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Page 1: LETTER FROM GOVERNOR · 2020-02-28 · LETTER FROM GOVERNOR. 2 Office of the Secretary 2300 South Dirksen Parkway/Springfield, Illinois/62764 217/782-5597 Fellow Illinoisans, Welcome,
Page 2: LETTER FROM GOVERNOR · 2020-02-28 · LETTER FROM GOVERNOR. 2 Office of the Secretary 2300 South Dirksen Parkway/Springfield, Illinois/62764 217/782-5597 Fellow Illinoisans, Welcome,

2008ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS

Governor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Secretary’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . 5

IDOT Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Traffic Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Planning & Programming . . . . . 20

Finance & Administration . . . . . 21

Chief Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Highways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Business & Workforce Diversity . 37

Governmental Affairs . . . . . . . . . 39

Public & Intermodal Trans. . . . . 41

Quality Compliance & Review. . 43

Operations & Communications. 45

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

IDOT Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

IDOT Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Fast Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

OUR MISSIONWe provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways thatenhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity, and demonstraterespect for our environment.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLESWe will accomplish our mission while making the following principlesthe hallmark of all our work:Safety • Integrity • Responsiveness • Quality • Innovation

OUR VISIONThe Illinois Department of Transportation will be recognized as thepremier state department of transportation in the nation.

QUALITY POLICYIDOT will consistently provide safe, cost-effective transportation forIllinois that meets or exceeds the requirements and expectations ofour customers. We will actively pursue ever improving quality throughprograms that enable each employee to continually strive to do theirjob right the first time, every time.

QUALITY STATEMENTDo it right the first time, every time.

2300 South Dirksen ParkwaySpringfield, IL 62764www.dot.il.gov

Printed by authority of the State of Illinoisprinted in-house at a cost of $1.25 each,

a quantity of 500. 1079-09, 4/09

© 2009 Illinois Department of Transportation

State of IllinoisIllinois Department of Transportation

Page 3: LETTER FROM GOVERNOR · 2020-02-28 · LETTER FROM GOVERNOR. 2 Office of the Secretary 2300 South Dirksen Parkway/Springfield, Illinois/62764 217/782-5597 Fellow Illinoisans, Welcome,

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LETTER FROM GOVERNOR

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Office of the Secretary2300 South Dirksen Parkway/Springfield, Illinois/62764217/782-5597

Fellow Illinoisans,

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in this Annual Report for 2008 at the IllinoisDepartment of Transportation. We hope this document helps keep you informed aboutthe organization, its performance and the overall status of IDOT, as well as some of thechallenges we face in the days ahead.

These are difficult economic times for all, but we at the Department of Transportationbelieve that sound transportation infrastructure provides the foundation needed for eco-nomic growth within a global outlook. With transportation at the base of any economicrecovery effort, such a challenge presents an extraordinary opportunity at IDOT andthroughout state government, as we prioritize and streamline day-to-day activities andestablish far-reaching goals for transportation in Illinois moving forward.

IDOT continues to provide leadership throughout Illinois for the improvement and coordi-nation of the state’s multi-faceted transportation system. IDOT continues to accuratelyproject, and effectively plan and implement its annual and multi-year programs as prom-ised each year. And IDOT continues to serve as an advocate and trusted adviser to localgovernments and other community agencies involved in providing transportation accessand services for all of Illinois.

We are steadfastly committed to being accountable to the public for our work, and beingtransparent and open to scrutiny in the ways we go about doing that work. We at IDOTrepresent and try to meet the best interests of every citizen of Illinois, while providing effi-cient and effective travel options for businesses, industry, tourists, and individual travelersof every description. It isn’t an easy job these days, but our dedicated staff is among thebest in state government, and we are here to serve Illinois.

Thanks again for taking the time to review the IDOT Annual Report for 2008. We hope ithelps you better understand the vast array of transportation services and travel capacitythat result from your tax dollars at work. We take our stewardship responsibilities veryseriously, and we appreciate your continued support of transportation in Illinois.

Sincerely,

Gary HannigSecretary

LETTER FROM TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY

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INTRODUCTION

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On Jan. 1, 1972, by an Act of the 77th General Assembly, Illinois became the 14th state to establisha Department of Transportation. This department assumed the responsibilities of the Department ofPublic Works and Buildings and the Office of Mass Transportation from the Department of LocalGovernment Affairs. Also included in the new Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were thesafety inspection functions administered by the State Police, Secretary of State, Illinois CommerceCommission and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. On Aug. 30, 1973, Aeronautics became adivision within IDOT. In July 1995, the Division of Water Resources, originally a part of IDOT, wastransferred to the newly formed Department of Natural Resources.

Because IDOT was created to meet the multi-modal transportation needs of our state, it was Illinois’first agency to be headed by a “Secretary.” IDOT is responsible for building and maintaining the state’shighways, supporting air, rail and public transportation projects, and encouraging traffic safety so thatthe avenues of commerce and travel remain open and accessible to all of Illinois.

In 2006, the U.S. Department of Transportation, IDOT and other state departments of transportationacross the nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System.Illinois played an integral role in making that continental undertaking a reality, inspired throughPresident Dwight D. Eisenhower’s forward thinking. Holding true to Illinois’ historical role as acrossroads for national transportation starting decades ago with critical rail and air services, threeof the five transcontinental Interstate highways traverse Illinois – Interstates 70, 80 and 90.

Illinois business and leisure travelers rely on the promise of reliable, safe and cost-effective transporta-tion services, and in turn, IDOT commits itself to the operation, oversight and maintenance of the statesystem. As a result, IDOT enjoys the nation’s fifth largest highway system, the second largest public trans-portation system, the second largest rail system, and one of the busiest airport systems in the nation.

That was IDOT’s past and present. This annual report is designed to illustrate IDOT’s continual move-ment forward. Today’s goals for transportation in Illinois revolve around improved safety, improvedmobility, preservation of our priceless intermodal transportation system, and the proper stewardshipof that system to improve quality of life and economic prosperity throughout the state.

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INTRODUCTION

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Safety Belt Usage Increases,Traffic Fatalities DecreaseThrough 2008, Illinois motorists were buckling up at anall time record rate, with more than nine in every 10drivers and front seat passengers wearing their safetybelts. Seat belt usage was up overall by 14 percentagepoints from July 2003 when Illinois enacted its primarysafety belt enforcement law.

“Illinois continues to move in the right direction asmotorists are taking notice and buckling up in recordnumbers,” said Don McNamara, RegionalAdministrator for the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration. “IDOT and the state police must con-tinue focusing enforcement and education efforts onwhat we know saves lives, the fatal five: safety belts,speeding, improper lane usage, following too closelyand impaired driving.”

“Illinois roads are safer because motorists are moreand more aware of the need for and the wisdom inbuckling up,” said Illinois Transportation SecretaryGary Hannig. “We’re trying new things aimed at safety.In recent years we have implemented aComprehensive Highway Safety Program, we’ve addeda Motorcycle Enforcement Bureau, and we have madea significant commitment to improved safety engineer-ing. We are employing photo radar and aggressiveenforcement and public information campaigns to getmotorists to buckle up, slow down and not driveimpaired.”

2008: Safest Year on Illinois Highways Since 1921Illinois motorists can be proud of their role in making2008 the safest year on Illinois roadways in more than85 years as traffic fatality numbers dropped below1,050 for the first time since 1921. An average of about400 fewer people were killed on Illinois highways dur-ing 2008 than in 2003 when the primary safety belt lawpassed. The decline in traffic deaths corresponds toall-time high safety belt usage as more than 90 percentof front-seat passengers were buckling up, the highestusage rate in Illinois history.

Working together with IDOT on more effective enforce-ment methods, Illinois State Police officers haveaggressively targeted what are known as the “FatalFive” violations in an effort to reduce highway fatalities.The “Fatal Five” include: speeding, safety belts,improper lane usage, following too closely and drivingunder the influence.

Recently, Illinois was named by Advocates for Highwayand Auto Safety as one of the four “Best PerformanceStates” in its fourth annual highway safety report.

E-Mail Alert System Helps Chicago-areaDrivers Avoid Traffic Jams and Other DelaysChicago-area commuters in 2008 were making greatuse of free, real-time traffic alerts from the IllinoisDepartment of Transportation (IDOT) through an e-mailalert program initiated in 2006.

The new system – available through www.iltrafficalert.com– has proved popular as it allows motorists to requestcustomized e-mail traffic reports providing informationabout travel times, vehicle speeds, construction work,congestion and incident occurrences affecting any ofmore than 70 route segments on Chicago-areaexpressways and suburban Tollways. The automaticalerts can be sent to participants via e-mail, cell phonetext messaging, or other mobile devices. Additionalsegments will be added pending completion of con-struction projects and other factors. The system waslaunched first in the Chicago area as part of IDOT’songoing congestion mitigation efforts.

Photo Enforcement Promotes Safety;Frees Up Local Police for Other DutiesSince its implementation in 2006, IDOT’s photoenforcement program has given local governments theability to use photo enforcement at railroad crossings,which provides local governments a new and effectivehigh-tech tool to improve traffic safety and free limitedpolice resources for other duties.

The law gives local governments the authority to usephoto enforcement to crack down on drivers whoignore warning signals and go around lowered railroadcrossing gates.

The law gives IDOT and the Illinois CommerceCommission the authority to work with counties andmunicipalities to establish a system of automatedenforcement at railroad crossings. The system consistsof a camera or cameras at a rail crossing that capturepictures of vehicles and drivers that drive around low-ered gates or stop on railroad tracks.

When a violation is recorded, the owner of the vehicleis mailed a Uniform Traffic Citation. A first violation ofthis provision is punishable by a $250 fine or 25 hoursof community service. A second or subsequent viola-tion leads to a $500 fine and up to a 6-month suspen-sion of vehicle registration.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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The Illinois Department of Transportation delivered anearly $1.8-billion annual highway program as prom-ised in 2008, even as staff numbers at IDOT reachedanother record low.

IDOT staff numbers declined by nearly 5 percent in2008, with overall headcount reaching fewer than5,200 department-wide for the first time in IDOT histo-ry. Despite these staff reductions, strict attention toprogramming, engineering and administrative efficien-cies and improved process management meant thatthe 2008 highways program delivered more miles ofimproved pavement, as many bridge improvements,and more safety improvements than promised or pro-jected for the year.

At the same time, IDOT further entrenched its success-ful policies emphasizing improved traffic safety, greateradministrative efficiency, department-wide quality man-agement, better program coordination, and more timelyand accurate real-time communications for travelersand transportation workers.

IDOT innovations in work zone safety, motorist safetyawareness and state-of-the-art electronic communica-tions have helped reduce the number of crash fatalitieson Illinois roads to a record low since 1921, as theyhelp drivers and other travelers make more informeddecisions in order to avoid traffic congestion even asthey travel.

Internally, IDOT continued its drive to greater efficiencythrough better communications, key process changesand workload restructuring, improved deployment ofstaff, and more effective coordination of technologicalimprovements. IDOT in 2008 continued to expand itsimproved process management standards within thedepartment, including the quality management systemcertified since 2006 under the ISO 9001:2000Standard, an internationally recognized quality stan-dard that emphasizes public accountability, continualimprovement and always greater process efficiency.The Department is applying and expanding the reachof ISO standards to further link and guide administra-tive activities affecting all areas of the organization.

The net results of these activities included:• Delivery of its nearly $1.8-billion highways program

even with the lowest staff headcount in IDOT history;• Expanded passenger rail service for Illinois travelers

and a record number of train passengers as nearly1.5 million utilized inter-city passenger service;

• Expanded public transit service especially in histori-cally underserved areas;

• Significant improvements to the regional airport system;• Improved coordination and oversight of public trans-

portation service.

Thus, for the sixth consecutive year, IDOT made signifi-cant progress in addressing statewide priorities forpublic safety, reform and renewal, jobs, education,health care, environment, and a balanced budget. Alisting of IDOT’s top 15 accomplishments in 2008 follows:

IDOT’s Top 15 Accomplishments for 20081. Deep Reductions in Traffic-Related Deaths - TheIllinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has contin-ued to implement successful safety initiatives and pro-grams that have helped reduce overall traffic fatalitiesby more than 20 percent in 2008. The IDOT Division ofHighways works closely with the Division of TrafficSafety in establishing and implementing the IllinoisComprehensive Highway Safety Plan (CHSP) and overthe last five years, Illinois highway deaths havedecreased from 1,420 in 2002 to 1,042 in 2008, thelowest number of fatalities since 1921. When theCHSP was implemented in 2005, the statewide goalwas to reduce traffic-related fatalities to 1,000 or fewerby 2008. Preliminary data shows that this number maybe reached in 2009.

2. I-74 Through East Peoria and Peoria - This $500million reconstruction is the largest project ever under-taken by the Department outside of the Chicagolandarea. Initial project studies began in 1990, and theentire project was completed in FY 2008. This projectincluded the complete reconstruction of over eightmiles of interstate, and the removal of a portion of amajor truss bridge. Quality of life has been increaseddue to the improvements to I-74.

3. ISO 9001:2000 - On July 6, 2006, IDOT achievedISO 9001:2000 certification to include all processesinvolved in the Planning, Design, and Construction ofRoad and Bridge Improvements, Maintenance of ExistingRoads and Bridges, and Administrative Oversight inthe Central Administrative Office and Regional DistrictSix. The Department’s certified management systemcurrently includes nearly 700 employees.

ISO 9001:2000 is an internationally renowned qualitystandard that is embraced by more than 750,000 com-panies worldwide. Currently the number of governmentagencies that are ISO 9001:2000 certified is very smalldue to the stringent nature of the registration process,but interest is increasing. In order to achieve certifica-tion, organizations must complete multiple audits oftheir internal quality controls to determine the level ofconformance to the requirements of the ISO 9001:2000Standard. Certification ensures that the ISO 9001:2000Standard requirements have been properly implement-ed and maintained by the audited organization.Continual reassessments of the organization must beconducted annually to maintain certification.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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to keep the public informed of progress of the work.The Department networked with the trucking industryacross the country to keep them informed of express-way detours required to set curved girders over theexpressway. Motorists were also informed of trafficimpacts due to expressway detours by signs placed atrest areas, the department website and press releases.The Department received two awards from the AmericanCouncil of Engineering Companies. In 2007, the IL 83interchange at I-80/94 received the Illinois Honor Awardfor Engineering Excellence, and the entire Kingery proj-ect received the Engineering Excellence Award.

6. Context Sensitive Solutions - Context SensitiveSolutions (CSS) is a pragmatic approach to problemsolving and decision making in regards to stakeholderinvolvement. The CSS law was passed on August 19,2003 with an effective date of January 1, 2004. IDOTconducted a series of meetings with interest groups,legislators, local officials and regulatory resource agen-cies to develop a departmental policy. A departmentpolicy was issued on August 1, 2005. A subsequent,detailed procedure memorandum of the developmentof highway projects was issued on March 1, 2006. Inaddition, the Department has developed three classesto train department staff and consultant firms. Theclasses are titled CSS Awareness Class, CSSApproach Class, and the CSS for Local Roads. Eachclass provides hands-on practice to the activitiesneeded to conduct a CSS study. These classes consistof a mix of IDOT and consultant staff. The CSS forLocal Roads class has been held several times formembers of local agencies. We have advertised con-tracts for preliminary engineering studies requiring theuse of the CSS process.

7. Evacuation Plan - The Illinois Terrorism Task Forceassisted in the development of evacuation traffic man-agement plans for Chicago, Rockford, Peoria,Springfield, and East St. Louis. Approximately $8 mil-lion in traffic management equipment was installed toensure free traffic flow from danger zones. In addition,railway disaster response planning was coordinatedwith railroad representatives. Traffic management plansincluded a Contra Flow Plan for the city of Chicagoexpressways and other priority routes, along with anemergency traffic plan for the I-190 corridor along theO’Hare International Airport. Forty-two organizationsparticipated in a successful Transportation EmergencyPreparedness Exercise in the Chicago area to testevacuation planning on the expressway system.

8. Prairie Parkway Study - The Prairie Parkway is aproposed new limited access highway connecting I-80and I-88 through Grundy, Kendall and Kane counties.The Record of Decision approving this project wassigned by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)on September 19, 2008 and right of way acquisition

The ISO 9001:2000 Standard contains importantrequirements that ensure the organization is continuallymeasuring progress of key objectives, analyzing thatinformation to identify opportunities for improvement,and reviewing the effectiveness of actions taken at reg-ular intervals. ISO 9001:2000 certification of govern-ment agencies shows great promise in improving theability of public institutions to provide value to theirstakeholders. As a pioneer in this movement, IDOT hasfirmly established itself as one of the premier trans-portation agencies in the nation.

4. Dan Ryan Expressway - This $975 million projectinvolved the reconstruction of the Dan RyanExpressway mainline travel lanes, including theexpress lanes and local lanes, between 31st Street and69th Street, mainline reconstruction from 71st Street toI-57 and the provision of an additional lane in eachdirection. The work consisted of retaining walls,improved entrance and exit ramps, installation of newstorm sewers to prevent flooding problems duringheavy rains on the expressway, reconstruction of thethree bridges, new 30-year life pavement for locallanes from 31st Street to 71st Street (Southbound andNorthbound completed 15 days ahead of schedule),Southbound 71st Street to I-57 interchange-Mainline(completed 10 days ahead of schedule), Northbound I-57 to 71st Street-Mainline (completed five days aheadof schedule), bridge overlay with joint replacement(Southbound completed 15 days ahead of schedule),improved highway lighting and new Dynamic MessageSigns for public information and safety. The Dan Ryanproject was completed and safely opened for trafficahead of schedule.

IDOT coordinated numerous community outreachefforts through public meetings, public hearings, leg-islative meetings, a telephone hotline, website updates,press releases and brochures alerting the communityof traffic alerts. IDOT has pushed to increase theDisadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goal(the main contractor received an award from the IllinoisRoad Builders Association for the achievement ofEqual Employment Opportunity Utilization-47 percent).The department received an award from the AmericanSociety of Civil Engineers for the Outstanding CivilEngineering Achievement of the Year over $5 million.

5. Kingery Expressway - Reconstruction of theKingery Expressway (I-80/94) was completed in earlyFY 2008. The $460 million Kingery ReconstructionProject included work on I-94 (Bishop Ford Expressway),IL 394, I-80/94 (Kingery Expressway in Illinois andBorman Expressway in Indiana), Torrence Avenue andvarious local frontage roads in South Holland andLansing, Illinois and Munster and Hammond, Indiana.Numerous presentations were made to local business-es, local governments, media and community groups

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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was started, primarily between IL 71 and US 34. IDOTacquired three large parcels of land totaling over 127acres for the Prairie Parkway. These parcels are in thepriority section for the Prairie Parkway near US 34 atPlano. To date, the District has held more than 200meetings with the public, landowners, elected officials,governmental staff and interest groups as part of theproject’s CSS effort.

9. McKinley Bridge - This project was a $44.5 millionreconstruction and rehabilitation of the McKinley Bridgeacross the Mississippi River in Venice. The structure wasclosed in October 2001 due to advanced deterioration.After extensive rehabilitation, the bridge was opened inFY 2008. Opening the McKinley Bridge re-establishesan important option for commuter traffic traveling fromIllinois to Missouri. It also promotes economic develop-ment for the north side of St. Louis and the industrialareas of Venice, Brooklyn and Madison in Illinois.

