2010 Press Releases

December 29, 2010
As 2010 comes to an end, the Illinois Department of Transportation, state police and hundreds of local law enforcement agencies announce the Traffic Safety Countdown to 2011 that includes a coordinated statewide effort to boost enforcement over New Year’s weekend.

December 22, 2010
Environmental work in Lake County by the Illinois Tollway and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been recognized by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as one of seven nationwide projects selected in 2010 as Exemplary Ecosystem Initiatives.

December 22, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced that a historic public-private partnership agreement on high-speed rail development is in place to bring Illinois one giant step closer to achieving high-speed passenger service between Chicago and St. Louis by 2014.

December 22, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), health care professionals, and state and local law enforcement agencies have teamed up statewide to unveil data showing the tremendous cost of unbuckled motorists driving impaired.

December 17, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics announced today that the Facility Requirements Report, one of the final planning documents for the South Suburban Airport, has been submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for review.

December 10, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the selection of the proposed southern route for Amtrak’s new Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque service from Chicago’s Union Station to downtown Rockford. The $60 million service will create 650 construction jobs, with trains running by early 2014.

December 8, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), state and local dignitaries today announced the completion of the IL Route 15 bridge structure over the Wabash River. The construction of the new structure began on March 25, 2008 and created/sustained 398 jobs.

NOVEMBER

November 30, 2010
The latest on winter driving conditions, ongoing road construction, traffic volumes on state routes and the status of future projects is more accessible than ever on the new and improved www.gettingaroundillinois.com, unveiled today by Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

November 23, 2010
Illinois is on target to experience its second straight year since 1921 with less than 1,000 motor vehicle fatalities. The announcement comes as the statewide Click It or Ticket /You Drink & Drive. You Lose mobilization heads into the heavily-traveled Thanksgiving weekend.

November 16, 2010
Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials today stressed safety by urging motorists to prepare for unfavorable winter driving conditions. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Tollway crews and Illinois State Police (ISP) have partnered to implement the state’s frontline winter crews and to ensure emergency equipment is ready for the upcoming snow and ice season.

November 12, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety today released data showing a significant difference in safety belt usage between front and back seat occupants of passenger vehicles and light trucks.

OCTOBER

October 29, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $90 million in federal transportation enhancement funds for bike paths, streetscape beautification and other improvement projects in communities across Illinois. The funding is a part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), a federally-funded competitive grant program that promotes alternative means of transportation.

October 29, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation, airport and local officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for a newly constructed crosswind runway at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport (IVRA). The approximately $6.5 million expansion project will accommodate increased traffic to the airport.

October 27, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig was joined today by state and local officials to announce roadway improvements to upgrade US Route 51 to a four lane expressway and provide a bypass to the east of Assumption. The project is expected to create 300 jobs.

October 22, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today a significant reduction in injuries from crashes involving deer statewide. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) partnered to remind motorists to be alert for increased deer activity in the fall season.

October 20, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig was joined today by local officials to announce that the bulk of a two-year, $89 million project to add lanes to Illinois 59 through Will County will be finished later this fall. The project created or retained more than 1,150 construction jobs.

October 20, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, state and corporate partners today announced the high schools selected to participate in the 2010-2011 Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD) program. This statewide safety initiative is designed for teens to educate their peers about driving responsibly in an effort to decrease the number of fatalities and injuries involving teenagers in Illinois.

October 15, 2010
A four-year project to stabilize and then improve the three-story former railroad office building and passenger station used by six daily Amtrak trains was celebrated today by Amtrak and Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) representatives who congratulated the Coles County Historical Society on the completion of $3 million effort to restore the building to better serve the region and its growing ridership.

October 14, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, joined by local officials, announced today that the reconstruction and widening of 22nd Street is fully under way, with a goal of creating or retaining 190 jobs.

October 13, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, joined by local officials, announced construction updates for the extension of IL Rte. 255 and the widening and relocation of US 67.

October 13, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, joined by local officials, announced the second major construction project to widen the existing IL Rte. 159.

