will be lane closures on
I-255 beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2011, weather permitting.
August 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that daytime closures will be encountered on the Martin Luther King Bridge, beginning Monday, August 29, 2011 and ending Thursday, September 1, 2011.
August 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announces today that weather permitting, construction work on IL 81 west of Cambridge will begin on Monday, August 29, 2011.
August 19, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have partnered with Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state to kick off the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization, an intensive, two-week crackdown on impaired driving leading up to the Labor Day holiday. From August 19th through September 5th, the Illinois State Police join over 350 local police departments and county sheriff’s offices for the crackdown.
August 18, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the Associated General Contractors of Illinois today unveiled the National Work Zone Memorial Wall at the Illinois State Fair, to recognize the tragic loss of life in work zones and to stress the importance of increased awareness for motorist and worker safety.
August 15, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today joined with the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Police (ISP) and corporate sponsors to kick off the fifth year of the successful Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD) program. Illinois continues to lead the nation in this peer-led safe driving initiative implemented by IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety.
August 11, 2011
Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider today announced new state
highway maps are available, and are being released at the 2011 Illinois
State Fair.
August 10, 2011
Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today
announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will
seek early input into the development of its upcoming Multi-Year Road
Program for Highway Improvements for Fiscal Years 2013-2018 through
informational and feedback sessions to be held in communities throughout
the state. The public meeting for the IDOT District 7 area will be held
on August 22, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Effingham Knights of
Columbus Building, 1501 West Fayette Avenue, Effingham, IL to give
residents and businesses in the area a chance to better understand and
weigh in on project priorities over the next five to seven years.
August 10, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that traffic
pattern changes around the 2011 Illinois State Fair will be implemented
starting Thursday to boost safety and accommodate the parade along with
anticipated traffic.
August 1, 2011
Officials with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR),
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT), and Fox Waterway Agency today joined local
officials and citizens in announcing a new “Mud to Community Gardens”
project that will help create a series of urban gardens in Broadview and
Maywood.
JULY
July 29, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that I-55, from 1.3 Miles North of IL 140 to 0.5 Miles North of IL 4 in Madison County,
will be intermittently restricted, during daytime hours only.
July 29, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that effective immediately, the eastbound I-64 ramp from St. Clair Avenue will be closed
to Truck Traffic.
July 29, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that work is underway on the West Main St. overpass in Galesburg, located on US 150/West Main St. from Walnut Ave. to just east of Academy St. .
July 29, 20111
The Illinois Department of Transportation, located in Dixon, announces that a lane closure will be installed on I-80 south of I-88 in Rock Island County, Illinois.
July 29, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that daytime closures on US Route 51 from the Fayette County line to Patoka .
July 29, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that day time and night time lane closures on Illinois Route 161 in Centralia from Randolph Drive to Pleasant Avenue.
July 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the ramp from northbound IL 3 to eastbound I-270 will be closed.
July 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the contractor will be closing southeast Formosa Road from approximately 400 feet south of IL 162 to Old Collinsville Road.
July 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that ramp lane closures will occur on the northbound I-55 ramps at IL143 near Edwardsville.
July 25, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that both of the northbound I-55 on ramps at IL 140 at Hamel will be closed.
July 20, 2011
Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today
announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will
seek early input into the development of its upcoming Multi-Year Road
Program for Highway Improvements for Fiscal Years 2013-2018 through
informational and feedback sessions to be held in communities throughout
the state.
July 19, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announces today that weather permitting, construction work on US 20 east of Freeport will begin on Monday, July 25, 2011.
July 12, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Washington Park
Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host the 2011 Summer Engineering
Academy in Chicago.
July
6, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that, weather permitting, the ramps at
Interstate 74 and Interstate 57 will be closed one at a time for ramp patching. Traffic wanting to use the closed ramp will be rerouted either to the Olympian Drive exit (exit 238) or the Curtis Road exit (exit 232) and then will be redirected back to their original route.
