The Illinois Department of Transportation not only ensures that Illinois is safe to travel through, but also helps make it a great place to live and visit. By visiting the IDOT Update page you will stay informed on what we’re doing across the state. To be notified of new blog posts, subscribe here.
New Employee Spotlight: Bureau Chief of Federal Affairs Tim McMahon
Tim McMahon took on the role of bureau chief of Federal Affairs in February. He came to IDOT with a wealth of experience: He spent the past six years at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the four before that in Washington, D.C., working for Sen. Dick Durbin and at the U.S. Department of Transportation in congressional affairs.
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New Tom Schaefer honored by IHSA for officiating
By day, Tom Schaefer manages pavement markings, signs and other controls as the traffic operations engineer for District 3 in Ottawa. After work, he has spent time on many soccer fields throughout northern Illinois as an official for a sport he has been passionate about since childhood.
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Two teams awarded Secretary’s Pin
Two IDOT teams have been awarded the Secretary's Pin for not only going above and beyond but helping to save lives: District 6 highway maintainers sprang into action to rescue a woman and her son from a burning car near Springfield, while staff at the Morton Yard responded to a colleague experiencing a cardiac event.
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Employee Spotlight: Annie Prothro, Project Studies Engineer
Annie Prothro currently serves in Location Studies as project studies engineer. A 28-year veteran with the department, she previously served as survey technician, construction inspector, plats and plans technician, and quality control/quality assurance plant inspector.
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Major three-year rehabilitation of the Kennedy underway
A three-year, three-stage rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to Ohio Street in Chicago, is underway. The estimated $150 million project initially involves rehabilitating 36 bridge structures and the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system as well as other improvements.
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Employee Spotlight Mike Stirk, Bureau Chief of Innovative Project Delivery
New to IDOT, Bureau Chief of Innovative Project Delivery Mike Stirk is charged with implementing alternate project delivery at IDOT based on the state of Illinois passing design-build legislation in 2022. He also knows his way around some musical instruments in his free time.
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IDOT auditor finds time for fiction in self-published book
Stephen Kirk, director of the Office of Internal Audit, is the proud author of “A Betrayal of Trust,” a fictional story about a man who runs a Ponzi scheme. A 35-year veteran of state government, including the past 13 at IDOT, Kirk began writing the book after working for the Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department.
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IDOT lays out sustainability initiatives for 2023
The year ahead promises to be a busy one for sustainability initiatives at IDOT. Deputy Director of Planning and Programming Elizabeth Irvin shares some of the sustainability projects starting or continuing in 2023.
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Engineers Week 2023
IDOT is highlighting engineers, including Secretary Omer Osman, who give insights on their career in this field.
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Employee Spotlight - Aundra Williams, Bureau Chief of Business Services
As the chief of Business Services, Aundra Williams leads a bureau that handles all the things needed to ensure IDOT employees can effectively do their jobs.
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I-74 river bridge named Roads & Bridges’ Top Bridge Of 2022
Just more than a year after opening, the Interstate 74 Mississippi River Bridge in the Quad Cities continues to be recognized, most recently being named Roads & Bridges magazine’s top bridge of 2022. The bridge is also featured as a postage stamp for 2023.
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Employee Spotlight Sannaz Etemadi, Senior Counsel and Interim Chief, Bureau of Civil Rights
Leading the Bureau of Civil Rights, Senior Counsel Sannaz Etemadi focuses on developing, implementing, and monitoring IDOT’s programs for Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Americans with Disabilities Act, and federal contract compliance. As a first-generation Iranian American, she advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
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DBE program brings opportunities to Kankakee area
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise networking event in Kankakee County brought together IDOT representatives, prime contractors, certified DBE firms, firms seeking DBE certification and community leaders in one place to learn from each other.
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Looking back at 2022: Rebuilding Illinois continues with completed projects, new ones planned for 2023 across the state
Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, IDOT continued to make history in 2022. Delivering transformational projects across the state that will improve safety, enhance quality of life and create economic opportunity across multiple modes of transportation for generations to come.
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Underwater bridge inspections help ensure safety on the surface
Scuba gear is not a standard tool for engineers. However, a federal mandate requires bridges crossing more than 20 feet of water to undergo underwater inspection every five years. So every five years it’s time for a deep dive into Illinois’ waters.