October 7, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig welcomed central Illinois students to the agency’s fourth annual Career Day at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

October 6, 2010
IDOT, MoDOT to hold joint press conference to discuss upcoming interstate, lane and ramp closures in the St. Louis region in relations to the New Mississippi Bridge Project.
 

October 5, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, joined by local officials, announced the upcoming completion of the first stage of a major upgrade to a flood-prone stretch of Des Plaines River Road. The project, when it is finished next summer, will have created 180 jobs while easing congestion and improving safety in the northwest suburbs.

SEPTEMBER

September 28, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) needs talented, eager elementary students to help promote work zone safety through art. IDOT is looking for creative students in kindergarten through 6th grade, who have an eye for art and work zones.

September 24, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn was joined by municipal officials from across the state today to announce a $100 million capital investment in local transportation needs as part of Illinois Jobs Now!

September 23, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation, AAA, Dorel Juvenile Group, Illinois State Police and SIU School of Medicine today called on all parents and caregivers to ensure that children are properly restrained in correctly installed child safety seats when traveling on Illinois roadways. On Saturday, September 25, over 70 free child seat checks will take place in Illinois providing parents with free hands-on training from certified child passenger safety (CPS) technicians.

September 22, 2010
Interstate 64 in East St. Louis to Close in Both Directions October 8 Weekend

September 17, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by officials to announce the start of a $98 million project to upgrade an initial 90 miles of Union Pacific railroad track between Alton and Lincoln in preparation for high-speed rail service.

September 8, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that on Thursday, September 9th at 3:00 p.m., the two left lanes of westbound I-64 will be closed at 15th Street in East St. Louis, weather permitting.

September 7, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that tonight, September 7th at 6:30 p.m., the two left lanes of eastbound I-64 will be closed at 15th Street in East St. Louis, weather permitting.

September 7, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation’s District office in Paris announced today that Holloway Street will be closed at the CSX Transportation, Inc. Railroad crossing.

September 7, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces construction will begin, weather permitting, Monday September 13th on Illinois Route 104.

September 7, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation Invites Public to Attend Free Motorcycle Rider Courses

September 7, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces one lane of the Bayview Bridge will be closed for a period of two to three days for bridge deck sealing, weather permitting, beginning Tuesday, September 14th through Friday, September 16th.

September 2, 2010
With thousands of people expected to be on the move on state highways over the upcoming holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended where possible to reduce potential traffic congestion this Labor Day weekend

September 1, 2010
Starting today and running through the holiday weekend, late-night motorists will see hundreds of roadside safety checks and enforcement patrols in search of impaired drivers and safety belt law violators.

September 1, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation and Lake Michigan Interstate Gateway Alliance Unveil Enhanced Travel Website to Help Steer Midwest Motorists

AUGUST

August 30, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation, Federal, State and Local Leaders Celebrate Completion of Sunnyland Portion of Illinois Route 8

August 30, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Announces Public Meetings in Region 1 in Preparation of Future Road Program

August 26, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will seek early input into the development of its upcoming Multi-Year Road Program for Highway Improvements for Fiscal Years 2012-2017 by hosting 20 informational and feedback sessions in communities throughout the state. Scheduled Sessions

August 26, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig was joined by Illinois State Representative Jay Hoffman, Illinois State Senator Bill Haine and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the widening of IL Route 159 in Collinsville.

August 24, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Division of Traffic Safety today released data showing a lower number of alcohol-involved, motor vehicle fatalities in Illinois. The reduction in alcohol-involved fatalities has occurred steadily since 2002 with the largest decline occurring between 2007 and 2008.

August 20, 2010
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, Illinois State Police Acting Director Jonathon Monken and corporate sponsors to kick off the fourth year of Operation Teen Safe Driving. The groundbreaking effort was designed to reduce teen motor vehicle crashes and save lives on Illinois’ roadways.

August 18, 2010
Governor Quinn Highlights Illinois Small Business Tax Credit.  Read the Flyer

August 16, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) leaders joined State Sen. John Sullivan (D – Rushville) and State Rep. Rich Myers (R – Colchester) at West Central High School to announce the availability of funding for the US 34 Biggsville Bypass, a four-lane divided highway that will divert truck traffic around Biggsville and West Central High School.