10. Bridge Recovery - IDOT has implemented andexercised a Bridge Recovery Plan for critical bridgesthroughout the state. The plan provides for a quickresponse to an act of terrorism or a natural disaster.The plan offers the ability to assess damage and pro-vide faster repair or replacement. The success of thisplan is illustrated by the following. On December 7,2007, a dump truck carrying a load of gravel struck the115th Street Bridge over I-94 when his bed inadver-tently rose. The quick reaction and expertise on siteprovided by the Bridge Recovery Plan helped minimizethe road closure and the disruption of over 145,000travelers that use I-94 each day.

11. IL 336 Expansion - This $120 million expresswayreconstruction project was opened to traffic onOctober 29, 2008. Construction of this 20.6 mileimprovement required nearly three years of intensiveeffort and coordination with District Six to complete.The completion of this major expressway will improvemobility in west-central Illinois.

12. Environmental Protection - The IL 29 Peoria toI-180 project has been selected as one of the FHWA’sExemplary Ecosystem Initiative awards for 2006. Theproject was selected due to the use of innovative miti-gation efforts for natural resources as outlined in anagreement between IDOT and the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources (IDNR). Many of the mitigation effortsresulted in land being transferred to IDNR for the pro-tection of such species as the bald eagle. In addition,the project broke new ground with design features suchas the use of a split roadway profile that minimized theamount of land to be taken in areas adjacent to naturepreserves and wildlife refuges. The project also incor-porated designs for wildlife underpasses.

13. Mt. Vernon Interchange - This $15.5 million projectis ahead of schedule with construction of the newinterchange on I-57 with Veteran’s Memorial Drive. Thisinterchange will greatly relieve pressures and conges-tion on the existing I-57 and IL 15 interchange as wellas open this southern area of Mt. Vernon to economicexpansion. The project is anticipated to be completedand opened to traffic in 2009.

14. Mississippi River Bridge - The New MississippiRiver Bridge project includes the construction of a newfour-lane cable stayed bridge over the MississippiRiver from the Metro East in Illinois to North St. Louisin Missouri, construction of relocated I-70 from the I-55/70/64 (Tri-Level) Interchange to the new bridge andnumerous improvements to the local street network toaccommodate the new construction. Construction ofthe new bridge is necessary to increase safety in andaround the downtown area, relieve congestion on thePoplar Street Bridge and provide redundancy in thetransportation system.

On February 28, 2008, Illinois and Missouri reached anagreement on construction of the project. The estimatedcost for the project is $640 million:

Main Span Structureand Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$306 millionIllinois Connecting Roadwaysand Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$264 millionMissouri North Interchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$70 million

Missouri is the lead state for the environmentalapproval and the design and construction of the mainspan and approaches. Illinois is responsible for a maxi-mum of $213 million for the main span and approach-es while Missouri will be financially responsible for anycost overruns for the main span and approaches.Illinois is also responsible for the connection to I-55/70/64 in Illinois at a cost of $264 million.

Design, archaeology and land acquisition began in2008. Construction is expected to begin in 2010 andlast four to six years.

15. Reduction of Construction Change Orders - From2004 to 2008 the Division of Highways has reducedthe amount of contract construction change ordersfrom 3.5 percent of total contract cost to 1.9 percent.This reduction in percent change order amounts reflectsincreased individual project cost control during con-struction. The result has enabled the Department toallocate funds to initiate additional projects. In a typicalconstruction year, a reduction of 1 percent in changeorders frees up some $16 million to $20 million in con-struction funds.

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IDOT INSIDE

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IDOT INSIDE

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IDOT: Continuous Improvementfor Efficiency, AccountabilityIn 2008, the Illinois Department of Transportation con-tinued and expanded the ISO 9001:2000 quality certifi-cation of its processes involved in the Planning, Design,and Construction of Road and Bridge Improvements,Maintenance of Existing Roads and Bridges, andAdministrative Oversight in the Division of Highwaysand key administrative support areas. The registrationencompasses the majority of activities and processesin the Central Administrative Office and RegionalDistrict Six, involving more than 700 employees.

ISO 9001:2000 is an internationally accepted qualitystandard that is embraced by more than 750,000organizations worldwide, based on guidelines devel-oped and established by the International Organizationof Standards (ISO). Included are such organizations asJ.D. Power and Associates, Sears, and NASA.Registration to the ISO standard is a complex under-taking that involves multiple audits of an organization’sinternal quality control systems to determine levels ofconformance to the requirements of the standard.Registration ensures that ISO 9001:2000 requirementshave been properly implemented and maintained bythe audited organization, and that the organizationseeks continuous improvement. Annual assessmentsof the organization are required to maintain the certifi-cation.

This quality management effort, in its first three years,has produced numerous improvements for theDepartment including:

• Improved control and electronic tracking of docu-ments and records;

• Improved communication of strategic goals through-out the organization;

• Implementation of effective objectives and measuresin all areas to drive continual improvement of coreprocesses;

• Improved customer complaint processes and servicesatisfaction measures to ensure the Departmentmaintains a customer focus;

• The creation of dynamic manpower staffing modelsto predict future manpower needs based on antici-pated workloads;

• Improved documentation of key processes to pro-mote effective knowledge management andimproved productivity.

IDOT in 2009 and beyond will seek to expand the ISO9001:2000 registration within the Central Office andadditional Highway Districts.

As a measure of the effects of such changes, theannual IDOT employee survey seeks to assess and

compare employee attitudes about work-relatedissues. Results from 2005, when ISO certification wasinitially achieved, to 2008 suggest that improvementssuch as those leading to the ISO certification are help-ing the agency improve operations in key areas asresponses to the following issues showed significantgains in agreement among IDOT staff:

• Work goals aimed at customer satisfaction: up from75% in 2005 to 78% in 2008;

• Overall job satisfaction: up from 64% in 2005 to 76%in 2008;

• Involvement in decisions affecting my work: up from57% in 2005 to 63% in 2008;

• Effective internal communications systems: up from60% in 2005 to 66% in 2008.

Organization and ResponsibilitiesIDOT is developed around a functional organizationalconcept with seven Offices providing staff support tothe Secretary and four modal Divisions.

Office of the Secretary• Offices

Business and Workforce DiversityChief CounselFinance and AdministrationGovernmental AffairsPlanning and ProgrammingOperations and CommunicationsQuality Compliance and Review

• DivisionsAeronauticsHighwaysPublic and Intermodal TransportationTraffic Safety

The mission of IDOT is to provide safe, cost-effectivetransportation for Illinois in ways that enhance thequality of life, promote economic prosperity anddemonstrate respect for our environment. The depart-ment strives to achieve this mission by making theseguiding principles the hallmark of its work: Safety,Integrity, Responsiveness, Quality, and Innovation.

Underlying strategic objectives seek to:• Provide cost-effective, quality highways and services

to the highway user.• Minimize inconvenience to travelers as construction,

resurfacing and other improvements take place.• Integrate concern for the environment and quality

of life of Illinois citizens in the transportationplanning process.

• Improve communications and other processeswithin IDOT.

• Increase public awareness and involvement throughimproved external communications.

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IDOT INSIDE

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• Coordinate programs and services better.• Pursue technological innovations which will allow

IDOT to more effectively address urban congestionproblems, to explore new or existing modes andalternatives that increase the efficiency of the existingsystem and to make better use of highway buildingmaterials and new designs.

• Improve safety for travelers and transportation workers.• Continue the state’s role to preserve Illinois as one of

the nation’s major airline hubs by fostering the devel-opment of a new third airport in northeast Illinois.

• Make capital resources available for highwayimprovements that will be a positive force in the loca-tion, selection or expansion of existing or new indus-trial/economic development projects or tourismdevelopments. Although economic development poli-cy applies in both job creation and job retention situ-ations, its use has been primarily focused in the jobcreation arena.

• Provide a stable base of transit operating assistanceand capital funding to ensure the availability of publictransportation throughout the state to serve individu-als unable to use automobiles and to reduce conges-tion and improve air quality.

• Preserve and enhance rail passenger service inIllinois and continue the development of a high-speed rail system between Chicago and St. Louis aspart of a balanced transportation system.

The Department of Transportation plans and implementscapital improvements and owns and operates the Illinoisstate highway network. Public transportation, airportsand rail service are under the broad oversight of IDOTbut are operated by local units of government or otherentities. Illinois provides funding for capital airportimprovements, some passenger rail services and publictransportation to preserve and enhance those trans-portation assets. Additionally, the state provides finan-cial operating assistance to public transportation carriers.

Because the department is the operator of the state’shighway network, the department has developed five

strategic capital investment priorities which govern theallocation of state and federal funding for capital improve-ments on the 17,000-mile state highway system and toaccomplish the mission of the Division of Highways:

1. Preservation and modernization of the Interstatehighway system.

2. Preservation and modernization of the U.S. andIllinois marked route highway system – the state’sbackbone highway network.

3. Preservation and modernization of the Illinoisunmarked highway system.

4. Expansion/add lanes improvements to reduce con-gestion.

5. Construction of new principal arterial routes toenhance economic development.

ILLINOIS' TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM• More than 140,000 miles of roads and streets and

more than 26,400 bridges carrying nearly 300 millionvehicle-miles of travel daily throughout Illinois.

• 52 public transit systems with 5,700 transit vehiclesserving nearly 600 million passengers a year.

• 52 privately owned freight railroad companiesoperating on 7,380 miles of rail line.

• 12 privately owned intercity bus companies.• 83 public airports (11 with commercial air service)

and 54 private airports.• Nearly 1,900 miles of the nearly 16,500-mile state

highway system are suitable for bicycling.• 140 intermodal freight transfer facilities and 35 major

passenger intermodal transfer points for intercity rail,bus and air transportation.

Illinois’ transportation system includes privately andpublicly owned and operated facilities. For more than acentury, Illinois’ central location within the UnitedStates and its historical prominence in agriculture,manufacturing, and commerce have spurred develop-ment of an extensive and highly used system of trans-portation and services.

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DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS

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MissionTo regulate and superviseall aeronautical activitywithin the state. Thedivision, empowered bythe Illinois AeronauticsAct, encourages, fostersand assists in the devel-opment of aeronauticsin the state and encour-ages the establishmentof airports and other airnavigation facilities. Thedivision provides safe,

efficient and reliable air transportation for constitutionalofficers and employees of the division, department andagencies of state government.

ResponsibilitiesThe Division of Aeronautics is responsible for coordi-nating and implementing programs concerning air safety,airport construction and other aeronautical activitiesthroughout the state. The division, on behalf of theFAA, administers the State Block Grant Program andprocesses between $70 million and $125 million inFederal Grants annually. The division operates the state-owned executive air service, and it cooperates withlocal law enforcement and other agencies throughoutthe state to provide emergency or disaster-related airservice as needed using the state fleet of utility aircraft.

AVIATION SYSTEMThe Illinois aviation system currently comprises 886landing facilities. The type and size of these facilitiesvaries significantly; from commercial service airports tograss strips in farm fields to rooftop hospital heliports.

Airports & RLAsPublicly Owned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Privately Owned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Private/Residential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Restricted Landing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460

HeliportsHospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144Open to the Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Restricted Landing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Balloon PortsDedicated Balloon Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Seaplane BasesPrivately Owned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Restricted Landing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7TOTAL:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886

2008 Airports of the YearEach year, the Division of Aeronautics recognizes sev-eral airports for their outstanding dedication to facilitymaintenance and safety. Awards were presented to theairports at the 2008 Illinois Aviation Conference inChampaign. The 2009 Illinois Aviation Conference willbe held in Peoria.

CATEGORY WINNERPrimary Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

Bloomington, ILReliever Lansing Municipal Airport (IGQ)

Lansing, ILGeneral AviationHarrisburg-Raleigh Airport (HSB)

Harrisburg, ILMacomb Municipal Airport (MQB)Macomb, IL

Private Tri-County Airport (2C6)Yates City, IL

Heliport Graham Hospital Heliport (77IL)Canton, IL

AIRPORT ENGINEERINGThe division oversees and approves the planning,design and construction of all federally and stateassisted capital development projects at the 80 pub-licly owned airports throughout Illinois. The divisionworks closely with the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) and local public airport sponsors to ensure thatall projects meet all federal, state, and local regulations.The division, through the FAA’s State Block Grant(SBG) program, acts on behalf of the FAA for manyengineering and project administration functions.

Illinois Program/Grants ManagementIn FY 2008, the division received and processed48 federal grants, totaling over $71 million.

Director Susan R. Shea

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Airport ProjectsIn 2008, the division oversaw the letting of 57 projects,totaling nearly $50 million.

Land AcquisitionIn 2008, the division assisted with land acquisition at 24airports for safety enhancement or expansion purposes.

2008 Land Acquisition SummaryParcels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 663.65Dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 27,332,998.64

AVIATION SAFETYThe division is responsible for the inspection and certi-fication of all landing facilities in Illinois, whether they beprivate or publicly owned. The division also registerspilots and aircraft based in Illinois and supports theactivities of the Illinois Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Inaddition, the division conducts several pilot safetyseminars and produces a quarterly newsletter entitled"Illinois Aviation."

Land AcquisitionIn FY 2008, the division inspected over 100 landingfacilities in Illinois.

Pilot & Aircraft RegistrationPilots and aircraft based in Illinois are required to regis-ter with the division. Currently, there are more than19,500 registered pilots and more than 5,200 registeredaircraft in Illinois.

NOTEWORTHY PROJECTSO’Hare Modernization Program at O’HareInternational AirportThe O’Hare Modernization Program reached severalkey milestones during 2008, completing Phase I of themulti-billion dollar development that will reconfigure,expand, and modernize O’Hare International Airport.• Major Extension to Runway 10/28• New north Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)• New Runway 09L/27R

South Suburban AirportThe State of Illinois is the sponsor of the proposedSouth Suburban Airport (SSA). SSA will be a new com-mercial service airport in Will County aimed at servicingChicago’s south suburbs.

SSA Master Plan and Tier 2 Environmental ImpactStatement (EIS): The division submitted an AirportLayout Plan (ALP) to the FAA in March, 2008. The divi-sion continues to work closely with the FAA and otherfederal, state, and local resource agencies to ensure theplanning and environmental process continues smooth-ly. The division is currently working on updating the avi-ation forecasts and has scheduled several environmen-tal surveys.

SSA Land Acquisition: The division has currentlyacquired 70 parcels, totaling 1,950 acres of land in theinaugural footprint of SSA. The division continues topursue willing sellers within the inaugural footprint.

St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS)The St. Louis Downtown Airport, located in Cahokia,continues to show record growth. This year, the FAAcut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art Airport TrafficControl Tower (ATCT) at CPS. It replaced the old onethat was more than 40 years old and had severe line-of-sight issues with aircraft on final approach. CPS alsoestablished a dedicated Airport Fire Department andattained FAR Part 139 Certification in 2008.

New Airport TrafficControl Tower St.Louis DowntownAirport (CPS) –Cahokia, IL

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Other Major Infrastructure ImprovementsIn 2008, numerous airports completed major infrastruc-ture improvements, enhancing airfield operational capa-bilities and increasing the level of safety for the flyingpublic. Following is a partial list of the 2008 highlights:

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) – Springfield, IL• Runway 13/31 RSA improvements and extension (via

declared distances) & associated taxiway extension tonew Runway 13 end

• Major taxiway enhancements to allow for larger aircraft

Quad City International Airport (MLI) – Moline, IL• Significant parking lot expansion• Runway 31 extension and associated taxiways

Chicago-Rockford International Airport (RFD) – Rockford, IL• Major cargo apron and cargo handling facility

U of I – Willard Airport (CMI) – Champaign, IL• Phase II of air carrier apron replacement

Williamson County Regional Airport (WMA) – Marion, IL• General aviation apron rehabilitation

Illinois Valley Regional Airport (YVS) – Peru, IL• Major earthwork completed for new crosswind runway

Morris Municipal Airport (C09) – Morris, IL• 1,000’ runway extension to 5,000’ and parallel taxi-

way to allow for increased business jet operations

Quincy Regional Airport (UIN) – Quincy, IL• Realign, widen, and rehab Taxiway C

Southern Illinois Airport (MDH) – Carbondale, IL• Southeast Ramp Extension and Taxiway

Enhanced InstrumentationSeveral airports in Illinois upgraded their instrumentcapabilities in 2008. This enhanced instrumentationallows an approach’s minimums to lower, thus increas-

ing the ability of the runway to handle traffic ininclement weather.

New Instrument Landing System (ILS)Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR) – Aurora, ILDeKalb-Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB) – DeKalb, ILFreeport-Albertus Airport (FEP) - Freeport, IL

New LocalizerLansing Municipal Airport (IGQ) – Lansing, IL

LPV ApproachesNumerous airports in Illinois received LPV Approachesin 2008. An LPV Approach is a GPS-based approachthat can achieve near-ILS minimums without the needfor expensive ground-based instrumentation. This tech-nology is very promising and the Division expects anincrease in the prevalence of LPV approaches in theyears ahead.

AIR OPERATIONSThe Division provides air transport services to stategovernment and provides aerial assistance to lawenforcement, disaster response agencies, homelandsecurity, aerial photography, and engineering entities.The division maintains a fleet of aircraft to aide in theState’s ability to effectively respond and adapt to ahost of varying operational requirements.

Airport constructionposes unique safetyhazards

The Division’s Bell 206helicopter is equippedwith state-of-the-artsearch and rescueand homeland securityinstrumentation.

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DIVISION OF TRAFFIC SAFETY

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MissionTo formulate, coordinateand deliver information,services and programswhich will mobilize pub-lic and private resourcesto establish effectivepublic policy and inte-grated programs toimprove highway safetyin Illinois.

ResponsibilitiesThe Division of Traffic

Safety (DTS) is responsible for providing Illinois motorists,cyclists and pedestrians with the safest possible high-way environment. The division develops and overseesregulations in areas of crash reporting, hazardousmaterials transportation, vehicle inspections, motorcarrier safety, school bus construction, safety responsi-bility and cycle rider training. IDOT uses the division’scrash data extensively as the foundation for formulat-ing its annual highway construction program. Throughthis division, IDOT has been the lead agency in imple-menting the state’s Primary Safety Belt Law. The divi-sion allocates federal funds to other state and localagencies for programs aimed at reducing accidents,fatalities and injuries, as well as providing funds for theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

Motor Vehicle FatalitiesPreliminary figures through December 2008 show that1,042 people died as a result motor vehicle crashes, areduction of more than 200 traffic fatalities from the 2007previous record low of 1,248 traffic fatalities. This reductioncan be attributed to the Primary Safety Belt Law enactedin 2003, increased enforcement, increased use of forsafety belts and heeding impaired driving messages aswell as division’s overall highway safety programs.