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Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange project reaches the finish line
Gov. JB Pritzker joined IDOT, local officials and community leaders Dec. 14 to celebrate the completion of the Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction. This major, multiyear project modernized a critical transportation hub for the region and entire Midwest.
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New HCCTP program launched at Shawnee Community College Cairo Extension Center
A partnership between IDOT, Shawnee Community College Cairo Extension Center and John A. Logan College is committed to developing the workforce in Alexander and Pulaski counties as part of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program.
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Employee Spotlight Sarah Dimaano,Area Mixtures Control Supervisor for Kane and DuPage Counties
Area Mixtures Control Supervisor Sarah Dimaano oversees 22 concrete and asphalt plants in Kane and DuPage counties, ensuring all production, testing and reporting of that material comply with any specifications or contract special provisions.
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Employee Spotlight Arterial Traffic Operations Engineer Kalpana Kannan-Hosadurga
Arterial Traffic Operations Engineer Kalpana Kannan-Hosadurga is responsible for work on the arterial routes in District 1, including the selection and installation of traffic control devices, the development of effective temporary traffic control strategies for construction projects, and the issuance of traffic permits for highway access and work within the right of way.
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Snow and ice have come again and that means it's time for "Winter Weather - Get it Together"
Another snow and ice season means the time has come for “Winter Weather-Get it Together.” IDOT, Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway are ready.
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Day Labor to the rescue: Teamwork delivers quick fix for fire-damaged bridge
A late September fire that forced the emergency closure of a ramp at a busy Chicago interchange would have caused longer and more significant delays if not for the work of Day Labor, IDOT’s in-house construction unit.
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Prairies to preservation: Emerging landscape used to its advantage in maintaining roadsides in Ford County
What some may see as a random patch of wildflowers and plants along Illinois 54 in Ford County, Andy Stahr, Jay Keigher and Kip Rutledge from District 3 see fields of opportunities.
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Oh, dear! Don’t veer for deer!
IDOT, IDNR remind motorists to resist the urge to swerve
Fall is here and while it’s a beautiful time of year as the leaves change color, IDOT and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists that deer mating season has also arrived. That means deer become more active, mainly at dawn and dusk from October through December.
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Website launched to keep public informed on I-80 Will County work
IDOT launched a new website, I80will.org, to provide the public with the latest information on the $1.2 billion reconstruction of Interstate 80 through Will County, one of the cornerstone projects of Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.
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IDOT and U of I drive to increase electric vehicle use in Illinois
As the U.S. Climate Alliance aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% by 2030, IDOT and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Illinois Center for Transportation are working to increase the use of electric vehicles.
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Rebuild Illinois continues with new $34.6 billion Multi-Year Program
Roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports and ports throughout Illinois will receive $34.6 billion in improvements over the next six years in the latest Multi-Year Program.
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Rebuild Illinois investment supercharges MetroLINK in the Quad Cities
An $18.5 million investment by IDOT via Rebuild Illinois has allowed the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK) to usher in a cleaner, more efficient way for riders to move around the Quad Cities.
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E-scooters to boost equitable, sustainable transportation in Chicago
The Illinois Center for Transportation and Illinois Department of Transportation examine how services like shared e-bikes and scooters in Chicago can provide more sustainable transit solutions.
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IDOT construction technician’s quick thinking helps save a distressed traveler
IDOT Construction Technician Steven Miller and Massac County Sheriff’s Deputy Summer Dixon were in the right place to save a distressed traveler’s life in Southern Illinois in May.
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Not a Game: New safety campaign highlights real consequences of unsafe driving
Respawns and extra lives can help you win video games, but IDOT’s new safety campaign reminds drivers they only have one life.
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Arch assembly begins on the Illinois River for the new McClugage Bridge
As the piers for the new eastbound McClugage Bridge continue to rise from the Illinois River in Peoria, the next phase of construction will be just as exciting.
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Employee spotlight: Region 5 Engineer Kirk H. Brown
Kirk H. Brown has stepped into a new role in a familiar place as the new regional engineer for Districts 8 and 9 in the southern part of the state.
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Mixing up long-lasting, sustainable concrete pavements
A joint effort by IDOT and the Illinois Center for Transportation is looking to coal fly ash to help make concrete pavements last longer.
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State bike maps blaze a new trail
Looking to cycle beyond cell-tower range? Want to plan a bike trip with friends at the table over brunch? We’ve got a map for that.
