Current News

December 2019

Make a Resolution to Drive Sober, Buckle Up

December 30, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - With 2019 coming to an end and Illinois motor vehicle fatalities down from last year, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police and more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the state today reminded of motorists they'll be working overtime now through the beginning of the new year to keep impaired drivers off the road.
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Lanes reopening where possible for Christmas travel

December 23, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Christmas holiday to minimize travel distruption.
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Ho-Ho-Ho- Holiday enforcement is here

December 23, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 police and sheriff's departments are coming together for the annual holiday "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign to keep impaired drivers off the roads.
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Getting Around Illinois provides latest winter road conditions

December 19, 2019

SPRINGFIELD -- As the official start of winter approaches, the Illinois Department of Transportation reminds travelers to visit and bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions.
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Winter storm, difficult driving conditions today, start of work week throughout much of Illinois

December 15, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public that a winter storm with the potential for several inches of snow and freezing rain will have a major impact on travel later today and Monday throughout much of the state. All motorists should plan accordingly for conditions to deteriorate this afternoon, into the overnight hours and tomorrow, with hazardous driving conditions and much longer travel times.
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Public invited to take IDOT traveler survey

December 5, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state's transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available today through Dec. 31. The survey is available online by visiting idot.illinois.gov
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November 2019

Lanes reopening where possible for Thanksgiving travel

November 26, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Thanksgiving holiday to minimize travel disruption.
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IDOT, ISP join Lyft to offer sober rides during holidays

November 26, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — If your holiday plans involve festive cocktails, craft brews or spiked eggnog, the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement want you to know that your free Lyft ride is waiting. From Wednesday, Nov. 27, through New Year’s Day, $20 in Lyft credits will be available to provide a safe and sober travel option to individuals in Sangamon County during the evening and overnight hours, when most impaired drivers are on the road.
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As Thanksgiving nears, IDOT, ISP and Tollway remind public: “Winter Weather – Get it Together”

November 22, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – With motorists throughout the state preparing for Thanksgiving travel, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway remind everyone that the brunt of winter is yet to come and encourage the driving public with “Winter Weather – Get it Together.”
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October 2019

Public meeting November 7 in Cahokia for I-255 rehabilitation

October 30, 2019

COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois Department of Transportation will host a public meeting November 7 in Cahokia to discuss plans to fully close portions of Interstate 255 next spring for a major rehabilitation project. By closing I-255, the work will be completed cheaper, faster and safer.
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IDOT receives federal funds to improve alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure on I-80

October 30, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Illinois is receiving federal funds to boost infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles on Interstate 80. The grant, which will target electric vehicles and vehicles that run on natural gas, is part of a larger effort to build a mid-America alternative fuel corridor spanning six states.
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Don’t be an impaired driving monster this Halloween

October 29, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are warning motorists that becoming an impaired driving monster may lead to unnecessary motor vehicle fatalities. The message is simple this Halloween: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
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Public hearings in November for I-80 improvements

October 28, 2019

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting two public hearings in Joliet to share details on proposed improvements to Interstate 80, a cornerstone project in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program that will invest $33.2 billion in transportation infrastructure across all modes throughout the state.
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Gov. Pritzker, IDOT Announce Rebuild Illinois Road and Bridge Projects

October 21, 2019

Springfield, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation released the department's annual Multi-Year Plan of road and bridge projects across the state, which is the first to capture the historic impact of the Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
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Major rehabilitation for I-255 begins in early 2020

October 11, 2019

COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that one of its first projects under the Rebuild Illinois capital plan will be a complete overhaul of a crumbling section of Interstate 255 early in 2020. Because the road has deteriorated so badly, the rebuilding effort will require a full closure of seven miles, in two separate sections, over 10 months, allowing the project to be finished more quickly, safely and with fewer taxpayer dollars.
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Fall driving can get risky when deer get frisky

October 10, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – With the onset of autumn, the school year is in full swing, pumpkin lattes are steaming – and Illinois deer are feeling amorous. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists to be vigilant during deer mating season as the animals become more active, especially in the early morning and evening hours.
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IDOT wins America’s Transportation Awards grand prize

October 9, 2019

COLLINSVILLE –The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a joint effort with Missouri to improve mobility and access throughout the Metro East region has earned the Grand Prize in the 2019 America’s Transportation Awards, the top honor for state departments of transportation. The award marks the second consecutive year IDOT has won the honor, presented at the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials annual meeting in St. Louis.
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September 2019

Home stretch to vote for Metro East project as nation’s best

September 30, 2019

COLLINSVILLE – Just one week is left to vote for an Illinois Department of Transportation effort with Missouri as the top transportation project in the country. On the line is prestige and $5,000 in prize money that IDOT will award to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Upward Bound program.
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Wanted: Snowplow drivers to join the IDOT team

