2010 Press Releases

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.

Top of Page