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IDOT helps a memorial shine again
A collaboration by IDOT and The Garden Clubs of Illinois has helped a northern Illinois roadside memorial honoring soldiers shine brighter for years to come.
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Employee Spotlight: Jonathan J. McGee, Director of Office of Business and Workforce Diversity
As IDOT’s new director of the Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, Jonathan J. McGee has some big plans in helping to remove structural and systemic barriers that limit or obstruct federal and state contracting or workforce opportunities.
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IDOT employee retires after a 34-year military career, continues his day job
While Ivan Ortiz is still going strong in his day job at IDOT, he has retired from the military with 34 years of service.
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Bird houses erected near Litchfield as part of “Give Birds the Right of Way” program
An initiative to install bird houses is expanding throughout the state to not only provide a resting spot for bluebirds, but also attract other native bird species. Four houses were installed at the Coalfield Rest Areas on Interstate 55 near Litchfield in Montgomery County.
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IDOT website now features Google Translate
Information on IDOT’s website is now available in more than 109 different languages using Google Translate.
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Setting the bar for longer-lasting bridges
IDOT and The Illinois Center for Transportation are collaborating to build stronger bridges thanks to funds under President Joe Biden’s $27 billion Bridge Formula Program.
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Employee Spotlight: Karen Dvorsky, District 4 Program Development Engineer
Engineering is in Karen Dvorsky’s blood. Her dad, four of six siblings, husband, and two of three children are all engineers. As District 4’s Program Development Engineer, Dvorsky leads her staff in accomplishing the district’s annual and multi-year programs.
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Employee Spotlight Craig Johnson: District 8 Bridge Mechanic
Whether it’s above the Illinois River or “Under the Sea”, District 8 Bridge Mechanic Craig Johnson keeps the show running on the road as well as on stage.
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State Capitol encounter becomes the 2022 Illinois Highway Map cover photo
The Illinois State Capitol returns to the state highway map for the first time in 54 years! All thanks to an eye-catching photo from Andrew Bolinger. Learn more about him and how he got this shot.
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Chicago to Carbondale: Rebuilding I-57
IDOT is making a major investment in Interstate 57 this construction season, as more than a third of the 94 miles of roads and bridges from Chicago’s South Side to the Iroquois-Ford County line will be improved. That’s in addition to several improvements underway along the corridor in central and southern Illinois
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Horseshoe Mound project flourishing with the help of District
A drive along U.S. 20 near Galena will be more scenic thanks to a partnership between IDOT and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation that will update the Horseshoe Mound Preserve..
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Travel smart: IDOT and U of I help develop guidelines for smart work zones
IDOT and University of Illinois researchers are creating guidelines to determine where smart work zone systems need to be implemented on Illinois highways to avoid potential problems.
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IDOT announces 2021 engineer, engineering technician of the year
IDOT honored its Engineer and Engineering Technician of the Year during the annual Transportation and Highway Engineering Conference on March 2. The awards recognize engineers and engineering technicians for outstanding work demonstrating skill, statewide impact or innovative solutions.
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Cameras upping snow removal efforts in District 5
A pilot program in central Illinois is helping IDOT stay on top of route conditions during winter weather events.
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Employee Spotlight Ken Crawford, District 5 Project Implementation Engineer
Ken Crawford has taken on a variety of roles throughout his 22-plus years at IDOT. In his current role as District 5 Project Implementation Engineer, he shares his thoughts about the job and the evolution of his career
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Employee Spotlight Jason Osborn, Director, Office of Intermodal Project Implementation
In his role at IDOT, Jason Osborn, director of the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation, manages the flow of needed funds that support aviation, transit, passenger rail and railroad planning throughout the state.
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Building Blocks of Success: IDOT hosts DBE workshops in March
The Office of Business and Workforce Diversity will host free virtual workshops in March as part of Building Blocks of Success, a continuing series of free virtual workshops for firms interested in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program and strengthening their skills.
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Morton team remedies eight years of flooding on Illinois 116 in East Peoria
It took the Morton team 8 days to solve an 8-year flooding issue along Illinois 116 in East Peoria. Read more (link) about how they kept the project on time and under budget.
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Engineers Week 2022
IDOT is highlighting eight engineers, including Secretary Omer Osman, who give insights on their career in this field.