Occupant Protection/Safety Belt UsageIllinois’ Click It or Ticket campaign, along with theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA)campaign for 2008, began in early May and concludedmid-June. The statewide safety belt usage rate isdetermined by pre- and post- observational surveyswhich are conducted in conjunction with paid and earnedmedia blitzes. Increased law enforcement, utilizingIllinois State Police (ISP) and local law enforcementagencies throughout the state, as well as extensivepublic education, emphasized the importance of vehi-cle passengers wearing safety belts. Some 500 lawenforcement agencies participated in the 2008 Click Itor Ticket Campaign.

The following chart illustrates that an increase in safetybelt use directly relates to a decrease in fatalities.

DTS believes the best way to achieve the goal ofreducing injuries and fatalities on Illinois roadways isby increasing safety belt use, reducing speed and notdriving impaired. In June 2008, DTS conducted a safe-ty belt survey by observing a total of 124,566 occu-pants. Of those, 90.5 percent were observed wearingsafety belts. The collar counties of the Chicago area(DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will) had the high-est usage rate at 92.7 percent followed by CookCounty, excluding the City of Chicago, at 90.4 percent.Downstate counties (Champaign, Macon, Montgomery,Peoria, Rock Island and St. Clair) had a safety beltusage rate of 89.9 percent. The City of Chicago hadthe lowest rate at 86.8 percent.

Interstate highways had the highest usage rate for spe-cific facilities at 93.6 percent, followed by U.S./Illinoishighways at 90.6 percent. Residential streets had thelowest rate at 89.5 percent. The safety belt rate onweekends was 92.3 percent, while during weekdays itwas 89.3 percent.

The base line (April 1985) occupant restraint usage ratefor all front seat occupants (drivers and passengers)observed in Illinois was 15.9 percent. During the 12months after the safety belt law became effective, theobserved usage rate increased to 36.2 percent. Sincethe first survey was conducted in April 1985, the safetybelt usage rate has increased by more than 74 per-centage points, peaking at 90.5 percent in June 2008.

Director Michael Stout

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Child Passenger Safety (CPS)The statewide child safety seat usage rate increased to87.7 percent in 2008. Illinois ranks among the top threestates in the nation for the highest number of certifiedCPS technicians. Statewide, there are 1,820 certifiedchild passenger safety (CPS) technicians and 68 CPStechnician instructors. On average, 28 child passengersafety technician certification courses are held per yearalong with three CPS technician update courses permonth. In 2008, Illinois hosted four regional child pas-senger safety conferences with more than 500 techni-cians in attendance. Illinois led the nation with 96checkpoints manned by more than 700 techniciansand volunteers during the 2008 National CPS Week.DTS partnered with AAA and Evenflo to provide closeto 1,500 replacement child safety seats to participatingcheckpoints. The efforts of Illinois’ certified child pas-senger safety technicians are supported by sevenRegional Occupant Protection Coordinators along withthe State and the Assistant State Occupant ProtectionCoordinator. The Regional Occupant ProtectionCoordinators are instrumental in disseminating theoccupant protection message as well as the impaireddriving message at events statewide. They are also acritical part of our earned media campaign during themobilizations.

Operation Teen Safe DrivingIn Spring 2007, Operation Teen Safe Driving waslaunched in rural Tazewell County after authoritiesnoticed that automobile crashes took 15 teen lives in15 consecutive months. Since Operation Teen SafeDriving was implemented in this county there havebeen no additional teen fatalities. After the success inrural Tazewell County, the Ford Motor Company Fund,the Allstate Foundation and the Governors HighwaySafety Association agreed to team up with theIDOT/DTS, to take this lifesaving program statewide in2008. Our mission was to provide the motivation andresources required to challenge the creativity of Illinoisteens to develop and implement community-basedprograms to reduce fatalities and injuries due to trafficcrashes among their peers.

After many planning meetings and with the groundworkin place, IDOT held a fly-around at six locations acrossthe state in November 2007 in partnership with the IllinoisSecretary of State, the Illinois State Police (ISP) andthe Illinois Liquor Control Commission, as well as manyother school and community agency representatives.

A total of 104 schools statewide were selected to par-ticipate in the Operation Teen Safe Driving programmodeled after Ford’s nationally recognized DrivingSkills for Life teen safety program. The top four highschools in each region received an invitation to attendthe Ford Driving Skills for Life “Ride and Drive” hands-on training. The Allstate Foundation made it possiblefor the top school in each region to receive $5,000 foran after-prom party and 104 schools around the statereceived funding for continuation of their OperationTeen Safe Driving programs.

In May, ISP presented DTS with the Director’s Award ofDistinction for its efforts in developing the OTSD pro-gram. This honor is awarded by the ISP to any individ-ual, agency or groups outside ISP who has givenextraordinary support or assistance to accomplish thegoals of the department.

DTS was invited to submit an application for the“Innovations in American Government Awards” fromHarvard University for the OTSD program. The applica-tion was submitted October 15 and we are awaitingthe results.

Additionally, the OTSD program was recently honoredat the Non-Profit PR Awards Luncheon in Washington,DC. The Allstate Foundation nominated our lifesavingprogram. While we did not win, it was an honor to havebeen nominated.

As of Dec. 3, 2008, 85 teens age 16 to 19 were killedin Illinois crashes from January through November2008, down from 147 in the January-November 2007period. The numbers show that the program is working.

Partnership with NASCARIllinois officially welcomed NASCAR to the ChicagolandSpeedway in Joliet in July 2008. The Governor wasjoined by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards in urging racefans to participate in the first in the nation traffic safetypartnership with NASCAR, in which race fans took apledge to “Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time” anddesignate a sober driver before the festivities.

Participants at the Champions’ Park booths were givena commemorative photo, and were entered into a ran-dom drawing to win a VIP prize package, including aChicagoland Track Pack.

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The Buckle Up America Challenge weekend was kickedoff in Frankfort, Illinois at an Office Depot Foundationbackpack giveaway event at the local Office Depot.Carl Edwards assisted the Foundation by donating3,000 backpacks to local organizations in the greaterChicagoland area. Traffic safety materials were includ-ed in the backpacks and hundreds of Edwards’ fansjoined him in signing the Buckle Up America pledge.

Along with Edwards, several other NASCAR driverssupported the Buckle Up America Challenge, including:Cale Gale, Kevin Harvick Inc., No.33 RoadLoans.com/Camping World Chevrolet; Clint Bowyer, RichardChildress Racing, No. 7 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet; ColinBraun, Roush Fenway Racing, No. 16 CitiFinancialFord; David Ragan, Roush Fenway Racing, No. 6 AAAFord; Erik Darnell, Roush Fenway Racing, No.99Northern Tool Ford; Johnny Benson, Bill Davis Racing,No.23 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Toyota; KurtBusch, Penske Racing, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge; ReedSorenson, Chip Ganassi Racing, No. 41 Target Dodgeand Travis Kvapil, Yates Racing, No. 28 Ford.

Gavin DeGraw, a J Records recording artist, who sangthe national anthem at the LifeLock.com 400 NASCARSprint Cup Series Race, also supported the trafficsafety effort.

Crash ReportingThroughout 2008, the Bureau of Safety Data & DataServices (SDDS) within DTS entered crash reports intothe Crash Information System (CIS) more quickly than inprevious years. After years of working to deplete thecrash report backlog, the bureau is maintaining the reportsthat come through the division in a timely manner.

The Statistical Coding Unit, within the bureau, is 34days behind, (compared to 14 months four years ago),the date of the crash and is entering October 2008crash reports into CIS. The Location Unit is 55 daysbehind the date of the crash and is entering September2008 crash reports. The phrase “behind the date of thecrash” means the number of days it takes DTS toreceive the crash report from law enforcement agen-cies and enter the report into the system.

This year, the bureau distributed its 2007 Illinois CrashFacts & Statistics publication in October 2008 whichwas the earliest the publication has ever been printedand disseminated. This is due in large part to the effi-ciency of SDDS entering reports in the system.

The bureau is also making strides to increase its elec-tronic submittal of crash reports through the divisions’Mobile Capture & Reporting System (MCR). Currently,159 law enforcement agencies throughout the stateuse MCR, with the Illinois State Police (ISP) being thetop agency to use this system. Ninety percent of ISP’s

crash reports are sent to the division electronically. In2008, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 reports statewidewere sent in electronically each month, with threemonths producing over 10,000 reports.

Also in July 2008, House Bill 5907 was enactedincreasing the legal reporting threshold for trafficcrashes involving only property damage from $500 to$1,500 when all drivers are insured. However, if anydriver does not have insurance, the threshold remains$500. In each of these cases, the law enforcementagency investigating the crash must submit a crashreport to the division whenever a death or injury resultsfrom a crash. Because this law took effect Jan. 1,2009, the bureau went to great lengths to notify lawenforcement agencies throughout the state of thethreshold change. The bureau also updated the crashreport form to reflect this change. All newly revisedcrash reports were being sent to each of the 900 lawenforcement agencies that produce paper crashreports, by the end of 2008.

Impaired DrivingIn Illinois in 2007, NHTSA estimates 434 people died inalcohol-related crashes where the driver was at 0.08BAC or above. Illinois’ fight against impaired drivingcontinues to be strong enforcement of DUI laws.

IDOT supports impaired-driving law enforcement activ-ities throughout the state by funding high-visibility,“You Drink & Drive. You Lose” impaired-drivingenforcement crackdowns a minimum of four timeseach year. Officer hire-back grant dollars are given tolocal and state law enforcement agencies to increasepatrols during these crackdowns and throughout theyear. Each crackdown is supported by a statewidepaid and earned media effort with millions of dollars ofradio and TV airtime being purchased to maximize thedeterrent effect of the enforcement on the roads.IDOT’s support of DUI law enforcement extends wellbeyond funding police efforts. Funding is also madeavailable for police officer training, prosecutor training,judicial training, dedicated DUI courts and DUI prose-cutors as well as a strong Traffic Safety ResourceProsecutor program.

In 2008, DTS maintained its support, directly andthrough its grant partnerships, of an aggressive publicinformation and education impaired driving campaign.This support includes the distribution of thousands ofimpaired driving materials via mail and at numerousevents throughout the year including fairs, schoolevents, radio remotes, NASCAR events, etc. In addi-tion, each You Drink & Drive. You Lose law enforce-ment crackdown includes an education message(along with a strong enforcement message) in its paidand earned media materials. DTS has numerous grantswith goals to reach certain groups with an impaired

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driving, underage drinking and designated driver mes-sages. Examples include funding of Students AgainstDestructive Decisions (SADD), Mothers Against DrunkDriving (MADD), Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists(AAIM), Think First, the American Red Cross, theMetro-East CHOICE/RADD Task Force and OperationTeen Safe Driving.

DTS continues a strong presence in Illinois schools withunderage drinking programs. Previously mentioned pro-grams like SADD, that conducts prevention training forteens who then carry an underage drinking message totheir peers; ThinkFirst delivers a strong underage drink-ing/decision making message to youth at assembliesthroughout the state; the CHOICE/RADD Task Forceworks to deliver a prevention message directly to youngpeople via high schools in the Metro East St. Louisregion as well as a local college Boosting AlcoholConsciousness Concerning the Health of UniversityStudents (BACCHUS) group; and DTS’ Operation TeenSafe Driving funds 105 schools throughout the state toconduct their own community traffic safety programsof which underage drinking is a component.

DTS also provides support to the Illinois Liquor ControlCommission to continue its solid effort to provideBeverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education andTraining (BASSET) training to Illinois licensed beverageoutlet employee servers training those who serve alco-hol throughout Illinois to do so responsibly.

Of particular note on the impaired driving front is theimplementation of Illinois’ new first-offender ignitioninterlock law. On Jan. 1, 2009, Illinois became one ofjust six states with a first-offender, ignition interlock lawthat will remove the courts’ jurisdiction to issue judicialdriving permits to first-time offenders during periods ofsummary suspensions, replacing it with a requirementthat the suspended offender drive only vehicles equippedwith ignition interlock devices during the period of sus-pension. Illinois is hopeful this new law will producereductions in impaired driving traffic crashes. DTS helda town hall meeting in June in conjunction with a wetlab (drinking in a controlled environment to demon-strate real-life effect of impairment and effect on a per-son’s motor skills) in an effort to educate law enforce-ment, prosecutors, etc. of the Ignition interlock law.Additionally, DTS assisted the Secretary of State’sOffice in educating Illinois stakeholders by organizingand conducting a three-day symposium in October2008. The Illinois Ignition Interlock Symposium wasattended by over 300 people, allowing the interlockmessage to be delivered directly to Illinois law enforce-ment, judges, prosecutors and other court officials. Atthe Dec. 18, 2008 press event in Chicago, a wet labwas held prior to the afternoon press event. A StandardField Sobriety Test was conducted as well as a demon-stration of the BAIID device by web lab participants.

Other laws strengthening DUI statutes in Illinois thathave passed in recent legislative sessions include:

• Increasing the penalty for parents or guardians know-ingly permitting the consumption of alcohol byunderage invitees at their residence from a Class Amisdemeanor to a Class 4 felony if the violation leadsto great bodily harm or death.

• P.A. 95-0578 further simplified the structure of theIllinois DUI Law.

• Enhancements to DUI penalties for CommercialMotor Vehicle drivers.

• Clarification that methamphetamine is included in thecompounds prohibited for use while driving and sub-ject to Illinois’ DUI statutes.

• Added “offenses committed on a military installation”to the list of “similar offenses” that count as a DUI ona person’s Illinois driving record.

• Creation of a Roadside Memorial Act to allow appli-cation to IDOT for the erection of roadside markersfor persons killed in drunk driving crashes (Tina’s Law)

• Requirement that individuals under age 21 givencourt supervision for the transfer, consumption orpossession of alcohol by a minor be subject to a 3-month driver license suspension.

Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor ProgramThe Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP)Program continued in 2008. One of the main focusesof the program was the implementation of the newrequirement that all officers working alcohol-relatedactivities funded by DTS be trained in SFST (StandardField Sobriety Testing). The TSRP program coordinatedfour SFST instructor schools throughout the year, twoin the Chicago area and two in Springfield. Morethan100 officers were trained as SFST instructors. Thiscould not have been accomplished without the part-nership of the ISP, who loaned instructors for the train-ings as well as the academy facilities. Training andtechnical assistance provided for prosecutors reachednearly every county in Illinois. In October 2008, theprogram welcomed a second TSRP, who will be work-ing out of Springfield and will be more directly assess-able to the central and southern Illinois counties.

Commercial Vehicle SafetyMany lives on Illinois roadways have been saved dueto the dedication of the Motor Carrier SafetyAssistance Program (MCSAP). Preliminary numbersshow Illinois with 118 fatalities from commercial motorvehicle involvement for FFY 2008, a reduction of 30from FFY 2007. Roadside inspections, compliancereviews, safety audits, the 5 “Roadcheck” details, ourindustry education and the billboard campaign areintricate parts of reducing CMV fatalities in Illinois. TheMCSAP Officers and the Illinois State Police conduct-ed over 76,000 vehicle inspections which resulted inover 12,000 vehicle and drivers being put out of serv-

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ice. On January 1, 2008, DTS added 15 new compli-ance officers to expand the workforce to 39. The addi-tional compliance officers will increase DTS’s ability toconduct more inspections and remove dangerous vehi-cles from Illinois roadways. Listed below are some ofthe accomplishments in FFY 2008:

• More than 90,000 inspections performed• 482 Interstate compliance reviews completed• 74 Intrastate compliance reviews completed• 2,444 safety audits performed• Held 108 educational seminars for the industry• Conducted five roadside details throughout the state

More than 6,000 non-scheduled school bus inspec-tions were conducted by DTS vehicle inspectors.These were in addition to the more than 50,000 safetyinspections performed at the 125 public official testingstations throughout the state. Plans are underway forincreased education and inspections for our schoolbus drivers/passengers in 2009 and beyond.

Motorcycle SafetyIn 2008, nearly 16,000 motorcyclists received trainingthrough the department’s Cycle Rider Safety TrainingProgram. The beginner rider course (BRC), which is forstudents with no, or limited, experience, accounted for14,945 students. The experienced rider course (ERC) isfor riders with at least one year and 1,000 miles of rid-ing experience or riders who have successfully com-pleted the BRC and have six months riding experienceand 500 miles on a motorcycle. A total of 549 ridersreceived training through the ERC.

For the first time, Illinois offered an intermediate ridercourse (IRC) for people who already have some experi-ence as a motorcycle operator. The course is designedfor riders who may have been away from the sport fora while and may still have a valid motorcycle endorse-ment, or they may already be riding off-highway or on-road but need to obtain their motorcycle licenseendorsement. Illinois residents who are at least 18years old (on the first day of their course) are eligible toenroll in the IRT if they have a valid driver's license or

instruction permit and have previous experience as amotorcycle operator. All IRC students are expected topossess reasonable proficiencies in basic motorcyclecontrol operation, straight line riding, up-shifting,down-shifting, turning, braking, and stopping prior toenrolling in the IRC. Those unable to demonstratethese minimum expectations during the first riding ses-sions will not be allowed to continue in the IRC course.There were 446 students who participated in an IRC in2008. The 2008 figures bring the total number of riderstrained through the program to 15,940.

All courses are offered free of charge to Illinois resi-dents. The program is funded by Illinois motorcycliststhrough a portion of their license endorsement andlicense plate fees.

May was proclaimed Motorcycle Awareness Month.Approximately 125 motorcyclists joined IDOT/DTS andthe Illinois State Police at a May 1, 2008 media eventheld at Halls Harley Davidson in Springfield, FriezeHarley Davidson in O’Fallon and the department’sEmergency Traffic Patrol facility in Chicago.

In addition, 2008 saw the formation of the MotorcycleAdvisory Council, which was created to help the stateenhance the effectiveness of its motorcycle safety pro-gramming to prevent injuries, save lives and reduce theeconomic costs of motor vehicle crashes on Illinoisroadways. Members include IDOT, ISP, SOS, ABATE,Gold Wing, Illinois Motorcycle Dealers, Harley Owners,State Farm Insurance, and motorcycle training instruc-tors from the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois.

Traffic Records Coordinating CommitteeDTS continued the coordination of a multi-agencyIllinois Traffic Records Coordinating Committee whichprovides a forum for review and comment of trafficrecords issues within the State of Illinois. This coordi-nating committee includes representatives from all theessential public and private organizations and mem-bers serve on one of four subcommittees (HumanFactors, Engineering Safety, Information Systems, DataQuality and Crash Outcome).

CODESThe National Highway Safety Administration awardedDTS a grant to develop a Crash Outcome DataEvaluation System (CODES) program in Illinois. Thisproject is based on collaboration between DTS and theIllinois Department of Public Health. Under this grant,DTS continues to link existing traffic crash records withhealth care data sources from EMS, trauma registry,hospital discharges and vital records (death certifi-cates). The linked databases are used to support local,regional and statewide highway safety decision-makingto affect decreases in deaths, non-fatal injures (e.g.,head, neck, upper extremity and lower extremity) and

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DIVISION OF TRAFFIC SAFETY

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health care costs resulting from motor vehicle crashes.Individual databases are not always adequate for cer-tain analyses (e.g., race and ethnicity, socioeconomicstatus). Two sources, law enforcement and publichealth, track victims separately. None of the health-related data are linked back to crash data.