September 24, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation today renewed its call for qualified individuals to step forward and apply for seasonal positions to help with snow-and-ice removal across the state. Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis.
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Roadeo competition puts snow plow drivers over a barrel

September 13, 2019

PEORIA - The sun was out, the blacktop was hot and winter was on the minds of everyone at today's 28th Annual Snow Roadeo in Peoria. The Illinois Department of Transportation once again partnered with the state chapter of the American Public Works Association to host the friendly competition that sharpens the skills of plow drivers throughout the state and calls attention to the need for people to apply for jobs keeping roads clear of snow and ice.
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August 2019

Lanes reopening where possible for Labor Day travel

August 29, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Labor Day holiday to minimize travel disruption.
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Cap your end-of-summer celebration with a sober ride home

August 28, 2019

SPRINGFIELD -- With the last long weekend of summer almost here, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 160 local law enforcement agencies are stepping up to keep our roads safe and remind everyone that impaired driving is literally a matter of “Life or Death.”
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IDOT finalist for prestigious national award

August 23, 2019

COLLINSVILLE – For the second consecutive year, an Illinois Department of Transportation project is a finalist for the grand prize in the America’s Transportation Awards, the top honor for state departments of transportation. The recognition is for a joint effort with the Missouri Department of Transportation to improve access and mobility throughout the Metro East region.
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Illinois, Missouri win regional transportation award for transforming Metro East access, enhancing quality of life

August 14, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a bi-state partnership aimed at improving access and mobility throughout the Metro East has garnered top honors. The recognition from Midwest states in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is for critical bridge projects over the past decade that provide better connections in the metropolitan area with jobs and tourist destinations in downtown St. Louis.
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Life of Death: IDOT unveils new ad for Scott’s Law

August 13, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is expanding its Life or Death Illinois campaign to include Scott’s Law, calling attention to the need to protect first responders, emergency personnel and frontline highway workers. A new video that will air statewide comes after Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed legislation strengthening the law while bringing together stakeholders to find solutions to prevent future tragedies on Illinois roads.
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New official Illinois map available at state fair

August 6, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – Just in time for the state fair, the Illinois Department of Transportation is releasing the new Illinois Official Highway Map, featuring an updated look that reflects the Geographic Information System technology used to create it – a development that will significantly reduce production time of future editions. The map, available at the IDOT tent at the state fair starting Thursday, includes route updates, Quick Response (QR) codes for transportation-related websites and useful links to help you make the most of your travels throughout Illinois.
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July 2019

IDOT ready for pavement blowouts during heat wave

July 17, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – With extreme heat dominating the forecast, the Illinois Department of Transportation cautioned motorists to be on the lookout for pavement buckling on roads throughout the state.
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IDOT reopening lanes where possible for Fourth of July travel

July 2, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen where possible for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption.
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June 2019

Impaired driving has ‘Life or Death’ consequences

June 27, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — With Independence Day just around the corner, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are joining together to prevent alcohol- and drug-related crashes and fatalities through a ramped-up enforcement period that runs through July 8.
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May 2019

Construction suspended, lanes reopening where possible for Memorial Day travel

May 23, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation will be reopening lanes where possible for the Memorial Day weekend to minimize travel disruption.
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'Border to Border' seat belt enforcement through Memorial Day focuses on reducing injuries, fatalities

May 20, 2019

SPRINGFIELD -The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the state are joining the national "Border to Border" campaign by increasing seat belt patrols and enforcement zones today through Memorial Day.
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Innovative solutions contest at IDOT highlights creative ideas, inventions that save time, money

May 8, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is once again recognizing the ingenuity and MacGyver-like skills of its employees in the second annual Innovative Ideas Contest, a statewide initiative that encourages creativity and teamwork to find solutions to common problems. The winning ideas were selected based on improved service to the traveling public and the potential to save taxpayer money.
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IDOT Announces 2019 Airport of the Year Award Recipients

May 6, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – Six airports have been selected as winners of the 2019 Airport of the Year award by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The awards will be presented Thursday, May 9, at the Illinois Aviation Conference in East Peoria.
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Flooding impacts on travel to continue through weekend

May 3, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Emergency Management Agency are advising the public to prepare for delays while traveling and avoid taking unnecessary risks as flooding continues to impact much of the state. With many roads already closed and water levels in several locations still rising, the potential for additional impacts is possible this weekend.
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Life or Death: IDOT safety campaign aims to educate drivers, honor legacies