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Second round of grants announced for ports and transit systems throughout Illinois
Gov. JB Pritzker and IDOT announced over $200 million in grants have been awarded across Illinois to local transit providers and public ports. Of that, $111.4 million has been awarded to downstate providers as part of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. With an additional $108.3 million awarded for public ports across Illinois.
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Students job shadow bridge project in Banner
What’s piling? Ask students from Canton High School’s building trades class. They got an close-up lesson on the topic last fall when visiting an IDOT work site to replace an outdated bridge on U.S. 24/Illinois 9 over Copperas Creek outside of Banner.
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New permit route guidance app provides audible turn-by-turn navigation
A new route guidance app for routine oversize and overweight permits is now available. The app features audible turn-by-turn technology, which will enable truck drivers to hear directions while keeping their attention on the road.
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Building Blocks of Success: IDOT hosts DBE workshops in February
The Office of Business and Workforce Diversity will host free virtual workshops in February as part of Building Blocks of Success, a continuing series of free virtual workshops for firms interested in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program and strengthening their skills.
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Accelerating Growth with DBE Certification: Taylor Electric Company, Chicago
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program provides minorities, women and other eligible small businesses an opportunity to participate in highway, transit and airport contracts. Certified through this program, Chicago-based Taylor Electric Company has built a reputation for excellence working with state agencies and local clients such as Guaranteed Rate Field and Soldier Field.
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IDOT in 2021: Rebuild Illinois continues with completed projects, launch of new major projects and initiatives
The Illinois Department of Transportation, under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, continued to make transformational investments in infrastructure, people and communities through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, with major projects delivered or coming to life across the state in 2021.
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The Bob Michel Bridge project advances in Peoria
District 4 held a public meeting on Dec. 9 where close to 50 local citizens attended to learn more about the preferred alternative for the Bob Michel Bridge deck rehab project in Peoria.
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Pam Simon, champion of diversity retiring
When Pam Simon started working on job sites early in her career, it wasn’t unusual for people to ask her what business she had being there as a Black woman. Since then, she’s made it her mission to see that everyone from all backgrounds feels welcome working and participating on our projects.
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Springfield historic sites get upgrades to parking, walkways
Upgrades are in progress for two of Springfield’s most beloved historic landmarks: the Lincoln Tomb and the Dana-Thomas House. Learn more about what’s planned to improve visitor access
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POW-MIA signs replaced throughout the state
Signs honoring POW-MIA service members from the Vietnam War were becoming worn and outdated. A cooperative effort between IDOT and veterans associations will ensure these signs are replaced.
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World War II vet brightens roadside with assist from Region 5
If you happen to drive along Illinois 4 north of Mascoutah next spring when the flowers are starting to bloom, you can thank 95-year-old World War II Navy veteran and retired teacher Joseph Cunningham for the floral array.
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Updated Getting Around Illinois website highlight IDOT’s winter driving safety efforts
An updated Getting Around Illinois website, two new snowplows and an ample supply of salt are some of IDOT’s preparations for the upcoming snow-and-ice season. Learn more about the department’s plans and how you can stay safe on the roads this winter.
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Employee Spotlight: Brittany Gavin, Roadside Management Specialist
If you admire the roadsides in western Illinois, Roadside Management Specialist Brittany Gavin has a role in keeping them maintained and looking great. Learn more about the knowledge, passion and enthusiasm she brings to her job,
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Recycling pavement for a sustainable future
Motorists in Illinois can expect a better ride quality on the roads they rely on, as well as fewer disruptions from maintenance and repair activities thanks to a joint effort with the Illinois Center for Transportation.
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Illinois Take A Shine to Solar Energy
As one of the state’s largest landowners, IDOT is preparing for a greener future by doing its part to make Illinois a leader in renewable energy. Learn more about which of our facilities could see solar panels installed in the future.
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IDOT, IDNR celebrate Kickapoo Rail Trail improvements
The former CSX railroad’s transition into the Kickapoo Rail Trail between Champaign and Danville added a new segment with the repurposing of a 1,300-foot-long, nearly 100-foot-tall bridge over the Middle Fork Vermilion River. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources joined local organizations to celebrate the accomplishment.
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$1.2 billion, six-year Corridor Improvement Project announced for I-80 in Will County
Interstate 80 in Will County will receive $1.2 billion in improvements over the next six years as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program. The project will replace infrastructure more than 50 years old, including the Des Plaines River bridges.