Currently, the crash database and a few small localdatabases, citation data, limited health care data andthe exposure data (population and vehicle miles oftravel) are used to identify traffic safety problems andevaluate highway safety programs and projects. TheEvaluation Unit within DTS is responsible for problemidentifications, developing highway safety goals andobjectives and evaluating highway safety programsand projects.

Federal Funding for Safety Data ImprovementIn June 2007, DTS developed a comprehensive safetydata improvement strategic plan for the federal fundingapplication considered part of the multi-year StatewideTraffic Records plan required by the SAFETEA-LU, thefederal funding authorization act. In developing theIllinois Traffic Records Strategic Plan, Illinois took animportant step in establishing the goals, policies andactions that would lead to the development of an effi-cient and effective system for traffic records improve-ment. Illinois developed and submitted a comprehen-sive traffic records strategic plan and an application forfunding under federal rules.

The purpose of this document is to provide the IllinoisTraffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC), DTSand other traffic safety stakeholders of the State ofIllinois with a Strategic Plan for Traffic RecordsImprovements. This plan is aimed primarily at actionsthat the Illinois TRCC can help accomplish through itsmembership while pursuing the goal of improving traf-fic records. As such, it touches on the activities of allstakeholder agencies within the state, but it does notrepresent an attempt to set those agencies’ agendas.Rather, it is an attempt to help the TRCC fulfill a broadrole of communication, coordination and assistanceamong collectors, managers and users of trafficrecords data in Illinois. This plan is based on the 2006NHTSA Traffic Records Assessment. The assessmentwas supplemented by information from other docu-ments provided by the State to the project team. Thestrategic plan includes major goals, objectives andsteps to completion, an action item table and a set ofcharts that graphically illustrate the order and interde-pendencies of the various steps to completion. TheStrategic Plan for Traffic Records Improvement willserve as a road map on how to improve our currenttraffic safety-related databases and strengthen thefocus of our efforts on the factors contributing to themost transportation-related fatalities and injuries, andwill encourage safety programs and practices thataddress other significant safety problems.

CONFERENCE 2009

ILLINOIS TRAFFIC SAFETY

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OFFICE OF PLANNING & PROGRAMMING

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MissionIn cooperation with fed-eral, state, regional/localagencies and the publicdevelops and maintainsa continuing, compre-hensive, and multi-modal(highway, public trans-portation, rail and airport)integrated planning andprogramming processto foster efficient andeconomical transporta-tion services.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Planning and Programming is responsiblefor long and short-range planning needs assessment andanalysis and developing programs aimed at improving thestate’s transportation system. This includes developingthe annual and multi-year Highway Improvement Program,as well as the multi-year improvement programs for publictransportation, airports and rail, preparing the capitalgrants budget as it relates to airports and public trans-portation, implementing the rail freight and passengerprograms and directing metropolitan planning programs.This Office is also responsible for development of IDOT’spositions for federal legislative programs and strategies.

Here are a few of the things OP&P is responsible for:• Work with the modal divisions to prepare annual and

multi-year capital programs for highways, rail publictransportation and airports.

• Assist the 14 metropolitan planning organizations inmeeting the federal and state planning requirements.

• Analyze the roadway condition information, one ofthe major inputs in the highway programming process.

• Maintain the roadway and bridge information for thestate (IRIS and ISIS).

• Develop traffic counts on state roads.• Mapping and GIS, including the official state highway map.• Maintain the grade crossing inventory for Illinois

(working with the Illinois Commerce Commission).

ACCOMPLISHMENTSMonitor transportation related activities in Congress,including the multi-year authorizations for highways,transit and aviation, as well as annual spending billsexceeded IDOT’s Highway Program goal for 2008improving 933 miles of roadway improvements com-pared to 800 miles promised. IDOT also improved 272structures, and accomplished more than 200 othersafety improvements.

Context Sensitive SolutionsOver the past several years, the department has beenimplementing its Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)

strategy. All implementing Divisions and Offices(Highways, Aeronautics, Public and Intermodal Trans-portation, and Planning) adopted formal procedures forthe implementation of CSS. The Bureau of Local Roadsand Streets also added sections regarding CSS to theBureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual.

Three separate training classes were developed: a half-day CSS Awareness class, a two-day CSS Approachclass and a half-day Local Agency class. The Awarenessclass was taught in all nine districts and in the centraloffice to almost 300 department employees. Two addi-tional classes were held for over 90 consultant employees.The Local Agency class was taught to almost 200 LocalAgency employees. Approach classes were held withmore than 200 department employees and consultantsin attendance. Six more Approach classes were held in2008, with other classes taught as needed. Also in 2008,Local Agencies and Resource staffs participated in theApproach class. A CSS on-line training course is beingdeveloped through the Illinois Center for Transportation.The IDOT CSS website has been updated.

As a result of our efforts, IDOT has received nationalrecognition for its CSS activities. The departmentreceived the Award of Excellence in Urban Highwaysas a result of the FHWA’s Excellence in Highway DesignAwards Program for the Reconstruction of South LakeShore Drive. IDOT was recognized at the American Assoc-iation of State Highway Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO)Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, as a notable prac-tice in CSS organizational integration for its BalancedScorecard approach to CSS. Most recently, the depart-ment’s paper, “Context Sensitive Solutions StrategicPlan for the Illinois Department of Transportation” wasselected for presentation at the Transportation ResearchBoard’s 86th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

Statewide PlanningThe Office of Planning and Programming has contin-ued to coordinate with the 14 Metropolitan PlanningOrganizations across the state in order to comply withthe provisions of the federal highway and transit actknown as SAFETEA-LU. SAFETEA-LU required numer-ous changes to the planning process.

Over the past year the office was able to help the down-state MPOs identify and implement key changes to theplanning process and help the MPOs in these changes.Those activities include the creation of planning processfor: environmental mitigation efforts, human servicetransportation plans, transportation system managementand operation procedures, separating safety and securityplanning requirements and implementation of congestionmanagement in the planning process. This office hasalso worked closely with the Federal Highway Admin-istration to make sure that all requirements were met andthe overall planning process was federally approved.

Director Dick Smith

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OFFICE OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

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MissionTo provide timely, high-quality services to theDivisions and Offices ofIDOT in support of theirefforts to achieve theDepartment’s overallmission, while ensuringcompliance withDepartmental Ordersand State Statutes.Service, Accountabilityand Flexibility for theFuture.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Finance and Administration is responsiblefor developing and administering IDOT’s $5 billionbudget (one of the state’s largest non-educationalbudgets), managing the personnel system for more than5,200 full-time, permanent employees, and providingcentralized business services and facilities management.In addition, this Office directs the overall administrationof IDOT’s various programs for small business utiliza-tion and provides data processing capabilities requiredto meet IDOT’s management and engineering needs.

2006-08 Accomplishments2006• Implemented new contracting policies and procedures

to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules andregulations.

• Directed a new contract and procurement monitoring/tracking system to improve process flows.

• Created a confidential information/security groupthat is implementing policies, procedures and safetymeasures to protect IDOT employees and confidentialinformation.

• Revamped the department’s capital improvement pro-gram for IDOT buildings to improve accountability andto meet prioritized needs statewide in order to safe-guard taxpayer assets in the most effective ways.

• Implemented a strategic planning process for Financeand Administration and new problem-solving strate-gies to overcome headcount and budget constraints.This includes process evaluation and improvementstrategies to create more efficient, effective and rele-vant work flows.

• Started on a long-range IT mainframe migration strate-gy in order to improve access to real-time data criticalfor management decision-making.

2007• Creation and implementation of the 2007-08 recruiting

plan to further diversify the department.• Directed the creation of the first annual IDOT Career

Day, hosting hundreds of area high school studentsand informing them about career opportunities at IDOT.

• Worked with the Governor’s Office to create theopportunity for recruiting engineering students fromunderutilized groups at predominantly minority/femaleschools nationwide. These efforts resulted in 71 per-cent of the first 21 offers in District 1 going toprospective employees from underutilized groups.

• Began procurement for a new oversize/overweightpermitting system to ease pressure on the permit andbridge offices.

2008• Creation and implementation of the IDOT Civil Engineer

Scholarship Program to provide financial support for theeducation of motivated students, offering employmentopportunities to these recipients during the summer,and retaining them as future long-term employees.

• Development of partnerships with educational entitiesin East St. Louis, Springfield and Chicago to createand implement engineer mentoring programs andacademies. These programs, taught by IDOT civilengineers, are designed to promote team building,problem solving and an interest in math and sciencerelated fields including civil engineering.

• Implementation of the second annual IDOT Career Day,hosting hundreds of area high school students andinforming them about career opportunities at IDOT.

• Assisted the Department of Human Services in findingtransportation-related Illinois businesses to employa portion of the approximately 2,800 19 to 22 yearolds enrolled in the Governor’s Summer YouthEmployment Program.

BUREAU OF INFORMATION PROCESSING2003-08 AccomplishmentsI-39 Fiber Project-2008IDOT has completed the installation of fiber opticcabling along the Interstate 39 corridor betweenRochelle and Rockford which will enable the City ofRochelle and others to sell Internet broadband serviceto their municipal households. This represents a signifi-cant economic boost to the region and Illinois.

Safe Routes to School Web Application System- 2008The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, EfficientTransportation Equity Act provides federal funds forthis endeavor. The purpose of this program is to enableand encourage children, including those with disabili-ties, to walk and bicycle to school; to make walkingand bicycling to school safe and more appealing, andto facilitate the planning, development and implemen-tation of projects that will improve safety and reducetraffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinityof schools. The goals of the development effort were:• A web site for the State of Illinois Safe Routes to

School Program• A collaborative web based School Travel Plan & Toolkit• A web based Safe Routes to School funding applica-

tion and submittal process

Director Ann Schneider

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OFFICE OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

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In 2007, the program received almost 300 applicationsand more than 1,000 requests for federal project fund-ing for a total of $77.7 million. This system is availableto anyone in the general public, but is used mainly byschool officials, city planners, mayors or other govern-ment officials requiring federal funding for improvingschool safety travel. The system consists of more than30 data entry forms that walk the applicant through theprocess of applying for federal funding. Part of thisprocess includes a GIS mapping component thatallows a user to visually map a proposed improvement.The system is built to gather the data electronically vs.paper which improves response time, data quality andreporting. The process has been managed and main-tained by two people which is a significant cost sav-ings compared to other states.

Designated Truck Routes onGettingAroundIllinois.comThe Designated Truck Routes information was added tothe GettingAroundIllinois.com interactive mapping app-lication by those interested in load permit data. Thedepartment issues about 1,500 permits a day, and truckerscan use this site to verify their routes. In addition, theIllinois State Police uses the information as a resource.The application provides an online view of restrictionson local or state-maintained roads and bridges.

NAVTEQ Enterprise Mapping DataIDOT has procured a Master License from NAVTEQ tobe able to share, free of charge, the base NAVTEQdata with local units of government. IDOT believes thisdata will be helpful to counties by providing compre-hensive coverage between county borders, a centerlinethat can be used for geocoding services and mappingapplications, and a variety of related data such as NAVTEQcommercial points of interests as well as IDOT data suchas traffic counts. Counties unable to access data cur-rently will be able to have comprehensive county cov-erage, and counties that do have data will be able touse this data for reference, quality control, and linkingto the various points of interest and Illinois road data.

Online Maps – eGovernmentIDOT has provided free maps for download for allcounties and cities in Illinois. Any user can accessthese documents from the IDOT web site by navigatingto the appropriate page, selecting a desired county orcity, and receiving a copy in PDF format. Prior to this,copies of maps were processed through the IDOT mapstore and mailed out in hardcopy format.

Impaired Driving Website - 2008This project revamped the “Buckle Up Illinois” web siteto meet the needs of Illinois citizens. We enhanced theframework already existing with the www.buckleupillinois.org website, and made it more accessible anduser-friendly for law enforcement grantees, certifiedchild passenger safety technicians and the general

public. The existing site was optimized by adding linksfor new topics and extensions of some that werealready in place.

Metro-East St. Louis Travel InformationThe Metro-East St. Louis Travel Information site pro-vides traffic and roadway information to the travelingpublic. Included on the interactive mapping site arecurrent traffic flow indicators, current speed of travel,roadway incidents, road work, real-time traffic camerafeeds, and dynamic message board postings. Thisinformation is updated automatically from District 8data sources and refreshed every 60 seconds.

GoToWebinar/Video Conferencing - 2008IDOT is using technology gains to save the State ofIllinois money. The department’s employees participatein various forms of training. When feasible, training isbeing conducted using video conference equipmentand applications such as GoToWebinar to eliminate theneed for staff to travel. Average time savings for thedepartment translates to some $200,000 per week forapproximately 1,000 people, based on cost of travel,mileage, overnight accommodations and work timelost for other uses. Most recently, the department hasbegun statewide training for all employees onMicrosoft Office 2007. In addition to the monetary sav-ings, the time savings for staff not having to travel pro-vides better continuity in their daily responsibilities.

EPlans – Electronic Plans - 2008This initiative provides the department with the abilityto send and receive engineering plan drawings elec-tronically. This project will allow the plans to remain inelectronic format from planning to letting. IDOT’s annualbudget for project development is $78 million covering757 staff members internally and several hundredexternal consultant staff. Even though all design workis performed at IDOT using electronic tools, the coordi-nation, control, dissemination and review of this workis a manual or paper bound process. This forces paper/electronic version disconnects and imposes unneces-sary inefficiencies on the design review and changemanagement practice. To eliminate this, an automatedE-Plans system for the dissemination of engineeringinformation is being implemented statewide.

Modernization of Computer SystemsThe department is converting several old-style main-frame systems to client server applications that aremore modern and user-friendly. Conversion of thesesystems to new platforms creates more stable sys-tems, and allows legacy systems to become rejuvenat-ed and continue to be core to the department in the21st century.• Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) – The primary objective of this

project is to rewrite the existing Motor Fuel Tax sys-tem to address new requirements and utilize modern

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technology for increased user productivity. The MFTsystem supports the allocation and distribution ofMotor Fuel Tax monies of more than $600 millionannually to approximately 3,375 entitled entitiesthroughout the State on a monthly basis and alsotracks projects containing federal funds, state matchmonies and motor fuel tax monies.

• Windows Program Planning System – The primarypurpose of this system is to manage the state's$9.15 billion Multi-Year Program for highways. Thisconsists of approximately 10,000 highway projectsconsisting of improvements for 4,518 highway milesand 925 structures. The system also facilitates thecreation of the "For the Record" report which is amandated report that details project accomplish-ments during the prior year. The objective of thisproject is to rewrite the existing legacy mainframeProgram Planning System to address new functional-ity and utilize modern technology for increased userproductivity.

• Illinois Highway Information System (IHIS) – The pri-mary objective of this project is to develop a versionof a roadway inventory system that can provide anefficient means to store transportation-related dataelements that will facilitate the transportation model-ing processes, provide better planning capabilities,and help make sound transportation decisionsregarding safety, engineering, and FHWA mandates.Currently, IDOT’s roadway, structures, railroad, andHPMS inventory are updated, stored, and maintainedin mainframe environment. While the system has andcontinues to function, architecture constraints arelimiting the ability to expand, adjust, and integratewith other enterprise solutions.

Data Marts - 2008As a part of the Enterprise Data Warehouse initiative,the department is developing several data marts. Thegoal of this project is to provide business users witheasy, direct access to information. This is an initiativeto break down the “silos” surrounding the massiveamounts of data maintained by the various mainframesystems. This project will analyze the data throughoutthe department and sew it together in a way that pro-vides cross-functional value. business users will beprovided with robust, easy to use, feature-rich toolsetswhich will allow them to get to the information theyneed to make better business decisions.

Business Intelligence - 2008The Data Mart initiative has spawned another endeavorin business intelligence. IDOT’s vision has sought tofree up its information technology team by givingemployees direct access to information. Early attemptsinvolved building custom dashboards from scratch, butthis approach failed to scale well. Accordingly, IDOTsought to implement a comprehensive business intelli-gence (BI) platform—a one-stop information shop –

upon which additional dashboards and user-friendlyinformation portals might be quickly implemented. InMicrosoft Office Performance Point™ Server 2007,SQL Server® 2005, and Microsoft Office SharePointServer 2007, IDOT found a solution its users couldeasily use at a price that it could afford.

Online ReportingOver the past few years, IDOT has moved towards apaperless environment, by providing approximately250 additional reports through an electronic meansusing Report2Web. This effort results in savings of thecost of paper, and helps to ensure confidentiality ofinformation by restricting the access for each report,based on each report’s requirements.

Electronic Pay StubThis system provides an electronic means to inquirepayroll information for all staff. This is an advantage toemployees since it provides privacy and security throughthe use of a confidential ID and PIN number. Pay datais available up to two days before scheduled pay datesso that access time can be managed more efficiently.Additionally, savings are realized through the savings ofpaper and mailing costs, as well as savings resultingfrom staff’s time sorting and mailing paychecks.

Business Analyst Program - 2008Software development projects across the industryhave a high rate of failure. One of the primary reasonsthat projects fail is a lack of adequately definedrequirements. Requirements are gathered and organ-ized by a business analyst. The department is workingtoward a comprehensive, tailored business analysttraining program which will provide business analystswith essential skills needed for successful implementa-tion of software applications. Along with this effort, abusiness analysis “tool-kit”, templates and processflows will be developed to assist during the require-ments gathering phase of a project.

Project Management Office/MethodologiesThe PMO Initiative established project managementpractices as the standard way to accomplish work,manage projects as a business function, and manageproject scope throughout the project life cycle. The BAInitiative is implementing practices for requirementsgathering for projects.

Web ServicesThe IT staff has continued to develop web servicecomponents that are being utilized in several differentapplications. The web service applications consist ofphysical real estate, employees, organizational andothers. These web services reduce the redundancy ofdata as well as the maintenance necessary by IT sup-port staff.

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OFFICE OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

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Protecting Employee PrivacyIDOT takes the confidentiality of information seriouslyand has implemented an Employee IdentificationNumber (EID) for all staff and consultants. This EID isutilized in place of the Social Security Number, so thatan individual’s privacy is protected. The departmenthas also placed locked document shredding containersin strategic locations to help ensure confidential/sens-itive documents are disposed of properly.

Travel Voucher System - 2008IT staff have developed a statewide travel voucher systemto be used by every IDOT employee. The new systemhas a database collecting all entries and it will be webbrowser based. This application is fully automated andrules based. The system is designed to calculate appro-priate mileage, per diem and other expenditures asso-ciated with travel. This new system allows for reportingand querying of data for analysis purposes. The TravelVoucher System was built to share with any other agency.

Permit Task ManagementThe Permit Task Management System was developedto meet IDOT strategic objectives by standardizing theprocess to track permit tasks. The system also resultedin one source of data for permit tasks. The systemimproved the efficiency of the permit review process byautomating manual tasks and reducing redundancy andpaperwork. The system was implemented as a pilot inDistrict 1 and the next release will enable the Permit TaskManagement application to be used by all IDOT districts.

I-ROADSThe Illinois Roadway Analysis Data System displays viaa web interface the condition of the road, the rate ofdeterioration, the roughness index and other roadwayinformation. Historically, this data was available elec-tronically, but a hardcopy map was the official product.I-ROADS creates a digital representation of four formerhardcopy map series; CRS, IRI, RUT, and NA.