May 3, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation has launched the second year of Life or Death Illinois, expanding the successful multimedia safety campaign to feature the real stories of Illinois residents killed in traffic crashes. Life or Death Illinois debuted in 2018 as the first comprehensive approach by IDOT to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, seatbelt use, work zones and impaired and distracted driving.
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Gov. Pritzker proclaims May Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois

May 1, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois, joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates to remind all users of the road to Start Seeing Motorcycles. Although motorcycles represent 3 percent of total vehicle reistrations in Illinois, they account for 12 percent of traffic fatalities - 119 in 2018 alone.
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April 2019

Illinois Officials Stress Need for Safety with Transportation of Chemicals

April 29, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – Following a significant anhydrous ammonia release in Lake County last week, Illinois officials are stressing the need for safety when transporting chemicals and for motorists driving near such vehicles. Local officials reported more than 30 patients were transported to local hospitals following an incident involving a tractor hauling anhydrous ammonia in Beach Park. A shelter in place order was given to the residents within a one-mile radius of the incident.
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Illinois schools receiving 5,000 trees from IDOT

April 18, 2019

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation is once again distributing 5,000 seedlings to schools throughout the state this week in cooperation with Living Lands & Waters in honor of Earth Day on April 22. The “Trees to Schools” initiative helps offset the loss of trees removed or otherwise affected by construction and maintenance activities.
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In Illinois work zones, "Drive Like You Work Here"

April 9, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, industry partners and frontline construction workers joined forces today for National Work Zone Awareness Week, asking the public to "Drive Like You Work Here." To signal the start of construction season and call attention to the life and death issues facing workers and law enforcement, Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed April 8-12 as "Work Zone Safety Awareness Week" in Illinois.
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IDOT Picks Winners of Sign Contest

April 8, 2019

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation is recognizing six members of the public for their creative ideas to improve safety as part of the department’s digital message sign contest. More than 1,400 entries were submitted in six categories.
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Heightened enforcement throughout Illinois for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April 1, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - With National Distracted Driving Awareness Month starting today, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 100 city and county law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to put down their phones and focus on driving. In April, motorists will see increased patrols and enforcement zones across Illinois to ticket drivers using handheld devices.
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IDOT Employee Innovations Showcase, Awards Ceremony

March 2019

March 26, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - THe Illnois Department of Transportation is recognizing 40 finalists for its second annual Innovative Ideas Contest, an in-house initiative to encourage creative problem solving that results in improved service for the traveling publick and potential savings for the taxpayers.
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Keep the green in your pocket, arrive alive on St. Pat's Day

March 14, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - Be the life of the party this St. Patricks' Day, but don't count on the luck of the Irish for the safety of yourself and others on the road. The Illinois State Police and nearly 200 local police agencies will ramp up enforcement of impaired driving, seat belt usage, speeding adn distracted driving laws from Thursday, March 14, through the early hours of Monday, March 18.
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Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward: Creating Opportunity for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

March 6, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation will host the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises conference, Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward, March 25 and 26 at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Hotel in Springfield. The two-day conference provides educational and skill-building workshops, best practices and networking opportunities to DBE firms and contractors from across the state.
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February 2019

Gov. Pritzker Appoints 29-Year IDOT Veteran to Lead Department

February 22, 2019

Omer Osman will serve as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).Osman has over 29 years of experience in the civil engineering and management field at IDOT. In his most recent role as Deputy Secretary for the Office of Project Implementation, he is responsible for guiding day-to-day program delivery and developing both short- and long-term technical policies and procedures.
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IDOT celebrates Black History Month

February 4, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a full slate of special events in February in celebration of Black History Month, with rotating lobby displays featuring a variety of educational topics, from black entrepreneurs and inventors to the Harlem Renaissance.
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Sober drivers are the real MVPs

February 1, 2019

SPRINGFIELD - The Super Bowl brings together families, friends, fans - and the potential for too much partying before the trip home. This Super Bowl Sunday, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement across the state are huddling and calling a play that needs the cooperation of all fans - "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket."
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January 2019

Snow, plummeting temps, strong winds bring challenging travel conditions this weekend

January 18, 2019

CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public that a winter storm arriving this evening will make travel a challenge throughout much of Illinois, with some areas possibly receiving up to 8 inches of snow. Motorists should be prepared for high winds and colder temperatures persisting through the weekend, causing drifting and icing even on treated surfaces.
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Public invited to submit stories for IDOT safety campaign

January 11, 2019

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking real stories from people who have lost loved ones or otherwise been affected by poor choices and driving behaviors. The stories will be used as a part of Life or Death Illinois, IDOT’s ongoing effort to encourage better driving habits and reach zero deaths on Illinois roads.
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Winter storm to impact driving conditions