Innovative Ideas Contest
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Innovative Ideas Contest is an annual challenge that encourages employees to share original ideas that result in improved service for the traveling public and potential savings for taxpayers.
In 2018, the contest’s inaugural year, more than 100 Operations ideas were submitted to the internal selection committee. Submissions were evaluated by size and scope of the problem, creativity in coming up with a solution, ability to implement statewide, and potential to save time, money or other valuable resources for the state.
The first year was so successful that the contest was expanded department wide, and in 2019, more than 180 ideas were submitted. Forty finalists showcased their work in March at the Central Office in Springfield and an awards ceremony honored the winners.
For 2020 and 2021, the showcase was successfully transitioned to a virtual format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovations were exhibited via videos and posters on the department’s intranet site, and all staff were invited to participate by voting for their favorites.
2021 Winners
Grand Champion
Rotating TMA Sign Holder, D3: Rotating sign holder improves safety while maintaining the integrity of the TMA.
Second Place
Mobile Plow Racking Emergency Stand System, D7: System of wheeled jacks provides for safe and efficient plow installation.
Third Place
Improved Paint Sprayer System, D6: Improved pressure delivery system increases efficiency by decreasing paint clogs and backups.
People’s Choice
Mobile Plow Racking Emergency Stand System, D7: System of wheeled jacks provides for safe and efficient plow installation.
Grand Champion
Electronic Plan Circulation Process, D6: New process eliminates paper waste, streamlines circulation process and enables real-time review.
Second Place
Programming Tools for MYP Development, D3: Excel workbook tools optimize annual program management and funding decisions statewide.
Third Place
Adobe Lab Inspection Documentation, D1: Digital form vastly reduces paper waste and storage needs while streamlining inspection process.
People’s Choice
Payroll Calculator, CO: Calculator provides employees with exact estimates for changing withholdings, deferred compensation and other benefits.
2021 Finalists
- Real-Time Sampling
- Payroll Calculator
- Resurfacing & Pavement Preservation Design Guide
- Annual Yard Equipment Inventory Application
- Adobe Lab Inspection Documentation
- Subsurface Investigation CPT
- Automated MISTIC Material Assignments
- Programming Tools for MYP Development
- One Drive File Sharing
- Electronic Plan Circulation Process