Each series had a distinct purpose and data con-veyance, but all four utilize the same base map andcartographic labels. Now, all IDOT staff can access thisinformation using a web browser. Further, the resourceconstrained cartography unit no longer must producelarge printouts of this information.

BUREAU OF BUSINESS SERVICES2003-08• Awarded approximately $225 million in con-

tracts/intergovernmental agreements/grants afterprocessing some 1,200-plus individual procurements.

• Finalized the update of Departmental Order 6-3,Selection and Control of Non-Architectural/Engineering (Non-A/E) Consultants and submitted forexecutive review and approval.

• Updated and published Departmental Order 12-2,Procurement of Supplies and Services, and the asso-ciated Procurement of Supplies and Services Manual.

• Updated and published Departmental Order 8-3,Information Technology Procurement.

• Developed and implemented the ProcurementTracking Application to track procurements managedby the Procurement and Contracts Section, includingexecutive reports.

• Awarded a contract to Bentley Systems, Inc. todevelop a new oversize/overweight permitting sys-tem for Illinois.

• Completed the selection process for a vendor toconduct a Disparity Study for the Department andthe Illinois Toll Highway Authority, planned for awardin early 2009.

• Issued an RFP seeking corporate sponsors to offsetthe costs of printing the official state of Illinois map,in exchange for sponsorship recognition on the map.

• Began procurement to replace both the IllinoisConstruction Records System (ICORS) and theMaterials Integrated System for Test Information andCommunication (MISTIC) systems with the AmericanAssociation of State Highway Transportation Officials(AASHTO) web-based, SiteManager construction andmaterials management system.

• Awarded a contract for creative advertising topromote occupant protection and impaired driving,safety campaign messages.

2008• Policy & Research Center – Launched a Policy &

Research Center site on Inside IDOT creating a virtu-al transportation library for department employees;

• Implemented an Information Preservation Initiativeaimed at building a complete historical collection ofdepartmental policy documents;

• Implemented the IDOT Document Depository Programto maintain the complete collection of departmentalpolicy documents while ensuring compliance with theGeneral Assembly and State Library Acts;

• Updated 43 percent Departmental Orders (29/68)• Implemented new Departmental Orders for:

Building Security • Confidential Information •Corrective Action • Preventive Action • StrategicPlanning • Management System

• Began consolidating professional association mem-berships within PRC to maximize benefits and makeaccessible to all department employees.

Document & Forms Management• Developed and implemented accessibility standards

for business forms to ensure users with disabilitieshave adequate access;

• Processed 912 business form requests and convert-ed 1,736 business forms to Office 2007;

• Implemented quality control process for departmentbusiness cards – processed 93 requests since July 2008.

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Central Print ShopProduced 5.7 million press impressions, 9.5 millioncopies and scanned 46,432 letting plan sheets.

Mail ServicesSaved $1,400 postage by using presort service,processed 20,472 Motor Fuel Tax mail pieces,processed 5,759 parcel packages and delivered 99percent of date sensitive parcels on time.

Miscellaneous• Coordinated posting of all city, county and township

maps on Internet with OP&P to make all availablefree of charge to general public.

• Of the 145,000 invoices processed during 2008, 99.9percent met the compliance standards for paymentset forth by the Prompt Payment Act

• Of the 149,500 invoices processed during 2007, 99.8percent met the compliance standards for paymentset forth by the Prompt Payment Act

• Invoices processed each year from 2003-06 rangedfrom 145,400 to 181,000 and on average 99.9 per-cent met the compliance standards set forth by thePrompt Payment Act

BUREAU OF BUDGETAND FISCAL MANAGEMENT2008• Ensured that the Illinois Department of Transportation

obligated 100 percent of its federal ceiling of morethan $1 billion;

• Claimed more than $1.2 billion total federal highwayaid reimbursement;

• Processed more than 3,500 federal financing trans-actions during calendar year 2008, including morethan 900 for newly authorized projects;

• Following a federal mandate on Fiscal Integrity (FIREProgram), claimed more than $30 million federal aidreimbursement by modifying and closing jobs;

• Reviewed more than 220 appropriation amendmentsfiled in one day to determine departmental impact;

• Successfully defended the legislative approval of twobudget supplementals;

• Managed the department’s FY 2008 operating budg-et through the most expensive winter on record;

• Worked closely with IT staff to refine the Financial DataMart; in addition, revamped the quarterly reportingsystem to link information from this data mart. Thiswill allow for more efficient data retrieval and moreaccurate analysis of the department’s spending history;

• Updated, prepared, and finalized financial projectionsused as baseline for modeling;

• Reviewed engineering consultant contracts pre-awardfor bureaus of Design and Local Roads and Streets.

2007• Processed 2,800 transactions to ensure that all federal

regulations were met in time to avoid losing funding

eligibility, which resulted in IDOT recouping $1.1 billionof earned federal cash reimbursement for projects.

• Implementation of interim and regular budgets for FY2008, and an enhanced budget request system tocollect more detailed and fully explanatory data inorder to support the FY 2009 request.

• Provided financial analysis for Governor's Office cap-ital program proposals, and General Assembly transitfunding proposals.

2006• Streamlined processing of payments from the Billing

Allocation System.• Reduced backlog of obligations that did not roll in

the Comptroller’s system.

BUREAU OFPERSONNEL MANAGEMENTOn-The-Job Training (OJT) ProgramThe department sought out bridge inspectors for theBureau of Bridges and Structures Statewide BridgeCrew utilizing the OJT Program. This crew is responsi-ble for the inspection of major highway bridges cross-ing the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, and Wabash rivers.The OJT Program gives underutilized groups an oppor-tunity to obtain knowledge and experience in variousareas of construction statewide. The departmentrecruited three employees, and Personnel believes thisprogram benefits the State of Illinois.

CET Recruitment ProgramThe Bureau of Personnel, in cooperation with theBureau of Employee Services, sent recruiters all overthe United States to find the best and brightest gradu-ating civil engineers for statewide positions fromSchaumburg to Carbondale. This would be the firsttime in more than five years that the department hasrecruited civil engineers from out of state.

In 2008, IDOT placed 27 new engineers around thestate. Forty-eight percent of the new engineers werefrom underutilized groups and more than one-fourthwere females.

Reimbursable Expenses AgreementIn 2008, in conjunction with the Office of ChiefCounsel, Personnel generated a lawful agreementbetween new employees who move to the State ofIllinois, and the department stating that if the employeedoes not stay with the department for one year afterthe move, the employee will reimburse IDOT for allaccrued moving expenses. Previously this protectionfor the State did not exist.

Payroll & BenefitsIn 2008, Payroll & Benefits coordinated informationalsessions from State Employees Retirement System andDeferred Compensation for more than 350 employees.

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MissionTo provide legal counselto the Department onboth policy issues andproposed actions affect-ing any of its operatingdivisions or staff offices;to provide for the prose-cution and defense of alllitigation involving theDepartment in coopera-tion with the Office of theGovernor, the AttorneyGeneral, and outside

counsel; to provide for the administration of tort liabilityclaims, property damage claims and uncollectiblereceivables as well as processing lien and bond claimsagainst contractors; and to provide coordination andadministration of the purchase and service of all insurancepolicies for the Department’s self-insurance program.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Chief Counsel is responsible for providinglegal counsel to IDOT on both policy issues and pro-posed actions affecting any of its Offices and Divisions.This Office also administers tort liability claims, propertydamage claims and uncollectable receivables, andprocesses lien and bond claims against contractors.

Proactive Investigative ProcessIDOT prides itself on conducting proactive audits andinvestigations to uncover and prosecute fraud againstthe Department. Contractors and subcontractors whoengage in questionable conduct with IDOT or othergovernmental entities or municipalities are suspendedfrom doing business with the Department through theOffice of Quality Compliance and Review, InternalAuditor and the Office of Chief Counsel. Currently,approximately 31 contractors, subcontractors, truckingfirms and consultants are suspended from conductingbusiness with IDOT due to questionable activities.

Robert G. SullingerGreat Plains GroupDivision of Traffic SafetyAdditionally, when fraud is found, the IDOT refers thecase for criminal action. Three such cases have beensuccessfully federally prosecuted. In 2004, IDOTbecame suspicious of a $2 million contract the Divisionof Traffic Safety had with the Great Plains Group. Thecontract was a renewal for services with Great Plainsthat started in 1999. Great Plains was paid by IDOT toproduce and post anti-drunk driving billboardsthroughout the state under a program funded by theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration admin-istered by IDOT. Over a 6-year period, from 1999 to2004 Sullinger, the sole owner of Great Plains submit-

ted false invoices that overstated the number of posterbillboards produced and posted. As a result of thisfraudulent billing, Sullinger received over-paymentstotaling $554,000.

IDOT referred this matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Officefor the Central District of Illinois in Springfield and col-laborated with the FBI in the investigation, indictmentand trial of the case. Sullinger eventually plead guilty tothe fraud after a week of jury trial on November 17, 2008,and is scheduled to be sentenced March 30, 2009.

Kamleshwar GuptaKAM Engineering, Inc.KAM Engineering, Inc. is an engineering firm that hadvarious contracts with IDOT from 1994 through 2003.During an audit performed by IDOT auditors in 2003, itwas discovered that KAM had submitted false invoicesand financial information regarding overhead expensesand the number of hours worked by KAM employeeson IDOT contracts. The result of these falsificationswas that KAM was overpaid by over $1,400,000 by IDOT.On December 15, 2004 IDOT issued an interim sus-pension to KAM Engineering preventing the firm fromdoing business with the department until the matterwas resolved. Shortly after the audit, IDOT referred thismatter to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District ofIllinois in Chicago. IDOT personnel worked in collabo-ration with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office in theinvestigation and indictment. On April 21, 2008, Mr.Gupta and his company were both indicted by a FederalGrand Jury in Chicago charging them with submittingfraudulent vouchers to embezzle over $1,000,000 infederal funds from IDOT. IDOT has suspended KAMEngineering for a maximum of 10 years from doing anybusiness with the department. Trial is pending.

Manu Shahdba, Shah Engineering, Inc.From 1997 until 2005 Shah Engineering, Inc. workedas a primary contractor on various projects with IDOT,as well as other governmental entities around the stateof Illinois, and the city of Chicago. In 2004, IDOT con-ducted an audit of overhead costs and calculations,and job costs used by Shah to bill IDOT on his con-tracts. The findings of that audit revealed that Shahhad shifted time charged from one contract to another,charged overhead for unallowable expenses, includinghis family vacation, and provided false documentationto hide these fraudulent practices.

The audit disclosed that Shah had overbilled IDOT by$1,377,000 and other government agencies (city ofChicago, etc.) by another $8,500,000 through hisschemes.

Director EllenSchanzle-Haskins

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In 2004, IDOT turned the matter over to the U.S.Attorney for the Central District of Illinois in Springfieldwith IDOT personnel collaborating with the FBI and theU. S. Attorney. A search warrant was issued and docu-ments and computers seized, resulting in an indict-ment. Shah and his company have both plead guilty inthe case. IDOT has billed Shah for the $1,377,000which Shah had illegally collected due to his fraudulentschemes. Sentencing including prison and restitutionfor Shah and his company is pending.

STUDENT PROFESSIONALSWITH DISABILITIES PROGRAMRECEIVES ILLINOIS REHABILITATIONASSOCIATION AWARDThe Central Chapter of the Illinois Rehabilitation Assoc-iation awarded their Citizen Community RehabilitationService Award to Elbert Simon, Bureau Chief of IDOT’sBureau of Civil Rights for the work performed by theBureau’s Student Professionals with DisabilitiesProgram during 2008.

The Student Professionals with Disabilities Program(SPWDP) started at the Illinois Department of Trans-portation (IDOT) in 2005 as part of the Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA) Program within the Department’sBureau of Civil Rights. The objective of the program isto provide training and, if possible, temporary employ-ment for persons with disabilities to allow them time todevelop knowledge, skills and abilities in a professionalbusiness environment that will prepare them for futurefull-time employment at IDOT or elsewhere.

The program is a partnership between IDOT, UnitedCerebral Palsy, School District 186 (Springfield), theIllinois Department of Human Services – Division ofRehabilitation Services, Goodwill Industries, SangamonArea Special Education, Association for Retarded Citizens,and the Epilepsy Resource Center. All of these organi-zations participate in the program by nominating potentialparticipants, providing supportive services (i.e. jobcoaches, transportation), and in securing full-timeemployment of successful students in the program.

The IDOT program for students has three components.IDOT provides 10 to 15 paid temporary positions tostudents that qualify under the Supportive Services Act.The school district provides another 15 to 20 studentsthat are unpaid. All of the other agencies provide another15 to 20 students that are paid through agencies otherthan IDOT. All of the training takes place at IDOT’sCentral Office in the Harry Hanley Building in Springfield.

The program has proved to be an effective training toolto assist students with severe disabilities as they pre-pare for and transition to full-time employment. As partof their training, students are evaluated and advised by

case managers at United Cerebral Palsy in areas ofsocial skills, work skills, independent living and workreadiness. IDOT has provided a physical plant, elec-tronics and computers, as well as ongoing supportthrough the ADA Specialist and Civil Rights Officer.Students are given the opportunity to be placed in awork environment within IDOT to develop the skillsneeded to obtain employment in the future.

The success of this program has been beyond earlyexpectations. Since 2005, more than 50 students havecompleted training at IDOT. Of that number, 86 percenthave been successfully placed in employer-paid posi-tions, many of them with benefits. The positive effectsare immeasurable in terms of the self-esteem and self-confidence of the participating students. It is importantto note that the program focuses on severe cases. Manyof these students have been diagnosed with autism,mental retardation and severe physical disabilities.

More than 3 million persons live with disabilities inIllinois. The rate of unemployment averages nearly 70percent for this population. Students with severe dis-abilities are the most vulnerable for future unemploymentand disabilities rolls. However, due to the program atIDOT, successful participants with disabilities have beenable to leave the SSI rolls, saving taxpayers thousandsof dollars each year. The unique aspect of the programis that an agency such as IDOT has been able to providethe supports and act as an effective liaison between thelocal rehabilitation program and the students themselves.

This is not the first award recognition this program hasearned. IDOT has received awards from the followingagencies over the past five years for the program:2005 United Cerebral Palsy2006 National Rehabilitation Association2006 Illinois Rehabilitation Association2008 Central Chapter Illinois Rehabilitation Association

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DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS

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MissionPlan, design, construct,operate and maintain asafe highway system witha diverse and profes-sional workforce, withinavailable resources, andto the highest nation-wide standards for all ofthe citizens of Illinois.

ResponsibilitiesThe Division of Highwaysis responsible for devel-

oping, maintaining and operating the state highwaysystem in a timely, efficient and economical manner.The central bureaus of this Division are responsible fordeveloping policies, procedures, standards and guide-lines to accomplish IDOT’s highway system improve-ment objectives. The central bureaus monitor Districtprograms to ensure statewide uniformity of policyinterpretation and compliance and to ensure programcoordination with federal, state and local agencies.

HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATIONIllinois has the third largest roadway network overall inthe nation with approximately 140,000 miles of high-ways, streets, and roads, and more than 26,400bridges. This network ranges from heavily traveledurban streets and expressways to very lightly usedrural roads and carries nearly 300 million vehicle milesof travel in a typical 24-hour period. State, county,township, and municipal governments own and oper-ate this highway, road, and street system. Illinois alsois crossed by three of the nation’s five transcontinentalroutes. The Department is committed to making all lev-els of the transportation system safer to travel.

STATE AND LOCAL HIGHWAYS AND ROADS – Thestate highway system contains more than 16,000 milesof roads, including 282 miles of toll roads under thejurisdiction of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.Less than 12 percent of all mileage on Illinois’ highway,street, and road network occurs on the state highwaysystem, although it carries almost 65 per¬cent of allvehicle travel miles in Illinois. The locally owned andoperated road and highway system extends more than123,000 miles and makes up 88 percent of Illinois’highway, street, and road network. This local systemcarries just 35 percent of traffic, although most tripsbegin and end on local roads.

RURAL AND URBAN HIGHWAYS AND ROADS –Rural highways and roads account for more than three-fourths of Illinois’ highway, street, and road system,although this system handles less than 30 percent ofIllinois’ vehicle travel miles.

Most of Illinois' highway traffic problems and needsoccur on the urban highway, street, and road network.These problems and needs reflect Illinois’ high urbanpopulation and high urban travel demand. Despite theselow traffic volumes, rural highways and roads are essentialfor Illinois farm-to-market transportation. These road-ways also provide essential access to jobs, medicalfacilities, and other needed services and opportunitiesfor residents in and near Illinois’ rural communities.

INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS – Illinois opened its firstinterstate highway to traffic in the late 1950s and wasamong the earliest states to begin building interstatehighways. Although construction of some of the inter-state highway segments resulted in the disruption ofsome communities, other interstate highway segmentsprovided relief to local residential streets that hadbecome thoroughfares for dangerous and disruptivein¬terstate truck and car traffic. The interstate systemalso improved access and mobility for Illinois citizens.Illinois now has a 2,169-mile interstate highway network.

This interstate highway network and the entire NationalHighway System have provided unprecedented personalmobility, safety, and economic opportunities throughbetter access to national and inter¬national marketsand have greatly improved freight transportation effi-ciency. Freight carriers use the interstate highway net-work to carry more than half of all the goods transportedby highways in Illinois.

MOTOR CARRIER TRANSPORTATIONSince Chicago is the key freight distribution hub forNorth America, the State of Illinois is a center for motorcarrier transportation. More than 30,000 trucking firmsserve businesses located throughout Illinois and11,000 of them are based here. With a vast economicbase to serve, these truckers touch all elements of theIllinois economy, such as transporting manufacturedproducts from industries to all parts of the country,making farm-to-market shipments to Illinois grainprocessors and rail and water terminals, delivering coaland other mineral deliveries to Illinois ports; and ship-ping consumer goods to retailers throughout the state.In 2005, trucks carried 63 percent of all freight movedin Illinois, representing 243 million cargo tons. Freightvolumes through the Chicago area are projected tonearly double by 2020.

Director Christine M. Reed

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BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIANTRANSPORTATIONBicycle and pedestrian transportation in Illinois hasgrown rapidly in recent years as more and more citizensdiscover the advantages of bicycling or walking insteadof driving motor vehicles. Illinois has hundreds of milesof dedicated bicycle trails that were funded mainlythrough the Illinois Transportation EnhancementProgram (ITEP) and the federal Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) program since 1995. Most of therecent expansions of bicycle facilities have focused onencouraging greater use of bicycles for work and per-sonal business commuting, especially in the state’smetropolitan areas. Approximately 1,900 miles of themore than 16,000-mile state highway system also areconsidered suitable for cycling. Featuring lower trafficvolumes and lower motor vehicle speeds, the morethan 120,000 miles of locally operated and maintainedroadways throughout Illinois also offer cyclists numer-ous suitable opportunities.

