Office of Highways Project and Implementation

Office of Highways Project Implementation

The Office of Highways Project Implementation monitors district programs to ensure statewide uniformity of policy interpretation and compliance and to certify program coordination with federal, state and local agencies. These bureaus make certain that programs and activities support efficient program implementation across the districts.  The overall objective is to ensure that highway improvement projects are constructed and operated in a cost effective and timely manner and that funds to local agencies are properly administered.

The Office of Highways Project Implementation consists of eight bureaus and the highway regional offices, comprised of five regions or a total of nine district offices. Bureaus include: Construction, Materials and Physical Research, Operations, Bridges and Structures, Land Acquisition, Local Roads and Streets, Design and Environment, and Safety Programs and Engineering

• The Bureau of Construction develops policies to maintain quality construction; approves changes in contracts; provides uniform contract interpretation; and prequalifies contractors. The Bureau performs field-work and coordinates with regional offices to ensure construction projects and contracts are administered consistently across the state. The Bureau also reviews value engineering proposals, coordinates industry policy and joint coop committees, evaluates and approves contractor authorizations to bid, approves subcontractors, and manages payments to contractors for construction projects. Additionally, the Bureau ensures final documentation for construction projects is complete and manages accounts receivable tor local agency agreements.
• The Bureau of Materials and Physical Research establishes policies and procedures that provide for quality assurance in materials testing and physical research. The Bureau inspects all materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways. The Bureau conducts studies of methods and equipment, evaluates and approves new products for use in construction projects, and provides operational research development to improve the economy and quality of transportation design, construction, and maintenance and operation.
• The Bureau of Operations creates policies and procedures to protect public investment in new and existing transportation facilities and develops programs and policies that provide for safe, smooth and efficient traffic flow. Additional responsibilities include: monitoring maintenance operations and roadside development to implement programs that reduce maintenance costs; emergency planning; managing statewide communication systems; ensure uniform application of traffic control devices on all streets and highways; processing applications for special vehicle movements; recommends revisions in the vehicle code; and informs the public of traffic conditions, laws and operational safety.
  
• The Highway Regional Offices are accountable to the Director of Highways Project Implementation, and are responsible for highway operations and functions within their respective geographic boundaries. The regions ensure that the highway programs are compatible with the protection of both the natural and the socio-economic environments. The regions strive to reduce the number of traffic accidents, property damage and fatalities through safe design, construction and maintenance of highway facilities and  an active traffic management program.  The regions coordinate with local officials and the public in the project development process and during construction. Regions coordinate with the central office for design approvals and construction authorizations.
• The Bureau of Bridges and Structures develops the structural design policies and practices of the department. The bureau accomplishes this by providing detailed planning and design of highway structures and bridge standards, including preliminary engineering and other plans and studies. This bureau also inspects major structures and structural steel for safety purposes.
• The Bureau of Design and Environment develops standards, specifications and policies for the design of the state’s highway network. BDE supports district offices in implementing departmental standards and provides guidance and support for location and environmental studies, including environmental impact statements. BDE also provides technical expertise to assist district offices in solving unique engineering, social, economic and environmental problems. This office coordinates and prepares federal-aid program documents; processes plans and contract documents for project lettings; works closely with FHWA; and provides aerial photography, mapping and photo lab services.
• The Bureau of Land Acquisition develops policies and provides oversight of the statewide land acquisition program. This program includes such functions as relocation assistance, property management and signboard and junkyard control. The Bureau is responsible for reviewing and processing all right-of-way expenditures.
• The Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering is responsible for developing, maintaining and implementing engineering and behavior related safety programs, training, policies and procedures to enhance safety on Illinois roadways. The bureau administers the highways safety improvement program (HSIP) and the Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). Other responsibilities include vehicle accident reporting; evaluation and analysis of accident data; dissemination of accident statistics to traffic safety officials; and administering the Department’s portion of the state’s Safety Responsibility Law.