August 13, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig joined U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello and other officials for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the official start of construction for the Illinois approach to the new Mississippi River Bridge.

August 13, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig joined by the Illinois State Police, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and other safety partners recognized the tragic loss of life in Illinois work zones by unveiling the National Work Zone Memorial Wall. The memorial wall is a living tribute to the memory of the men, women and children who have died in work zones.

August 5, 2010
Preparations for improvement of Union Pacific Railroad tracks used by Amtrak south of Springfield will prompt two daily Lincoln Service trains to originate and terminate in Springfield for ten days, starting tomorrow.

JULY

July 30, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced that a statewide environmental oversight group has recognized the Illinois Department of Transportation’s efforts in implementing green construction provisions of Governor Pat Quinn’s order to reduce environmental impact of state government operations.

July 29, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig commended Governor Pat Quinn for signing House Bill 4860 into law. The new law prohibits tow-truck operators from stopping at the scene of an accident and soliciting the owner or operator of the vehicle into using their towing services. The law will protect the rights of motorists and improve road safety by helping alleviate congestion at the scene of an accident.

July 29, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is teaming up with other state government agencies and organizations to make Illinois veterans aware of well-paying job opportunities as Highway Maintainers.

July 23, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Chief Procurement Officer Bill Grunloh announced the launch of IDOT’s new Procurement Reform website, designed to give the public an overview of changes in IDOT’s procurement process.

July 21, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gary Hannig today announced that Illinois has continued to make remarkable gains in roadway safety in 2010, as the number of motorists and front seat passengers who buckle up in the state has reached a record of 92.6 percent.

July 21, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is seeking applications from high school students for IDOT’s Summer Engineering Academy, which is set to run August 2 through 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Richard Daley College at 7500 South Pulaski in Chicago.

July 12, 2010
State Agencies Host Information Fair for Veterans

July 9, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will present the Traffic Safety Advocate Award to NASCAR’s Carl Edwards, Roush Fenway Racing’s driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet at the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Race.

JUNE

June 30, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and hundreds of local Illinois law enforcement agencies reminded motorists to drive sober or risk arrest this July 4th weekend.

June 28, 2010
IDOT Secretary Hannig announced that IDOT will make sure roads are open wherever possible, but some projects will continue, resulting in lane closures over the 4th of July holiday weekend.

June 21, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Announces Availability of About $80 Million in Federal Funds for Streetscape, Trails and Beautification Projects.

June 18, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that patching work will begin Monday, June 21st on the southbound lanes of William Kumpf Blvd. in Peoria.

June 9, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn was joined by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recently to sign legislation that will bring the two states together to build the Illiana Expressway, connecting I-55 from south of Joliet to I-65 near Lowell, Ind.

June 8, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces temporary closures of the Mackinaw Dells rest area locations along I-74 at mile post 114 (14 miles west of Bloomington.)

MAY

May 28, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that several projects are scheduled to begin in June to improve Interstate 55 in Will County. IDOT plans to complete construction work between I-80 and the Will/Grundy County line this summer and fall. Weather dependent, all construction will be completed before November 1, 2010.

May 25, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) announced their plans to intensify efforts to reach unbuckled motorists over the Memorial Day weekend.

May 24, 2010
Seven Illinois airports were recognized at the Illinois Aviation Conference for their accomplishments throughout the year, including an outstanding partnership with the state of Illinois and their commitment to customer satisfaction.

May 14, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety (IDOT/DTS) today announced the kickoff of the 2010 Click It or Ticket Mobilization.  The Illinois State Police and hundreds of local law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on safety belt law violators from now through Memorial Day weekend.

May 12, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is honoring 12 students from across the state whose art work was selected in the 2009-2010 Fifth Annual Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar Contest.

APRIL

April 28, 2010
In order to put a spotlight on motorcycle safety as the 2010 riding season gets underway, Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed May Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and motorcycle safety advocates are urging the public to “Start Seeing Motorcycles.”