Safe and convenient pedestrian access is an importantpart of transportation im¬provement projects in allmodes. The Department works with local governmentsto consider and provide appropriate pedestrian ameni-ties in conjunction with state highway projects. Thisincludes participating in funding accessible sidewalksalong state highways in urban areas, and working withtransit agencies to address pedestrian access to publictransportation facilities. ITEP and CMAQ have fundedor supplemented numerous pedestrian facilities duringthe past decade, including these efforts.

Safety Initiatives• In 2008, the second year for the Safe Routes to

School (SRTS) Program in Illinois, IDOT streamlinedtheir unique on-line system to allow communities tobetter plan Safe Routes activities and increase theease of using the site. The department provided nineSRTS Training sessions throughout the state, and hasnow trained over 700 people on how to implementSafe Routes to School in their schools and communi-ties. The Illinois SRTS Conference was held in Augustat Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. In addi-tion to the main event, which was a one day confer-ence featuring Mark Fenton, a nationally knownadvocate of walking and biking, attendees also hadthe option to attend a one day training provided bythe National Center for Safe Routes to School.

• The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) hascontinued to implement successful safety initiativesand programs that have helped reduce overall trafficfatalities by 22 percent this year. The Division ofHighways (Division) works closely with the Division ofTraffic Safety as part of the Illinois ComprehensiveHighway Safety Plan (CHSP) and over the last fiveyears, Illinois highway deaths have decreased from

1,420 in 2002 to 1,248 in 2007, the lowest number offatalities since 1924. When the CHSP was signed byGovernor Blagojevich in 2005, the goal was set as1,000 or fewer traffic related fatalities by 2008.

• IDOT develops and provides to the United StatesDepartment of Transportation the 5% Most SevereSafety Needs Report as required by the Safe,Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation EquityAct: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The mapsproduced to help generate this report are provided tothe IDOT and Illinois State Police (ISP) districts todetermine the problems at these more severe crashlocations and to identify engineering, education, andenforcement strategies to help address the problems.Safety meetings are held with IDOT and ISP districtsto discuss safety efforts and initiatives.

• IDOT partners with the ISP, Secretary of State,Operation Lifesaver, First Lady, and Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) at the Illinois State Fair to pro-mote the CHSP and safety efforts.

• The Illinois Photo Speed Enforcement Program wasexpanded this year and included deployments in sev-eral counties including Cook, Champaign,Sangamon, Will, DuPage, Lake, Rock Island,Winnebago, Jefferson, and Washington. This initiativewhich includes signing the work zones to notifymotorists they are entering a work zone that is photospeed enforced, along with increased fines, has beenvery effective in reducing speeds in work zones. AUniversity of Illinois study through the Illinois Centerfor Transportation that evaluated the effectiveness ofphoto speed enforcement was completed whichshowed this to be true.

• Through its partnership with various safety stake-holders on the Work Zone Safety Committee, IDOTrevised its work zone message to “See Orange. SlowDown. Save Lives.” This message was promotedduring the annual National Work Zone AwarenessWeek and throughout the construction season. WorkZone Safety is highly publicized throughout the con-struction season using various means. IDOT partici-

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pates in the Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar Contestwhich involves partnership with industry, the IllinoisState Board of Education, and other private compa-nies. Work zone safety is also promoted at the restarea events, the Illinois State Fair, and conferences.

• IDOT developed work zone safety and mobility poli-cies to meet federal rules. The policies addressimproving the safety of motorists and workers withinwork zones and set specific goals for reducing workzone crashes, fatalities, and motorist delay.

• The Local Crash Data Collection project neared com-pletion, which provided funding to local agencies tocollect Geographic Information System locations fortheir fatal and Class A injury crashes from 2001 to2004. Location of these historical crashes is vital toreducing fatalities on the local highway system.Ninety-nine counties have had all severe crasheslocated. The information is being used to developlocal safety projects directed at reducing fatalitiesand serious injuries on the local roadway system.

• In cooperation with the FHWA the Rural SignUpgrade Program pilot was developed which pro-vides a maximum of $25,000 to assist local highwayagencies upgrade signs to meet new federal require-ments effective January 22, 2008. Bond,Cumberland, Henderson, and Piatt counties held let-tings resulting in the award to purchase 6,459 newsigns including posts and mounting hardware. Tenadditional counties are participating in the current fis-cal year’s pilot program, and another nine have beensent letters for participation in FY10.

• IDOT has continued installation of high tension cablerail (HTCR) systems on the interstate system to pre-vent median crossover crashes. Median crossovercrashes often result in multiple fatalities. These HTCRsystems have been very effective in preventing thesetypes of crashes. Approximately 125 miles of HTCRhave been installed to date on the interstate system.Additional installations are proposed. A study of theinstallations of HTCR and the potential to expand the

current installations is underway. House Resolution927 requires this to be presented to the legislatureJuly 1, 2009.

• IDOT has significantly increased safety funds avail-able at the local level as a result of the SAFETEA-LU.This has allowed the department to direct dollarswhere there is greater opportunity to reduce fatalitiesand serious injuries on the local system. IDOT hasperformed several road safety assessments on localroadways to help direct safety dollars to local routeswith severe crashes.

• IDOT has continued its safety corridor projects in theinterstate system. These improvements include cableguardrail, rumble strips, guardrail upgrades andimpact attenuator installations. This has been part ofthe integrated solution where the ISP has providedincreased enforcement on the interstates. This initia-tive has shown a significant reduction in traffic relat-ed fatalities on the interstate system.

The Environment• To fulfill the requirements of Section 106 of the 1966

Historic Preservation Act as amended, IDOT staffparticipated in a Tribal Workshop sponsored by FHWAand the U.S. Institute for Environmental ConflictResolution held in Collinsville on November 5th and6th. A greater understanding and appreciation of val-ues was achieved through two days of discussionsand initial coordination procedures were established.In attendance were 15 representatives of seven Indiantribes along with state and federal agency staff.

• Three Nationwide 404 Permit Workshops were devel-oped by the Central Office to accommodate a requestfrom the United States Army Corp of Engineers (Corps).The Corps has instituted new requirements for 404permits and these workshops provided a forum fordiscussions between IDOT Districts and Rock Islandand St. Louis Corps staff. The meetings were verysuccessful and resulted in a greater understanding ofthe requirements and timing of Corps Permits.

• In September the FHWA issued the Record ofDecision for the Prairie Parkway project in District 3.This milestone was accomplished through a multi-year Phase I effort and represents a significantadvancement toward the improvement of Chicagoarea transportation. Extensive coordination wasaccomplished with state and federal Natural Resourceagencies as well as local stakeholders. The projectfeatures innovative environmental mitigation featuressuch as bio-swales to address water quality issues.

• This year a Federally-Endangered mussel populationin the Wabash River was relocated downstream of theproposed Mt. Carmel Bridge. The Wabash River iswidely known as habitat for significant aquatic species.Many scientists from various agencies participated inthis effort. The mussel relocation was undertaken asa requirement of state and federal regulations.

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• IDOT and the Illinois Tollway have collaborated toenhance and manage a 160-acre Department-ownedparcel located in North Chicago. This joint effort willenable the funding and manpower necessary totransform the site into a valuable wetland that willprovide mitigation credits for both agencies. TheDepartment will obtain the necessary wetland creditsfor critical projects in northeast Illinois and ensurethat critical habitat is conserved in this highly devel-oped area of the State.

Homeland Security Initiatives/Disaster Response• When Illinois experienced storms that caused flood-

ing and damaged property this past year, the Divisionresponded with assistance in hauling and disposingof storm debris and performed structural inspectionsand assessments. Over $17.7 million ($15.2 millionFHWA and $2.5 million Federal EmergencyManagement Agency) was expended in response tostorm cleanups.

• Division of Highways staff from District 7 and theCentral Bridge Office responded quickly to this year’sflooding near the Wabash River. A total of 25 bridgeswere identified as needing scour mitigation. Quickaction was required to improve the safety of thesestructures before next spring’s flood season. Fiveemergency flood repair contracts totaling $2.8 millionwere developed and awarded to repair damage attwelve locations which was caused by heavy rains inthe first part of June of this year. This promptresponse ensured the continued safe passage for theIllinois’ traveling public.

• In the wake of the Minnesota I-35W Bridge Collapsewhich occurred on August 1, 2007, IDOT continuesto track national developments relating to the inspec-tion and rating of truss gusset plates. IDOT has allo-cated resources to obtain necessary field informationand currently are participating on national researchpanels which are developing load rating criteria. IDOTis also working with its consultant and contractingpartners to develop appropriate specifications toaddress loads during various construction phases.

• The Division coordinated the installation of securitysurveillance equipment in the East St. Louis MetroArea and Southern Illinois. That equipment is used tosecure bridges and highways from unauthorizedaccess to critical infrastructure.

• The Division is progressing with the installation ofmanual gate systems on eighty in-bound ramps ofthe Chicago expressway system. The gate systemallows uninterrupted flow of emergency responsevehicles into the city of Chicago while easing theburden of in-bound traffic.

• The Division participated in numerous emergencypreparedness exercises in conjunction with otherstate and federal agencies, as well as staffing theState Emergency Operations Center when activated.

• The Division is continuing its coordination withChicago’s Office of Emergency Management andCommunications, Chicago Transit Authority, O’HareAirport, Argonne Labs, Underwriters Lab, andDepartment of Commerce and Economic Opportunityfor the Chemical Sensor Monitoring Detection PilotProgram in the Chicagoland area for area mass tran-sit agencies.

• The Division is continuing its Radiation DetectionMonitoring equipment operational pilot program.

• The Division hosted the Illinois Terrorism Task ForceTransportation Security Summit September 29, 2008- October 1, 2008 in Oakbrook, Illinois.

The Division prepared documentation for scenariosand deployment of IDOT resources in response to acatastrophic earthquake on the New Madrid SeismicZone. The full-scale exercise, conducted on October7-9, 2008, tested IDOT’s ability in response to a cata-strophic earthquake.

Traffic Operations Initiatives• In 2008 there were two downstate Signal Coordination

and Timing contracts valued at $600,000. These con-tracts provided for systematic timing improvement to100 traffic signals in 14 corridors on a statewidebasis. The contracts allow for the improved efficiencyof intersections while reducing congestion, traveltimes, polluting car emissions, and motorist delay.

• To date, the Division has retrofitted approximately400 intersections in 44 municipalities with energy andmaintenance saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) signalmodules. By converting to LED modules from incan-descent bulbs, the Department and local agencieswill be able to reduce maintenance costs significantlyand reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent.

• In 2008 the Division completed the AMBER Alert PlanProgram Support Project which included successfuldeployment, testing, acceptance and operation of anenhanced AMBER alert system. The new AMBER AlertPlan Program enables the Central Office CommunicationsCenter to place AMBER Alert messages on all of theapproximately 70 dynamic message signs throughoutthe state within a matter of minutes.

• During 2008, the Division implemented the DrivingUnder the Influence (DUI) Memorial Sign program.The DUI signs will memorialize deceased victims ofcrashes caused by drivers found to be under theinfluence of alcohol, or other drug/intoxicating com-pound, as well as to raise the public awareness ofthe consequences of driving while impaired. Thememorial consists of a white on blue sign with thelegend PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, beneathwhich is a plaque with the legend IN MEMORY OFand the name of the deceased followed by the dateof the crash.

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Management• The Department, as an umbrella for all governmental

agencies in Illinois, completes quality control andquality assurance testing for many significant materi-als and components used in construction projects.The materials testing laboratories (aggregate, analyti-cal chemistry, bituminous, bituminous chemistry,cement, concrete, metals, nuclear and soils) per-formed over 73,000 tests on materials used on IDOTconstruction projects. The tests represented over14,500 samples representing thousands of contractsthroughout the entire state. Testing was conductedwith reduced staffing and completed in a timely man-ner which caused no delays to construction projects.

• The Central Materials Laboratory developed a newdurable brass breakaway coupling to replace themore expensive galvanized, quenched and temperedsteel “hourglass” couplings for use on light poles andother structures subject to vehicle impact, and also anew elastomeric composite material made ofpolyurethane and tire chips which can be used inbridge joints and other types of expansion at 1/10the cost of neoprene rubber.

• Two surveillance audits of IDOT’s Quality ManagementSystem were conducted by NSF International to accessthe conformance of the system to the requirementsof the ISO 9001:2000 International Quality ManagementStandard. Based on the excellent performance ofIDOT’s staff and the high level of conformance todepartmental policies and procedures observed bythe auditor, NSF International recommended continuedcertification to the ISO 9001:2000 Standard. As a resultof the Department’s ISO 9001:2000 Certified system,forty separate quality improvement initiatives werecompleted in 2008 in all areas of the Division whichhas resulted in greater efficiency and effectiveness.

• The Division initiated a partnership with theSaskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructureto help the organization implement the ISO 9001:2000 Standard.

• The Division successfully collaborated with theFHWA to complete seven joint program reviews ofcritical areas of program and project delivery withinthe Division to identify best practices and potentialprocess improvements.

• The Department’s successful ISO 9001:2000 certifi-cation program was the subject of an article in theAugust 2008 issue of the American Society ofQuality’s Quality Progress magazine.

• A representative from the Division presented theresults of IDOT’s successful ISO 9001:2000 certifica-tion program to a large audience of quality profes-sionals from organizations around the world such asthe Army Corp of Engineers, Boeing, The Universityof Texas, and Medical City.

• The Division coordinated with the FHWA to conducta joint FHWA/IDOT Risk Management Workshop toidentify high risk areas and create plans for mitigation.

Context Sensitive Solutions/Additional Collaborations• The Department, in conjunction with the Governor’s

Opportunity Returns Office and the Department ofCommerce and Economic Opportunity, helped spon-sor the 2008 Illinois Great Rivers Bicycle Ride. The2008 bicycle ride started September 7th and endedSeptember 13th in Hartford. The bicycle tour includ-ed southern Illinois river country and the ShawneeNational Forest.

• The Illinois Technology Transfer Center offered 133educational training courses dealing with infrastructuremanagement, workforce development, and highway/worker safety. Over 5,500 students enrolled in thesetraining courses with a total attendance of over 3,900students. Information related to safety, constructionand maintenance was also shared via conferences,training videos, technical publications, and manuals.

• IDOT, in conjunction with the Illinois State GeologicalSurvey has initiated the Illinois Height ModernizationProgram (ILHMP). This is a federally funded programfor the establishment of accurate, reliable heights.The goal of the ILHMP is to establish: (1) a datum-consistent vertical and horizontal statewide networkof survey benchmarks; and (2) a statewide high-reso-lution digital elevation model of the earth’s surface.The ILHMP will greatly benefit the entire surveyingcommunity and will affect all engineering projects,natural resources studies and modeling, floodplainmapping and routine surveying.

• The Division is working with the city of Cairo to con-vert an old tollhouse into a combination rest area/visitor center and museum. Through the IllinoisTransportation Enhancement Program, the Departmenthas processed a grant in the amount of $630,000, andis subsidizing the cost of the utilities and maintenanceof this facility for the city of Cairo in order to improvethe infrastructure of this region, enhance tourism andpromote economic growth in this portion of the State.

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PROJECTSDistrict One• Elgin O’Hare Western BypassThe Elgin O’Hare Western Bypass (EOWB) study sawsignificant progress in 2008. Using a portion of theSAFETEA-LU $140 million earmark, the Departmentkicked off the EOWB study in the fall of 2007. Stake-holder involvement has been driving the planning processthroughout, including defining and prioritizing trans-portation needs, which led directly to the creation of theproject Purpose and Need statement, as well as devel-oping and evaluating roadway/transit alternatives. Thusfar, the Department has hosted a pair of Public Informational meetings and monthly stakeholder workshopsto gather this important input. In the coming year, theDepartment anticipates narrowing the list of alternatives,releasing a draft EIS, and hosting a Public Hearing.

• Emerson Street over the North Shore Channel, Cityof Evanston and Village of Skokie, Cook CountyThe scope of work for this project involved the removalof the existing Emerson Street Bridge over the NorthShore Channel for the complete reconstruction of thisstructure to a four-lane wide cross section to accom-modate a five-foot wide on-road bicycle lane on eachside. In addition, the approach roadway was widenedand resurfaced from Leland Avenue to McCormickAvenue. The project involved close coordination withthe Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of GreaterChicago (MWRD) to ensure minimal impacts on adja-cent facilities and the city of Evanston to addressaccess due to complete closure of the bridge anddetour to ensure continued emergency vehicle accessto a major hospital in Evanston. This project was let onJanuary 18, 2008, has a contract cost of $4,133,074and was completed and opened to traffic onNovember 18, 2008.

• District One Emergency Patching ProgramThe harsh weather conditions during the winter of 2008severely deteriorated the integrity of many roadwayswithin the District. The District processed 12 construc-tion contracts involving repairs to 224 arterial roadwaysegments and 65 interstate ramp segments throughoutthe six counties of northeast Illinois as part of theemergency patching program. The 12 constructioncontracts that were let addressed the pothole prob-lems with a cost totaling $28 million. The 12 pavementpatching contracts were completed within the 2008construction season.

• I-55 - I-80 to Weber RoadThis $160 million interstate add lanes project was com-pleted on schedule in the fall of 2008. This projectinvolved the widening and resurfacing of I-55 in thecenter median area and constructing an additionalthird lane in each direction with barrier walls.

Constructing a new main drain storm sewer, signingand bridge improvements were included in this project.

• I-94 (Edens Expressway) - Lawrence Avenue to LakeCook Road (South and North Contracts) Cook CountyThis $42 million interstate resurfacing project wascompleted on schedule in the fall of 2008. The 13.86mile I-94 (Edens Expressway) Project included pave-ment patching, 4.25 inches of hot mix asphalt (HMA)resurfacing, barrier wall repairs and minor drainageimprovements. It included the resurfacing of six main-line bridges. Unique traffic staging with interim comple-tion dates were incorporated with night-time HMAresurfacing that allowed keeping traffic lanes open dur-ing day-time peak hours.

• Completion of US 5 (159th Street), US 45 (LaGrangeRoad to 98th Avenue) Village Park, Cook CountyThis $13.6 million reconstruction project was complet-ed in the summer of 2008. This project improved 0.50miles of US 6 (159th Street) and 0.45 miles of US 45(LaGrange Road). The improvement includes thewidening and reconstruction of the roadway with joint-ed Portland cement concrete, construction of combi-nation concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer installa-tion, water main relocation, sidewalk construction,installation of highway lighting and the construction ofa landscaped barrier median which includes trees andperennial plantings.

• Completion of IL 68 at US 14, Village of Palatineand Inverness, Cook CountyThis $11.7 million project was completed in the sum-mer of 2008. IL 68 over US 14 and the UP Railroadprovides for the reconstruction of the bridge and thediamond interchange with mainline US 14. The UPRailroad runs parallel to US 14; therefore, the contractincludes the reconstruction of two closely spacedbridges carrying IL 68, traffic signals for ramp move-ments and reconstruction of the ramps.

District 2• US 20 - Galena Shadow PassThe Corridor Protection Map was recorded on this 47mile alignment. The design phase continued on the 6.5mile alignment of the Galena Bypass, north and east ofGalena. As part of the Citizens Advisory Group’s (CAG)efforts, the bridge type concepts, as well as bridge androadway aesthetic elements, were narrowed.

