Manuals and Guides

The IDOT Construction Manual is compiled to clarify the IDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and to suggest uniform procedures in highway construction field work. The manual is organized similar to the Standard Specifications.

Construction Memorandums are issued by IDOT's Bureau of Construction to distribute policy information. Please navigate to Construction Memorandums for a list of updates within the past year and a list of memorandums.

The Documentation of Contract Quantities Guide (or “Documentation Guide” for short) is the documentation section of IDOT’s Construction Manual, containing policies which represent the minimum documentation requirements for use by construction personnel for the proper documentation of day to day events as well as contract pay quantities on the state’s highway construction projects. Each IDOT district may require additional documentation due to conditions specific to the District.

The CMMS Supplement – Documentation of Contract Quantities Guide document serves as a supplement to the department’s Documentation of Contract Quantities Guide. This supplement is intended for use when the Construction and Materials Management System (CMMS) is being utilized to administer a construction contract.

Highway Standards show the details of various construction items and are used in conjunction with the Standard Specifications.  The applicable Standards are referenced on the cover sheet of the plans. To view the most current DGN files please navigate to Highways Standards.

Construction Inspector's Checklists are issued by IDOT's Bureau of Construction to provide guidance to IDOT and local agency employees for the performance of required inspection for the major categories of work involved in department contracts.

For technical support call (217) 782-2760.

IDOT's Bureau of Local Roads and Streets publishes and maintains a manual which establishes uniform policies and procedures for the location, design, and environmental evaluation of highway construction projects on the local highway system. The purpose of this policy is to compile the policies and procedures which govern project location, design, and environmental evaluation into one comprehensive manual.

As of January 1, 2006, all design approvals will be based on the most current electronic version of this manual unless a variance is granted.

Download the entire Local Roads Manual or to view the manuals by part please navigate to LPA Resources: Local Roads and Street Manual.

Navigate to Local Roads & Streets Special Provisions to view a complete listing of updates to the current Local Roads & Streets Manual.

IDOT has an electronic subscription service with automatic email updates on all changes to the BLRS Manual. To sign up for this free service, please navigate to Stay Connected.

If you have any questions or comments about the manual please email: DOT.BLRDOTMANUAL@Illinois.gov

The Illinois Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (IMUTCD) consists of the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NMUTCD) issued by the Federal Highway Administration as amended by the Illinois Supplement to the MUTCD. Please access the federal MUTCD at the FHWA website for more information. 

Current Issue:  Illinois Supplement to the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Summary of Changes:  Illinois Supplement to the National MUTCD Summary of Changes

In the interest of statewide uniformity, forward requests for interpretations, experimentation, and changes to the MUTCD or IL Supplement to dot.ilmutcd@illinois.gov

All materials used on a project must have evidence of materials inspection, in other words, there must be proof that the materials incorporated into the work meet specification. IDOT's Bureau of Materials is used as a resource for determining reasonable inspection procedures and sampling frequencies for materials used in highway construction. This guide seeks to establish materials sampling and testing uniformity throughout the state by providing sampling schedules which list the minimum frequencies at which samples and measurements shall be taken by project, plant, and IDOT's district personnel.

This guide applies to all projects constructed on the state system and all local agency improvement projects with federal, state, or MFT funds. Specific exceptions to this Manual for Local Agency work are indicated in the current Local Roads and Streets Manual(s) or by circular letter.

• Project Procedure Guide Sampling Frequencies for Materials Testing and Inspection