July 5, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that, weather permitting, the ramps at
Interstate 74 and Interstate 57 will be closed one at a time for ramp patching. Traffic wanting to use the closed ramp will be rerouted either to the Olympian Drive exit (exit 238) or the Curtis Road exit (exit 232) and then will be redirected back to their original route.
July 1, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn announced today the appointment of Ann L. Schneider
as acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Schneider’s appointment follows the retirement of Gary Hannig, who
served as Illinois’ Transportation Secretary since 2009 and oversaw the
busiest construction season in state history.
JUNE
June 30, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State
Police and hundreds of local law enforcement agencies today are
reminding motorists to drive sober or risk arrest this July 4th weekend.
Law enforcement also reminded motorists to buckle up before driving or
expect a safety belt citation to be issued.
June 30, 2011
With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over
the 4th of July holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended
where possible for the weekend to reduce potential congestion and
improve traffic flow. The advance notice of lane closures for the
holiday weekend is designed to aid motorists’ travel plans and improve
safety.
June 23, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces a lane closure on IL 29 south of Pekin, near VFW Rd. from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 28th.
June 23, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $100 million capital investment to address local transportation needs and put people to work throughout Illinois. The $100 million in Illinois Jobs Now! funding will be distributed to local officials to repair municipal, township and county infrastructure, and improve public safety.
June
22, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation today
announced that daytime lane restrictions will be encountered on the
eastbound I-270 Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge. The lane restrictions are
needed so that work crews can patch the bridge deck.
June 10, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting; the Cisco-Monticello Road (Old IL 47) will be reduced to one lane of traffic for patching beginning on June 13, 2011.
June 3, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced
today that it is once again partnering with Chicagoland Speedway and
Route 66 Raceway in Joliet to encourage fans to sign traffic safety
pledges at four racing events this summer, starting with the STP 300
(NASCAR Nationwide Series) race and the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper
150 presented by Menards (ARCA Racing Series) on Saturday, June 4th.
June 2, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn today announced a partnership between the
University of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation and a
special advisory group to study the feasibility of 220- mph passenger
rail service between Chicago, Urbana-Champaign and beyond. The study
will complement the ongoing construction of a regional 110-mph network
that will connect Chicago to 40 cities in the Midwest, while supporting
Governor Quinn's vision to create jobs, enhance regional mobility and
improve the environment by expanding passenger rail in Illinois.
MAY
May 26, 2011
With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended where possible to reduce potential congestion and improve traffic flow. The advance notice of lane closures for the Memorial Day weekend is designed to provide supplemental information to aid motorists’ travel plans and improve roadway safety.
May 24, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the
Illinois State Police (ISP) today announced their plans to boost
enforcement efforts over Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds more safety belt
enforcement zones and other patrols are planned over the
heavily-traveled holiday weekend. The upcoming Memorial Day weekend also
marks the 10 year anniversary of the successful Click It or Ticket
program.
May 23, 2011
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gary Hannig announced the start of a statewide aviation economic impact study to measure the local economic benefits of Illinois’ system of airports. The 18-month study will examine more than 100 airports statewide and will guide IDOT’s Division of Aeronautics and aviation and economic development leaders as they push to enhance the state’s aviation network and create more jobs.
May 19, 2011
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced four Mississippi River Bridge (MRB) construction projects are scheduled for the June 17, 2011 letting. The projects total more than $55 million and are expected to create more than 100 direct construction jobs and support more than 600 additional jobs through expected economic development.
May 13, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and law enforcement
officials today announced the start of the 2011 Click It or Ticket
mobilization focusing on nighttime law violators across the state. The
Illinois State Police (ISP) and nearly 500 local law enforcement
agencies are emphasizing nighttime safety belt violations now through
Memorial Day weekend.
May 11, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today honored 12
students from across the state whose artwork was selected in the Sixth
Annual Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar Contest for 2010-11. The
drawings of the 12 finalists will appear in the 2012 Illinois Work Zone
Safety Calendar, which will be distributed at IDOT events across
Illinois.