• IL 251 – RockfordThe first stage of the reconstruction of IL 251 (KishwaukeeStreet) in Rockford north of Harrison Avenue was com-pleted. The $10.2 million project includes removing andreplacing the four lane roadway, and installing newwater and sewer lines, sidewalks, and traffic signals.This complete reconstruction will modernize and trans-form a major entryway to downtown Rockford.

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• US 52 ReconstructionThe 9-mile section of US 52/IL 64 between Savannaand Mt. Carroll was reconstructed. The $15.7 millionproject included rubbilizing the existing pavement,resurfacing, adding turn lanes, replacing culverts, andre-grading the ditches and shoulders.

• US 30 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)The project is comprised of an EIS study of the 24 milesof US 30 in Whiteside County from the IL 136 intersec-tion just east of the city of Fulton to IL 40 in the city ofRock Falls. The Purpose and Need was approved, anda second Public Informational Meeting will be held inJanuary/February 2009. The project is utilizing a CSSplan, and the public has played a vital role in the study.

District 3• Prairie Parkway StudyThe Prairie Parkway is a proposed new limited accesshighway connecting I-80 and I-88 through Grundy,Kendall and Kane counties. The Record of Decisionapproving this project was signed by FHWA on Sept-ember 19, 2008 and right of way acquisition was started,primarily between IL 71 and US 34. IDOT acquired threelarge parcels of land totaling over 127 acres for thePrairie Parkway. These parcels are in the priority sectionfor the Prairie Parkway near US 34 at Plano. To date,the district has held over 200 meetings with the public,landowners, elected officials, governmental staff andinterest groups as part of the project’s CSS effort.

• I-39 Abraham Lincoln BridgeThe deterioration of the bridge deck of the AbrahamLincoln Bridge over the Illinois River necessitated thefast-track preparation of plans and specifications com-pleted in one year. The project was let on the November2006 construction letting. Construction proceededthroughout 2007 and 2008, and by November 2008 alllanes were open to traffic. The project was nationallyrecognized as one of the Top Ten Bridges of 2008 inRoads and Bridges magazine, placing at #7 on themagazine’s list.

District Four• US 34 - Burlington to MonmouthPhase II design plans for the four-lane improvement ofUS 34 were completed for the western section fromCarman Road to TR 111. Phase II design plans for theeastern section from Kirkwood Road to Monmouth are50 percent complete. Utility adjustments, land acquisi-tion, construction and construction engineering arecurrently unfunded.

• IL 40 – Mt. Hawley Road to South of US 150Work was completed in the summer of 2008 for theresurfacing of 3.46 miles of IL 40 in Peoria at a cost of$4,496,571. A roadside safety assessment led to sev-eral improvements to reduce crashes on this stretch.

• IL 336 Expansion from Carthage to MacombThis $120 million expressway reconstruction projectwas opened to traffic on October 29, 2008. Constructionof this 20.6 mile improvement required nearly threeyears of intensive effort and coordination with DistrictSix to complete. The completion of this major express-way will improve mobility in west-central Illinois.

• IL 336 - Macomb to PeoriaWork continued on the study of a four-lane facility cov-ering 60 miles of roadway on mostly new alignmentfrom Macomb to Peoria. The preliminary preferredalignment was further refined and the intersec-tion/interchange design details have been finalized.The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) hasundergone review by FHWA and a final hearing isanticipated in the spring of 2009.

• Eastern BypassThe corridor study for the eastern bypass around theEast Peoria area is underway. This is a CSS projectand much effort has been focused on public involve-ment. A Community Advisory Group (CAG) has beenformed, as well as a project study team. A public kick-off meeting was held in late July 2008 to explain thestudy process and invite the public to participate. Over1,000 people attended this meeting.

• IL 29 ExpresswayThe final Environmental Impact Statement and DesignReport for this four-lane facility are being prepared andshould be completed with a Record of Decision from theFHWA by the spring of 2009. Work has been completedon the final design details and mitigation strategies.

District Five• I-57 from Champaign to RantoulThis $7.6 million patching and resurfacing project ontwo separate portions of I-57 (net length of 8.7 miles)in Champaign County included full depth patchingthroughout the entire length of the project, replacementof previously non-resurfaced pavement beneath vari-ous overpasses, removal of the existing driving laneresurfacing to the underlying concrete pavement, andreplacement with a polymerized HMA binder course,and lastly paving all travel lanes with an HMA polymersurface course.

• US 45 Bridge Replacements at TuscolaThis $4.3 million project removed the existing structureon US 45 over the Union Pacific and CSX railroads andreplaced that structure with two new structures. Theexisting structure was closed in 2006 after a routinebridge inspection disclosed substantial structure dete-rioration. The District expedited construction plans andrailroad coordination in order to bring the replacementproject to letting. Considerable investment in railroadcoordination in years prior to construction was an

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important role in the expediting of the project. The twonew structures were constructed, one spanning theCSX Railroad, the other the Union Pacific.

• I-74 Resurfacing in DeWitt CountyThis $5.8 million project provided Class A full-depthpatching throughout, milling of 2 ¼” of existing HMAresurfacing off both the passing and driving lanes,replacement of that material with 2 ¼” of HMA polymerbinder, and lastly a 1 ½” HMA polymer surface courseover both lanes. Existing guardrail within the projectlimits was upgraded and new impact attenuators wereinstalled at the overhead structures.

District 6• IL 336 Expansion from Carthage to MacombThis $120 million expressway reconstruction projectwas opened to traffic on October 29, 2008. Constructionof this 20.6 mile improvement required nearly threeyears of intensive effort and coordination with DistrictFour to complete. The completion of this major express-way will improve mobility in west-central Illinois.

• US 67 Four-Lane Expressway – Morgan, Cass, andSchuyler CountiesA consultant was selected March 28, 2007 to provide aCSS study followed by contract plans including the Type,Size, and Location bridge and roadway plans for theproject limits from 1.1 miles north to 0.5 mile south ofthe Illinois River (including the Illinois River Bridge),funded at $160,000 in FY 2007 and $644,663 in FY2008. The tied arch bridge type was selected by theCSS study.

• I-72 at Macarthur BoulevardConstruction is underway for the extension ofMacarthur Boulevard from the North Street/JunctionCircle intersection to approximately 0.5 miles south ofI-72 including a new interchange with I-72. The on-going$22,490,970 contract to build the grading and struc-tures is nearing completion. The recently let $17,789,639paving contract is just beginning. Construction isscheduled to be complete in the fall of 2009.

• I-55/I-72 ResurfacingInterstate resurfacing was completed at a cost of$17,485,065 with limits along I-55 from 0.3 mile northof Southwind Road south of Springfield to 0.6 milenorth of I-72 east of Springfield for a distance of 6.3miles. This also included I-72 from 0.4 mile west of 2ndStreet to I-55 including 6th Street from south of HazelDell to I-55 for a distance of 1.98 miles. In addition, thecontract included the installation of median cablewhich will eliminate the potential for crossover acci-dents on the interstate.

District 7• Safety InitiativeDistrict Seven awarded three contracts for pier protec-tion along interstates. The purpose of the contractswas to protect forty-five previously unprotected piersand foundations on portions of I-57, I-70 and I-72. Thetotal cost of the contracts was $1.9 million.

• Wabash River Bridge at Mt. Carmel on IL 15 –Indiana Route 64This project consists of a new bridge and a small align-ment change for the connecting of Illinois and Indianain the Mt. Carmel and Princeton area. This structure isto replace the existing aged structure that is the onlyriver crossing for several miles in each direction. Theproject is designed to improve traffic capacity andsafety, as well as promote economic development inthe area. The bridge contract is $30.6 million and theapproach contract is $1.6 million.

• Spring Creek Bridge in Decatur on IL 48/Oakland Ave.This project consisted of replacement of a bridge overSpring Creek on Oakland Avenue in the city of Decatur.The existing bridge was badly deteriorated and hadrequired extensive maintenance. The new bridge willeliminate the need for continuing maintenance and willimprove traffic flow on the west side of Decatur. Thecost of the project was $2.7 million.

• US Route 51 Four-Lane Expressway -Pana to CentraliaA consultant was selected in October of 2006 and hasbegun the Environmental Impact Study for the project.CSS is being used on the project to facilitate publicinvolvement and create the best alternatives for furtherinvestigation. The project is funded at $1,500,000 in FY2007, $4,619,000 in FY 2008, and $2,986,000 in the FY2010-2014 program.

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District 8• New Mississippi River Bridge at St. LouisThe New Mississippi River Bridge project includes theconstruction of a new four-lane cable stayed bridgeover the Mississippi River from the Metro East inIllinois to North St. Louis in Missouri, construction ofrelocated I-70 from the I-55/70/64 (Tri-Level)Interchange to the new bridge and numerous improve-ments to the local street network to accommodate thenew construction. Construction of the new bridge isnecessary to increase safety in and around the down-town area, relieve congestion on the Poplar StreetBridge and provide redundancy in the transportationsystem.On February 28, 2008, Illinois and Missourireached an agreement on construction of the project.The estimated cost for the project is $640 million:

Main Span Structure and Approaches $306 millionIllinois Connecting Roadwaysand Bridges $264 millionMissouri North Interchange $70 million

Missouri is the lead state for the environmentalapproval and the design and construction of the mainspan and approaches. Illinois is responsible for a maxi-mum of $213 million for the main span and approach-es, while Missouri will be financially responsible for anycost overruns for the main span and approaches.Illinois is also responsible for the connection to I-55/70/64 in Illinois at a cost of $264 million.

Design, archaeology and land acquisition began in2008. Construction is expected to begin in 2010 andlast four to six years.

• IL 255 - Fosterburg Rd to Seminary Rd near AltonThis $25.1 million, 2.6 mile section continues the four-lane extension of IL 255 to the north. This sectionopens a new corridor for economic development andwas opened to traffic in August 2008.

• I-270 – IL 157 to the Mississippi RiverThis work included five separate projects totaling $13million. The main contract was a resurfacing projectfrom just west of IL 157 to the Mississippi River. Alsoincluded were four contracts to repair the highwaylighting on the Mississippi River structure and theChain of Rocks Canal structure, install high tensionmedian cable barrier at various locations, and continueexpansion of the District’s Intelligent TransportationSystem capabilities. These projects were constructedat night with minimal disruption to traffic and wereessentially completed in December 2008.

District 9• New Interchange I-57/64 at Veterans Memorial Drivein Mt. VernonThis $15.5 million project is ahead of schedule withconstruction of the new interchange on I-57 withVeteran’s Memorial Drive. This interchange will greatlyrelieve pressures and congestion on the existing I-57and IL 15 interchange, as well as open this southernarea of Mt. Vernon to economic expansion. The projectin anticipated to be completed and opened to trafficearly in 2009.

• IL 13 Connector in HarrisburgThis $5 million four-lane improvement from GrangerStreet to US 45 in Harrisburg was completed this pastconstruction season. This improvement is being usedand relieves the burden of intense semi truck trafficfrom negotiating the town square where the court-house is located.

• I-57 Interchange Project - Old IL 13 in MarionConstruction continued on this $21 million reconstruc-tion of the partial cloverleaf interchange at Main Streetin Marion. Ramp work has been completed along withthe bridge work nearing completion. Once completed,this project will serve to provide access to theVeteran’s Administration Hospital facility and the busi-ness district of Marion.

• I-57 Morgan Avenue in MarionThis $7.9 million project included the construction ofthe Morgan Avenue structure to provide another east-west link to developing commercial areas. Additionally,a southbound exit ramp from I-57 was built to allowinterstate travelers access to these areas. The city ofMarion also improved Morgan Avenue east of the inter-state to further improve this corridor.

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OFFICE OF BUSINESS & WORKFORCE DIVERSITY

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MissionTo foster equal opportu-nity for minority-owned,women-owned and otherdisadvantaged smallbusinesses in IDOT’sfederal and state -fundedhighway, transit and air-port contracts. To providecommitment in supportof Equal EmploymentOpportunities and non-discrimination in all per-sonnel policies, practices,

privileges and benefits of the workplace and in deliveryof services.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Business and Workforce Diversity (OBWD)administers and is responsible for IDOT’s efforts toachieve greater diversity in its construction projectsand in promoting equal employment opportunities with-in the Department. OBWD’s responsibilities are execut-ed between two distinct bureaus, designed to establishpolicy, procedures and monitoring efforts pursuant tothe governing regulations supporting minorities andwomen in contracting and workforce activities.

The Bureau of Civil Rights is committed to the reaffir-mation and support of equal employment opportunity,non-discrimination and ADA requirements impactingpersonnel policies, practices and procedures. TheBureau of Small Business Enterprises is responsiblefor encouraging and protecting equal opportunitiesfor minority and woman-owned and other small ordisadvantaged businesses as they compete for theDepartment’s federal and state-funded highway, transitand airport contracts.

Major Accomplishments for 2008IDOT- SIU-E Sign $2 Million 5-Year Agreement -Highway Construction Preparatory Training ProgramIDOT and Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville(SIU-E) signed a $2-million, 5-year agreement for SIU-Eto administer an IDOT Highway Construction PreparatoryTraining Program (HCPTP) to help members of theminority population in Southwestern Illinois gain employ-ment in local highway construction projects. The programis funded through IDOT under the direction of the Officeof Business and Workforce Diversity (OBWD). The pro-gram grew out of concerns from the Metro-East BlackContractors Association (MEBCO) that too few minoritieswere being hired for highway construction projects,including the Interstate 64 expansion project in St.Louis. Illinois Sen. James F. Clayborne Jr. (D-East St.Louis), working with MEBCO and IDOT, approachedSouthwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and SIU-E to help

administer the new training program. The HCPTP willbe a 5-year project at $400,000 per year.

The HCPTP originated from a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) that was signed June 28, 2005.The MOU was an eleven-point agreement establishedto assist in efforts addressing concerns raised in MetroEast St. Louis impacting minorities in the constructionindustry. The MOU was completed Sept. 18, 2008, withthe signing of the Highway Construction PreparatoryTraining program. This program will provide opportuni-ties for employment diversity and preparation of individ-uals for placement and retention in highway construc-tion training programs and employment in the highwayconstruction industry.

Additional OBWD Accomplishments 2003-08Mentor-Protégé ProgramDate Started: April 2007Completion Date: OngoingDescription: Program designed where IDOT prime con-tractors and IDOT DBE-certified firms enter into volun-tary mentor-protégé relationships.

In response to the Illinois highway industry’s stronginterest and to encourage maximum competition andenhance the capabilities of IDOT's DBE firms to per-form on IDOT's highway construction projects, IDOTdeveloped a Mentor-Protégé Program (Program) thatwas approved by the Federal Highway Administrationon September 12, 2006.

The three-year pilot Program began in April 2007, andis being implemented in all districts. As of July 2008,there were 25 Mentors and 36 Protégés and 13 Mentor-Protégé pairs. There have been three (3) mentor-pro-tégé projects awarded and, of the three, one has beencompleted, meeting the plan’s established goals andobjectives. IDOT and FHWA continue to review mentorand protégé applications for eligibility to participate inthe program and to monitor the program to ensure itmeets established requirements.

CREATE- EMPLOYMENT/HR OpportunitiesDate Received: January 24, 2008Description: Ensuring DBE participation on this multi-billion public/private venture: City of Chicago, AmericanAssociation of Railroads (AAR)Status: OngoingComments/Issues: OBWD is working with the City ofChicago and the AAR to ensure that this project maxi-mizes any DBE opportunities that are current and/orplanned for the future. All DBE and EEO information oncontracts for employment for any participating agenciesor railroads have been posted and will be regularlyupdated at CREATE’s website for the duration of theproject. OBWD is working in partnership with Helmets

Interim Director Larry Parrish

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to Hardhats, Teamsters 786 and IDES to create aprocess for all qualified candidates to apply for all rail-road jobs posted.

Dan Ryan Project - CelebrationExpected Completion Date: November 8, 2007Description: The Dan Ryan reconstruction project con-cluded with a luncheon which focused on showingappreciation to all IDOT staff as well as all contractors,engineering consultants.Status/Location: Completed, US Cellular Field Chicago, ILComments/Issues: IDOT attempted to ensure that allparties impacted by the Dan Ryan Reconstruction proj-ect had an opportunity to be acknowledged for theirhard work and commitment to safety and diversity, aswell as professionalism on the state’s largest recon-struction project.

Dan Ryan/Kingery On the Job Training Program (OJT)Date Received: May 15, 2006Expected Completion Date: June 12, 2008Description: IDOT- sponsored program whereby 100paid trainee positions were provided in District 1 and 48positions in District 8Status: Program administered by United Services ofChicago; the D-1 and D-8 EEO/OJT programs haveconcluded and all trainees have had exit interviewsfrom engineering firms.

Model Contractor Development Program (MCDP)Date Received: January 29, 2008Expected Completion Date: March 8, 2008Description: National Program to assist small business-es with bonding and financing issuesStatus/Location: Open/ Dawson Technical InstituteComments/Issues: Through an accelerated six-weekprogram series, MCDP is seeking to increase businessand financial capacity in order to assist one to be morecompetitive in the construction arena. Specifically, theMCDP is offering, educational workshops that fit theconstruction industry challenges while pushing procure-ment opportunities and professional introductions thatcan assist the contractor. Staff is now working withTony Lugo of the U.S. Department of Commerce –Minority Business in IDOT participating with the IMCPprogram that will assist DBE firms with 6 weeks ofclasses beginning in February 2008. Classes this yearwill be used in support of IDOT’s bonding/surety needsfor DBE firms on our projects.Status/Location: Program launch was January 29 with areception and workshop as well. All classes and eventswill take place at Dawson Technical Institute. IDOT willhost a procurement day on February 26.Comments/Issues: The future success of this programis contingent on DBE firms’ commitment to seriously

secure bonds via a clear understanding of developmentof a financial plan in addition to sound credit. The pro-gram has not only the tools to address this critical foun-dation for bonding, but also a much larger network ofsurety bonders who may provide the surety assistancethey seek.

HACIA’s Small Business Transportation Resource CenterDate Received: January 2008Expected Completion Date: October 2008Description: The Small Business TransportationResource Center (SBTRC) for the Great Lakes Region isa program funded by the U.S. DOT OSDBU. The mis-sion of the SBTRC is to provide services to the smalland disadvantaged community in order to increase thenumber of small businesses that are prepared to com-pete for, and enter into transportation-related contracts.Status: There will be a committee to consist of repre-sentatives from transportation-related agencies withinthe Great Lakes Region. The committee will act as theforum to disseminate contracting opportunities andevents happening within the state.

IRTBA Bonding and Financing PresentationDate Received: November 6, 2007Expected Completion Date: November 6, 2007Description: At the request of IDOT, the Illinois Roadand Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) con-ducted a Bonding and Financing presentation forIDOT’s supportive services consultants so they canassist DBE firms.Status: OngoingComments/Issues: This effort by IRTBA demonstratesthe cooperative state of mind of all parties interested inensuring the success of DBE firms.

