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Illinois Department of Transportation

Governance

In Illinois, IDOT has statutory responsibility for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of Illinois' extensive transportation network, which encompasses highways and bridges, airports, waterways, public transit, freight and passenger railroads, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. This vast transportation system supports the fifth largest state in the nation and more than 100 million visitors annually.

Enabling Statutes

IDOT follows applicable federal laws as steward of federal funds to carry out its mission and vision effectively through the department’s guiding principles to better meet Illinois’ transportation needs of today and tomorrow.

IDOT is governed by its enabling statute 20 ILCS 2705, which holds IDOT accountable and responsible for carrying out programs and policies that have been authorized and funded by the Illinois General Assembly. Under 20 ILCS 2705-15(a), the Secretary may create and establish offices, divisions and administrative units as necessary for the efficient administration and operation of the department and may assign functions, powers and duties to the several offices, divisions and administrative units in the department.

The Illinois Highway Code applies to all public highways in Illinois except highways under the exclusive jurisdiction (1) of any department, board, commission or agency of this state other than the Department of Transportation, or (2) of any municipal corporation other than a city, village or incorporated town (605 ILCS 5/1-103). Highway transportation system development requires the cooperation of state, county, township and municipal highway agencies, and IDOT is committed to maintaining this cooperation and commitment to the improvement of highways and the highway transportation system.  

All IDOT policies, rules and practices are also in line with the Illinois Aeronautics Act, the Illinois Vehicle Code and applicable executive orders. By adhering to the aforementioned federal and state governance guidelines, IDOT honors its pledge of professionalism and dedication to meeting the needs of Illinois travelers every single day.

Administrative Rules

Proposed Rulemakings

Selection of Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services (44 Ill. Adm. Code 625)

The Department is proposing updates to this Part to promote clarity in the consultant selection process and to maintain compliance with the requirements of 23 CFR 172.7. The Department is clarifying the requirements for a firm to obtain and maintain prequalification status; updating information on a Professional Transportation Bulletin, its availability, and subscription service; amending ranking criteria to mirror the permissible criteria under the federal regulations; clarifying the process for the consultant selection committee to finalize the preliminary ranking and vote, and increasing consultant selection committee's membership from a maximum of six to a maximum of ten members.  

The proposed amendments are published at Issue 35, 50 Ill. Reg. 12781, August 28, 2026. The Department will be accepting written comments on the proposed rulemaking through October 13, 2026. Comments may be submitted to DOT.AdminRules@illinois.gov.

See 50 Ill. Reg. 12781 for full text of rulemaking.
 

Relocation Assistance Services and Payments Program for State Highway Projects (92 Ill. Adm. Code 518)

The Department is proposing amendments to incorporate the updates to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs, 49 CFR 24. Among various editorial and general updates, the proposed amendments include Department's organizational changes and relocation assistance services and payments program procedural changes by removing a two-level review process and establishing one-level review process. Many current requirements remain the same but are moved to a different subsection in the rule.

The proposed amendments are published at Issue 35, 50 Ill. Reg. 12798, August 28, 2026. The Department will be accepting written comments on the proposed rulemaking through October 13, 2026. Comments may be submitted to DOT.AdminRules@illinois.gov.

See 50 Ill. Reg. 12798 for full text of rulemaking.

Emergency Rulemakings

  • None at this time

Resources