**Public Notice**
IDOT to Hold Public Open Houses on Long-Range State Transportation Plan Update
 

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is updating the Long- Range State Transportation Plan and will be conducting six public open houses to seek input to ensure that transportation policies reflect the needs of Illinois citizens and transportation users. The plan is required by both federal and state regulations and is to be completed by December 31, 2012. The plan will encompass all modes of transportation and will provide a framework for the department to address current and future needs. As required by state law, a comprehensive statewide multi-modal freight mobility plan will be developed as part of the plan.

IDOT has scheduled six public open houses to obtain public input on the Long-Range State Transportation Plan update.

Illinois’ premier role as a transportation hub for all modes will provide unique opportunities for leveraging key transportation investments that will support economic growth and improve quality of life. IDOT is expanding its multi-modal approach bringing biking/pedestrian, transit, waterways and freight related issues to the forefront. This proposed plan will place emphasis on sustainability measures and procedures, human capital needs and the development of performance measures.

The plan will serve as a framework for all other rail, freight, bike, aviation and transit, addressing long and short-term needs. This multi-modal approach will establish guidance and priorities for state transportation system decisions and will keep pace with changing priorities and challenges. The sustainability approach will help ensure that IDOT maximizes its ability to provide safe and cost-effective transportation, while considering the greater needs of the state, local communities and the environment.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the public open houses. At the open houses, the public will be able to view exhibit boards and talk one-on-one with representatives from the Illinois State Transportation Plan update team. If you are not able to attend, visit www.IllinoisTransportationPlan.org to communicate and share information about the plan update process and product. The website offers residents, visitors and businesses that use the transportation system an opportunity to comment on the plan through a comment page on the website. The comment period ends June 27, 2012.

*These meetings will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Anyone needing assistance or accommodations should contact Cathy Valente of Images, Inc. at (630) 510-3944. Persons planning to attend who may need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the TTY/TTD number (800) 526-0844/or 711; TTY users (Spanish) (800) 501-0864/or 711; and for telebraille dial (877) 526-6670 at least five days prior to the meeting.