April 21, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has joined forces with Living Lands and Waters to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day by placing 10,000 Oak Tree seedlings throughout the state of Illinois.

April 20, 2010
IDOT, along with other Illinois Strategic Highway Safety Plan (ISHSP) Partners, will be holding multiple events statewide to raise awareness on work zone safety and two new distracted driving laws. January 1, 2010, two new distracted driving laws went into effect. It is now illegal for drivers to talk on a cell phone while traveling through a highway construction work zone or school zone. Drivers are now also prohibited from emailing, texting or surfing the internet while driving on all Illinois roadways.

April 19, 2010
The Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation broke ground this morning on the main span of the new Mississippi River Bridge in a ceremony on the deck of the Eads Bridge. The two departments were joined by a number of state and local officials, including U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, U.S. Senators Christopher “Kit” Bond and Richard Durbin, and U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello.

April 15, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn was joined by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials today to unveil a $12.84 billion Multi-Year Highway Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2011-2016. The proposed program aims to preserve and maintain the state’s highway system of roads and bridges, upgrade facilities for congestion mitigation and safety improvements and expand the system to help spur economic development in Illinois.

April 15, 2010
On Monday, April 26, 2010, the Illinois Department of Transportation along with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and the Department of Central Management Services are hosting the 2010 edition of the “Ethics in the Workplace Seminar”. For additional information please visit http://www.dot.il.gov/ethicsconference/info.html

April 9, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, Secretary of State Jesse White, the Governors Highway Safety Association, Illinois State Police (ISP), Ford Motor Company Fund and The Allstate Foundation announced the seven winnings schools from the 2010 Operation Teen Safe Driving Program.  

MARCH

March 30, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced today that drivers should get ready for four major projects in the Chicago area beginning in April.

March 22, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that from Tuesday, March 23rd through Friday, March 26th motorists on I-74 at the US 34 interchange should expect 20 minute stoppages for the removal of existing beams.

March 15, 2010
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are partnering with numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the state during St. Patrick’s Day to remind everyone to act responsibly by designating a sober driver if they plan on consuming alcohol.

March 5, 2010
Governor Quinn Announces Nearly 1500 Jobs Coming to Chicago for Rail Project.

FEBRUARY

February 18, 2010 - Article 1
February 18, 2010 - Article 2
State Agencies Host Information Fair for Veterans - Seeking Illinois Veterans to Fill Frontline Jobs for Snow and Ice Removal; Help Drivers in Distress  

February 18, 2010
2/26/10 - UPDATE: **Groundbreaking event for New Mississippi River Bridge has been postponed.** Event is being rescheduled for a later date.
Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation to Host Groundbreaking Event for the New Mississippi River Bridge

February 17, 2010
Governor Quinn Announces $100 Million in Recovery Funds for Rail Projects in Illinois - $100 Million for CREATE Program; Investment to Create 1,087 Jobs

February 4, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police officials today announced details of their Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign in an effort to prevent impaired driving around the big game.

February 1, 2010
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today announced that a State winner has been chosen for the Real World Design Challenge. The Real World Design Challenge is a national education initiative that puts high school students alongside industry experts to gain engineering experience by developing a solution to a proposed challenge.

JANUARY

January 27, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn announced that construction will begin this April to completely reconstruct the north-south section of Chicago’s Wacker Drive. The three-year, $366 million project will result in more than 4,000 jobs to the area and will be maintained through the Chicago Department of Transportation.

January 19, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation Recognized for Exceptional Sustainable Practices IDOT Makes Strides in Effort to Help Improve the Environment

January 11, 2010
Governor Pat Quinn was joined by Pekin city officials today to announce plans to complete a section of Veterans Drive in Pekin. The $30 million project, which is funded by the Illinois Jobs Now! plan, is expected to create approximately 250 construction jobs.

January 4, 2010
3/8/10 - UPDATE: The EB & WB Spoon River rest area locations are now open to the public once again.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces the eastbound and westbound Spoon River rest area locations along I-74 at mile post 62 (12 miles east of Galesburg) will be temporarily closed, starting Tuesday, January 5th.

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