Illinois State Freight Plan

Freight transportation in Illinois is a key driver of the state’s economy and is integral to the global system of trade, despite being in the interior of the continent. Intermodal service is a principal advantage that Illinois brings to supply chain businesses; this advantage helps drive the state’s economy. Businesses are dependent on moving agricultural products, raw materials, and finished products efficiently. This requires an integrated system of freight transportation and Illinois’ transportation network and freight services provide a full range of options.

2023 Illinois Freight Plan Executive Summary:  The 2023 Illinois Freight Plan Executive Summary is a high-level overview of the 2023 Illinois Freight Plan. It discusses the main topics of the Freight Plan giving a snapshot of what is addressed.

2023 State Freight Plan:  The Illinois 2023 State Freight Plan was developed in accordance with federal guidelines for state freight plans as outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Illinois is a vibrant and thriving hub for freight, with 147,000 miles of roadway, over 10,000 miles of railroad tracks, 1,118 miles of navigable waterways, and numerous airports, pipeline, and other facilities carrying goods across the State. In 2019, about 1.6 billion tons ($2.5 trillion dollars) of freight flowed into, out of, and through Illinois. According to the FHWA, Illinois is the third busiest freight state when measured by value, and fourth when measured by tonnage.

2017 State Freight Plan:  The 2017 State Freight Plan studies the importing and exporting of goods, workforce trends, bottlenecks and other factors that impact effective movement of freight. The plan focuses on the existing process of freight traffic and envisions potential improvements for the future with the help from the Competitive Freight Program.

2023 District Freight Plans: The 2023 District Freight Plans (coming soon) were created for each of the nine IDOT districts.  These plans give a detailed analysis of each freight mode, the system as a whole, and the future of Illinois' system.

To increase understanding and awareness of freight related needs, issues, and projects in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is opening the 2023 Freight Plan. It is intended to host potential freight related projects which will improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, equity, resiliency, and sustainability of the multi-modal freight system.  

This list is intended to assist the IDOT to better identify, prioritize support, and funding for projects (including both IDOT-led and local projects) which are aligned with the IDOT vision and goals for freight, and help advance the DOT’s mission for safe, cost-effective transportation throughout Illinois. 

In addition to being added to our freight plan, your agency may also request a letter of support for your project. To submit your project for potential support and/or a letter of support, click on this hyperlink (Support Request Form) and it will take you to the google form to fill out. Once the form is complete click the send button to submit.  

These requests are reviewed quarterly, and we will inform you of your approval or denial once the review is complete. If you have any questions, please email DOT.ILFreightPlanning@illinois.gov .