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Employee Spotlight: Jon Schumacher, District 1 Bureau Chief of Construction
Learn more about how IDOT’s Bureau Chief of Construction in District 1 and his role in coordinating several current and future projects in the Chicago area that impact thousands of daily motorists.
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Highway maintainer saves driver from overturned semi
Alan Ingle tends to be at the right place at the right time working as a District 7 highway maintainer. His quick thinking and vast experience saved a driver’s life after her semi overturned on Interstate 70 in southern Illinois.
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Employee Spotlight: Jason Salley
What do LEGOs, Lincoln Logs and Capsela have in common with roundabouts and diverging diamond interchanges? For Jason Salley, the latter helped him understand his role as District 1 Geometric Studies Unit head.
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New test track to aid pavement assessment and research
A new 1-mile test track under construction in Clinton County will help IDOT learn more about the pavement conditions of the roads motorists rely on.
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Collaboration creates Litchfield Route 66 prairie
Illinois’ section of Route 66 offers many tourist attractions. A new stop along the “Mother Road” allows visitors to see a vast prairie filled with pollinators.
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IDOT employees honored for saving woman
District 7 Highway Maintainers James McWhirter and Brian Campbell were not expecting to be heroes when checking on roads on a frigid January morning. Yet they were after saving an elderly woman with dementia on the verge of freezing to death.
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Letting 101: A guided tour through IDOT's bid letting process
The letting process is a critical step to bring hundreds of transportation infrastructure projects throughout Illinois from planning to shovels in ground. Over the course of the year, the Illinois Department of Transportation has seven regularly scheduled lettings. Thanks to Gov. JB Pritzker and his historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, the number of projects happening in Illinois has significantly increased. Click here to learn about our bid letting process.
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New signs direct motorists to alternative fueling sites
The blue signs seen along Illinois interstates will show more than places to eat, sleep and get gas. New signs are going up this summer to show motorists relying on EV, CNG and LPG where to refuel so they can reach their destination.
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Employee Spotlight Bill Viste, Project Coordinator, Division of Aeronautics
Watching the planes fly in and out of Chicago’s Midway Airport was the beginning of Bill Viste’s pursuit of an aviation career. Since then it has taken flight at IDOT to help the agency gain a higher-level perspective for its many construction projects and initiatives.
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Meet the Secretary: Omer Osman Reflects on IDOT Journey
Being confirmed as the 13th person to lead the Illinois Department of Transportation is the latest chapter in Secretary Omer Osman’s remarkable life and career. Learn more about his thoughts and plans for IDOT.
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Employee Spotlight: George Tapas, Engineer of Local Roads
Learn more about how IDOT’s Engineer of Local Roads and Streets plans to utilize his vast transportation experience to assist with the planning, finance, design, construction and maintenance of local transportation systems for Illinois.
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New Multi-Year Program continues Rebuild Illinois’ progress
Learn more about the new Multi-Year Program that continues the promises made by Governor JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.
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Employee Spotlight: Michael Walton, Engineer of Day Labor
Learn more about the person who leads IDOT’s in-house construction company, which performs emergency repairs on roads and bridges across Illinois.
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Employee spotlight: Region 1 Engineer Jose Rios
Learn more about IDOT’s newest regional engineer and the career milestones that brought him to this top position.
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RRFBs: Helping pedestrians cross streets safely
Learn more about Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and how they increase pedestrian safety by raising awareness for motorists.
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IDOT on the path to extend the Kickapoo Rail Trail
Work includes construction of an 88-foot-tall bridge near Danville.
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Holly Bieneman: Director of Planning and Programming
Holly Bieneman has been appointed director of the Office of Planning and Programming.
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100 Days of Flooding in June
Illinois hit 100 consecutive days of severe flooding on June 18.
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ETP Hosts Chicago Fire Department for Specialized Training
Emergency Traffic Patrol staff recently hosted a three-day training in conjunction with the Chicago Fire Department.
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District 8 Hosts Engineering Academies
With an assist from District 8, Diversity and Recruitment conducted engineering academies July 15 and 16 for 80 ninth- and 10th-grade Math Science Upward Bound students in East St. Louis.
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Governor Pritzker Signs $45 Billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan
Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a historic, bipartisan bill that gives Illinois its first capital plan in nearly a decade – and the most robust in state history.
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