APRIL
April 22, 2011
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced the
winners of the 2011 Rain Barrel Contest. The selected schools received
free rain barrels as their creative ideas were chosen as part of the
annual contest, promoting green and sustainable practices while
enhancing artistic abilities. The winners were recognized in conjunction
with Earth Day.
April 14, 2011
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced the 10,000 Oak Tree Giveaway of seedlings to school districts throughout Illinois. Many school districts statewide have received oak tree seedlings, which were donated to the Illinois Department of Transportation by Living Lands and Waters. The announcement was made ahead of the designated Earth Day for 2011 in order to reach more students before spring break.
April 7, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled the state’s new $11.5 billion
multi-year construction program. The program will create 155,000 jobs
and spark economic development throughout the state while improving
safety and reducing congestion. Driven by the Illinois Jobs Now! capital
program, the statewide multi-year plan for fiscal years 2012 through
2017 will improve 3,248 miles of road and replace or rehabilitate 611
bridges.
April 5, 2011
Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, Secretary
of State Jesse White, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association,
Illinois State Police (ISP), Ford Motor Company Fund and The Allstate
Foundation today announced the winning schools from each region under
the 2011 Operation Teen Safe Driving Program.
April 4, 2011
As the 2011 highway construction season gets under way, the Illinois
Department of Transportation, Illinois Tollway, Illinois State Police,
Local Laborers Union, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders
Association and other highway safety partners joined today to announce
their participation in National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 4-8.
MARCH
March 30, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Gold Wing Road Riders
Association (GWRRA), A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) and
other motorcycle advocates joined forces to kick off a statewide
campaign called “Gear Up,” designed to promote continuing rider training
and proper gear use.
March 21, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Secretary of
State Jesse White’s Office (SOS), Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA)
and AARP have joined forces to promote traffic safety and encourage
interested seniors to take advantage of the Rules of the Road refresher
courses offered by the Illinois Secretary of State and other classes or
services made available by AARP and the Illinois Department on Aging.
March 10, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the
Illinois State Police (ISP) are partnering with more than 150 law
enforcement agencies this St. Patrick’s Day holiday to remind everyone
to act responsibly, buckle up and designate a sober driver before the
parties begin.
March 1, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today issued a reminder
of the March 7 deadline for schools to submit design proposals
advocating water re-use as part of the Rain Barrel Design Competition.
FEBRUARY
February 24, 2011
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced that road crews are out searching and repairing potholes on state highways to further improve highway safety.
February 23, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have recently begun a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study the impacts of potential additional improvements along the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail corridor.
February 15, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State
Police (ISP) today announced that Illinois experienced fewer than 1,000
traffic fatalities in 2010 for the second straight year – reflecting
record two-year lows for the state dating to 1921. Data from IDOT’s
Division of Traffic Safety shows Illinois experienced 911 fatalities
from motor vehicle crashes in 2009. In 2010, preliminary numbers report
923 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes took place on Illinois
roadways.
February 3, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State
Police (ISP) officials today launched the You Drink & Drive. You Lose
campaign and announced their efforts to boost enforcement over Super
Bowl weekend.
JANUARY
January 31, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn today announced that state agencies are working
together to prepare for a large winter storm expected to hit the Midwest
region starting today. Governor Quinn also issued a disaster declaration
for the entire state in advance of the heavy snow, ice and blizzard
conditions that are expected over the next few days.
January 31, 2011
The Illinois Tollway, Illinois Department of Transportation,
Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State and AAA Chicago today
announced the launch of a new statewide campaign aimed at raising
awareness of the dangers of texting while driving and ultimately
reducing the number of cell phone-related accidents on Illinois
roadways.
January 19, 2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that 45 lucky
elementary schools will receive free rain barrels as part of a new
contest promoting green and sustainable practices. The winners – five
schools from each of IDOT’s nine statewide districts – will be
recognized during Earth Day celebrations in April.
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