LCP Tracker/B2G NowDate Received: June 25, 2007Completion Date: OngoingDescription: In an effort to eliminate the current EEOWorkforce compliance system in place, OBWD hasbegun the process of replacing the archaic system withan electronic submittal of OBWD documentation.Status/Location: Open / Schaumburg, ILComments/Issues: A contract has been awarded toimplement this database program. This program willassist IDOT in expediting the review of required docu-mentation, as well as ensuring that all contracts are incompliance. OBWD staff received training on the pro-gram; the training session was meant to introduceOBWD staff to the program and to garner any ques-tions/comments for improving the program’s functional-ity. Several personnel were given accounts/passwordsto access the program and to possibly test the programin real-world situations on a small scale.

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OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

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MissionTo ensure that IDOTpolicies, actions andgoals are consistentlycommunicated, support-ed and enhancedthrough interaction withlegislative contacts,state and local officials,and private organiza-tions to ensure thatIllinois constituents’needs are serviced well.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA) is responsi-ble for developing IDOT’s policy goals and positionsand State legislative programs and strategies. Theobjective is to ensure that Departmental policy andactions, as well as State legislation, consistentlysupport and enhance Illinois transportation interests.

The OGA develops and implements the Department’sannual legislative program, and analyzes all transporta-tion-related legislation introduced in the Illinois GeneralAssembly. Bill analyses and weekly status reports aresubmitted to the Governor’s Office throughout session.Staff then serve on the Governor’s Bill Review team forfinal analysis of transportation-related bills passed bythe General Assembly and a recommendation forgubernatorial action.

The OGA is also responsible for assisting legislatorsand the Office of the Governor with transportation-related constituent inquiries. The Office typicallyreceives several inquiries from legislators each day,and maintains an effective internal and external liaisonsystem in order to effectively fulfill its responsibility inacting as the advocate for IDOT and the Governor withthe General Assembly.

OGA AccomplishmentsThe spring 2008 session of the 95th General Assemblyagain proved to be a challenge, with the major focusbeing on the funding and passage of a capital bill. Afunding source could not be agreed upon beforeadjournment, and the 96th General Assembly will nowbe faced with developing a capital program packagethat can be supported by all interested parties.

A variety of substantial changes to the public trans-portation laws were included in HB 656 (PA 95-708)and SB 1920 (PA 95-906). Both bills include provisionsrequiring fixed route transit providers to offer free serv-ice to seniors. Briefly, the bills include the following.

HB 656 amends the Regional Transportation AuthorityAct to:• Authorize additional funds to be raised, primarily

from the RTA region, to address the operating fund-ing shortfall at Metra, CTA and Pace, and to provideadditional funding for transportation and public safe-ty needs in the Collar Counties.

• Increase operating assistance for all downstate tran-sit agencies and new rural programs.

• Require the Chicago Transit Authority, the CommuterRail Board, the Suburban Bus Board, all Local MassTransit Districts, and certain participants in theDownstate Public Transportation Fund to providefixed route transit service, without charge, to seniorcitizens aged 65 and older.

• Enhance the RTA’s responsibilities and accountabilitywith respect to regional planning, fiscal oversight andfare and service coordination as recommended bythe Illinois Auditor General.

• Reform the funding for CTA pensions and healthcare, and to establish ongoing financial oversight bythe Illinois Auditor General.

• Implement recommendations of the Illinois AuditorGeneral as to the composition of the Boards of theRTA and Metra.

SB 1920 amends various acts as follows:• Amends the Downstate Public Transportation Act,

the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, the LocalMass Transit District Act, and the RegionalTransportation Authority Act to provide that all fixedroute transportation services provided by local masstransit districts and Regional Transportation Authorityservice boards must be provided without charge toall disabled persons who meet circuit breaker incomeeligibility limitations.

• Places limitations on the annual budget and two-yearfinancial plan of the Regional Transportation Authorityregarding the fares charged for paratransit services.

• Requires the County Boards of DuPage, Kane, Lake,McHenry, and Will counties to report annually to theGeneral Assembly and the Commission onGovernment Forecasting and Accountability certaininformation regarding moneys received from a retail-ers' occupation tax and a service occupation taximposed by the Regional Transportation Authority.

Director Nick Williams

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OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

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Traffic Safety issues again dominate the transportation-related bills addressed by the General Assembly. SB2713 (PA 95-894) and HB 4203 (PA 95-884) strengthenthe penalties for drivers who do not reduce speed oryield the right-of-way to a stationary emergency vehi-cle (Scott’s Law).

DUI laws were strengthened with the enactment of thefollowing bills:• SB 2294 (PA95-991) provides that any person con-

victed of a second violation of driving a motor vehiclewhile one's license or permit is revoked or suspend-ed shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony and shall servea minimum term of imprisonment of 30 days or 300hours of community service, if the original revocationor suspension was for leaving the scene of an acci-dent or DUI.

• SB 2295 (PA 95-855) clarifies issuance and sets feesfor the issuance of a monitoring device driving permitto DUI offenders.

• SB 2494 (PA 95-778) adds offenders cited for DUIunder out-of-state or other statutes to those who willbe charged with a Class 4 felony if they get a secondDUI while their license is still suspended or revokedfor the first DUI.

• SB 2391 (PA-95-757) allows the Department ofTransportation to furnish copies of its written acci-dent reports to local agencies that are engaged inhighway safety research and studies.

• HB 5907 (PA 95-754) changes the minimum amountof vehicle damage which requires an accident reportsubmitted to IDOT from $500 to $1500, however, the$500 minimum stays in place if any of the vehiclesinvolved in the accident are not covered by a liabilityinsurance policy.

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DIVISION OF PUBLIC & INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION

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MissionTo promote safe, effi-cient, affordable, andcoordinated transporta-tion of people andgoods through rail,mass transit vehicles,and other related modesof transportation.

ResponsibilitiesThe Division of Publicand IntermodalTransportation (DPIT)

develops, implements, and promotes the implementa-tion of policies and practices that promote safe, effi-cient, affordable, and coordinated mass and rail transit.DPIT also implements and oversees state and federaloperating and capital contracts and grants to morethan 50 public transportation systems in Illinois,Amtrak, and freight railroads.

Significant Accomplishments in 2008Illinois has the second largest rail freight system in thenation, with CSummary of DPIT accomplishments:• Continued growth in Amtrak service: Because of

additional funding that was made available by theGeneral Assembly and the Office of the Governor in2006, DPIT now contracts with Amtrak for a total of 2daily round trips between Chicago and Carbondale, 3daily round trips between Chicago and St. Louis, 2daily round trips between Chicago and Quincy, and 7daily round trips between Chicago and Milwaukee. In2007, statewide ridership increased by 70% over2006; in 2008, ridership increased an additional 27%over 2007. In 2008, DPIT also released a Quad Citiesfeasibility study for future expanded Amtrak service.

• Downstate Transit: DPIT delivered over 100 para-transit vehicles to public and not for profit agenciesfor service to elderly persons and persons with dis-abilities in 2008. We also awarded over $3 million infederal “Job Access and Reverse Commute” and “NewFreedom funds” to 18 downstate public transporta-tion agencies, and awarded over $.8 million in federal“ Section 5311 Intercity Bus” funds to 5 downstatepublic transportation agencies and $62,500 for astatewide intercity bus marketing consultant. DPITimplemented a comprehensive statutory reform ofthe Downstate Operating Assistance Program andalso helped develop and implement new policiesresulting in provision of free fixed-route service toseniors across the State of Illinois.

• RTA Service Region: Using state capital funding fromIllinois FIRST, several rehabilitated Brown Line sta-tions reopened for service and CTA was able to insti-tute 8 car service to increase Brown Line capacity by

33%. Following reform legislation on RTA fundingand powers, DPIT adjusted its financial and grantprograms to provide RTA and its three service boardsthe newly-enacted financial resources.

• CREATE: The CREATE (Chicago Region Environmentaland Transportation Efficiency) program is comprisedof 78 rail and highway projects throughout northeast-ern Illinois. As of October 2008, 43 projects have beeninitiated. One project was initiated in 2008, to go alongwith five projects going to construction in the year.CREATE program projects include: 25 new roadwayoverpasses or underpasses at locations where autoand pedestrian traffic currently cross railroad tracksat grade level; six new rail overpasses or underpass-es to separate passenger and freight train tracks;viaduct improvements; grade crossing safety enhance-ments; and upgrades of tracks, switches and signalsystems. Because of the manner in which train trackscurrently intersect with each other and with roads,and because our regional freight railroads generouslydefer to Amtrak and Metra in track utilization, it cannow take up to 48 hours for freight trains to passthrough the Chicago region. Delays in rail-based freight,including grade crossings, threaten the economicvitality of the region, make it harder for our farmers tomake a profit, lead to increased traffic congestion onour roads and highways, generate unnecessary levelsof air pollution, raise safety concerns, and adverselyaffect the reliability and speed of rail passenger serv-ice. With funding from the State of Illinois, the City ofChicago, the U.S. Department of Transportation,Metra, Amtrak, and the Association of AmericanRailroads, CREATE will eliminate these problems.

• Securing competitive federal funds: In 2008, DPIThelped draw down $3.4 million in competitive federalfunds for railroad improvements. We were also suc-cessful in securing $5.88 million dollars in federal dis-cretionary bus funding. These funds will go towardspurchasing overage replacement buses and buildingnew transit facilities for public transportation opera-tors in downstate Illinois.

• Technical Studies: The Program Support Sectioncompleted eight public transportation and/or inter-modal studies in 2008 through funding and oversight.Some of note included: the Southland Freight Study,which identified the existing freight infrastructure, theimpacts of proposed capital improvements, and eco-nomic development opportunities in Chicago’s south-ern and southwestern suburbs; the RegionalWarehouse Activity Study, which analyzed the flowsof freight into and out of major regional distributioncenters centered mainly along the I-55 and I-80 corri-dors; the Rockford Alternatives Analysis, whichhelped communities from Elgin to Rockford deter-mine what was the primary source of congestionwithin the area primarily along I-90 (NorthwestTollway) and the best means for resolving it beforetrying to get a full capital funding grant agreement;

Director Joe Clary

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DIVISION OF PUBLIC & INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION

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and the Springfield Night Study, which looked at theneeds of people who wanted to ride public transit inthe evening and had no means for getting aroundSpringfield. This study led to the formation of threenighttime public transit routes that have been contin-ually gaining riders.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONIn Illinois, 52 public transportation systems carry nearly600 million passengers a year using approximately7,300 transit vehicles. These systems offer modalchoices for urban and rural residents and provide criti-cal access to employment, health care, social services,education, and other important destinations for 14 per-cent of Illinois households that do not have access toprivate vehicles. Public transportation also helps togreatly reduce congestion and improve air qualitythroughout Illinois. It is especially critical for reducingcongestion during the morning and evening rush hoursin the State’s two largest metropolitan areas – Chicagoand Metro East St. Louis area.

Illinois has the second largest intercity passenger railprogram in the country second only to California. Thestate-sponsored program supplements Amtrak’snational system serving 31 communities throughoutthe state. In 2006, four more round trips were added tothe state’s three downstate corridors, the largest serv-ice expansion in the Midwest in more than a decade.Ridership during the first year of expanded serviceincreased by 70 percent. More than 1.4 million passen-gers traveled state-supported trains in 2008, up anadditional 27 percent from 2007.

Intercity bus transportation has historically played acritical role in meeting rural mobility needs, but servicecutbacks have made many rural residents more isolated.

The Division of Public and Intermodal Transportation iscurrently working with the private carriers and Amtrakto fund initiatives aimed at increasing public awarenessof intercity bus services and enhance connectivitybetween intercity bus carriers and Amtrak.

RAIL TRANSPORTATIONIllinois has the second largest rail freight system in thenation, with Chicago representing the nation’s largestrail freight hub. Fifty-two private railroad companies,ranging from national carriers to local switching compa-nies, own or operate more than 7,800 miles of rail linein Illinois. The State is served by seven national carriersoffering top-quality service for national rail freight distri-bution in the United States, providing direct connec-tions to the East and West Coasts, Canada andMexico. IDOT’s rail freight improvement program focus-es on helping to preserve essential rail freight servicefor communities and shippers who face potential railline abandonment.

INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATIONIntermodal systems are those which employ two ormore transportation modes for one shipment to pro-vide efficient and economical freight transportationoptions. Illinois is the center of the fastest growingsegment of intermodal freight transportation logistics.Illinois has the largest concentration of inland inter-modal facilities in the country with 21 major rail-trucktransfer terminals, 19 major rail-truck container transferfacilities, and 100 major water-rail-truck transfer termi-nals. O'Hare International Airport is also a majornational air-truck transfer point. DPIT has been workingto identify and document the degree to which thelogistics industry affects the economic vitality andemployment in the State of Illinois.

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OFFICE OF QUALITY COMPLIANCE & REVIEW

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MissionTo independently testthe Department’s inter-nal control systems tofurther ensure to theSecretary and to thepublic the adequacy ofthe policies, regulationsand procedures and torecommend improve-ments.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Quality

Compliance and Review is responsible for monitoringthe quality of highway construction and ensuring thatthe Department is receiving work performance fromcontractors consistent with compensation. The Office isresponsible for independently testing the Department’sinternal control systems to ensure to the Secretary andthe public, the level of and the adequacy of Depart-mental compliance with policies, regulations and pro-cedures. The Office is also responsible for facilitatingthe implementation of intra- and inter-Office/Divisionprogram improvements.

Accomplishments and ActivitiesThe Office of Quality Compliance and Review (OQCR) isan essential and unique part of the Illinois Department ofTransportation. OQCR reports directly to the Secretaryof Transportation and is utilized by the Secretary fortimely, independent, and professional reviews of issues,allegations, or situations that arise within IDOT. OQCRalso assists the Chief Counsel, and the Secretary’s otherdirect reports upon request.

OQCR’s duties and responsibilities are varied but allrequire the utmost trustworthiness, integrity and profes-sionalism due to the sensitivity of the assignments.OQCR’s responsibilities include conducting preliminaryinvestigations of potentially criminal or administrativeallegations to determine the appropriate referral to lawenforcement agencies. In addition OQCR conducts in-house investigations and provides support and trainingfor the IDOT employees in regards to identifying andreporting fraud and making good ethical decisions in theworkplace. Also, the Director of OQCR has been desig-nated by the Secretary to serve as the liaison with lawenforcement on IDOT related investigations and to serveas the Department’s alternate Ethics Officer at timeswhen the designated Ethics Officer (Chief Counsel) isnot available.

In November of 1999, when the office was first created,the primary purpose of creating the office was toincrease fraud detection and deterrence as a result ofthe Palumbo Brothers, Inc. construction fraud case. Atthe time, the Department and the industry were still

reacting to the shock of the Palumbo case which wasthe largest highway construction criminal case in thenation’s history. The recommendations to IDOT from theFederal Bureau of Investigations and the United StatesDepartment of Transportation’s Office of InspectorGeneral included increasing construction oversight andimplementing a system to independently test the accu-racy of the weight tickets submitted by constructioncompanies for items such as bituminous and aggregate.With these recommendations in mind, OQCR developeda program of detection and deterrence to help ensurethat the taxpayers are “getting what they are paying for.”

OQCR’s staff consists of experienced, tested individualswho have worked in high profile, complex investigationsincluding one member of OQCR who was on the Palumboinvestigative team from start to finish. Another member wasintegral in bringing a consultant fraud case to the USDOTOIG and the FBI and then working with the investigatorsto bring the consultant to justice. Also, OQCR has twoformer law enforcement officers who add both a foren-sic and investigative wealth of knowledge.

AccomplishmentsOne of OQCR’s most notable accomplishments in 2007was the production of the 2nd annual Fraud Awarenessand Ethics in the Workplace Seminar. OQCR continuedthe tradition with another exciting seminar onJanuary 7, 2009.

With the guidance of Clayton K. Harris III, Deputy Chiefof Staff to the Governor, OQCR presented a one dayseminar on the value of ethics at work. In addition toIDOT, the 2009 Ethics in the Workplace seminar was co-hosted by the Department of Central ManagementServices, Department of Revenue, and the State TollHighway Authority and was simulcast to approximately15 locations throughout the state via the internet.

The 2009 seminar featured the following five speakers:Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke, formerSpeaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, U.S. Attorney

Director Daniel Kennelly

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Rodger Heaton, Illinois Executive Inspector GeneralJames Wright, and renowned attorney Jack Tieder. Theafternoon session included a round table discussionwith Deputy Governor Dean Martinez, First DeputyInspector General Sydney Roberts, Ethics CommissionMember James Brennan, USDOT OIG Special Agent inCharge of the Midwest Division Michelle McVicker andPresident and Chief Executive Officer of the Knights A &E James Wolfe.

The previous seminar in 2007 has been noted as thefirst of its kind in Illinois by the Illinois Office of ExecutiveInspector General. OQCR hosted the seminar inChicago at the James R. Thompson Center Auditorium.More than 400 employees and IDOT partners attendedthe seminar which included a very impressive list ofspeakers. The seminar was hosted by OQCR’s DirectorDaniel J. Kennelly and the speaker list included formerIDOT Secretary Milton R. Sees; then-IDOT Chief of StaffClayton K. Harris III; USDOT OIG and retired BrigadierGeneral Calvin Scovel, III; Chief Counsel of The BoeingCompany and Vice Chair of the Illinois Executive EthicsCommission Lawrence Oliver, II; and Chairman of theBoard of Directors for PBS&J (a large, successful con-sulting firm from Florida) Robert Paulsen. The afternoonsession consisted of a round table discussion moderat-ed by IDOT Chief of Staff Harris. The round table panelincluded the Chief of Staff for the Illinois Office of theGovernor, John F. Harris; the Inspector General of theIllinois Office of the Executive Inspector General, JamesA. Wright; the highly successful author, attorney and amember of the Illinois Ethics Commission, Scott Turow;the President of the Hispanic American ConstructionIndustry Association and President of the Reyes Group,Ltd., Marco G. Reyes; the Chief Executive Officer of theWalsh Group, Matthew M. Walsh; and the IDOT ChiefCounsel and Ethics Officer, Ellen Schanzle-Haskins.

One of OQCR’s primary responsibilities is receiving,recording, and analyzing allegations of wrongdoing.OQCR receives a great number of allegations of wrong-

doing each year. The allegations are received by OQCRfrom various sources including phone calls, mail, email,and referrals from various law enforcement agenciesincluding the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Office ofExecutive Inspector General. OQCR is responsible foranalyzing and documenting these allegations and ensur-ing they are handled professionally. This process oftenresults in referrals to law enforcement agencies. In 2008,the Office received and investigated 100 new investiga-tive cases and closed 125 cases. Many of these caseswere investigated under the direction and guidance ofthe Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General. Thecases range from information requests by law enforce-ment to highly sensitive reviews of upper managementactions. One of OQCR’s highest goals is to make everyeffort to ensure unfounded allegations do not causeundue harm.

In addition to investigative reviews, OQCR also performsunannounced site visits to IDOT highway constructionsites, bituminous plants, and to IDOT operations facili-ties. During these unannounced visits, OQCR performsindependent weight checks on trucks carrying bitumi-nous, aggregate, or salt. At the bituminous plants,OQCR reviews the weighing operations. OQCR con-ducted 75 independent bituminous weight checks atconstruction sites and 65 independent salt weightchecks at operation facilities during calendar year 2008.OQCR also made 71 visits to review the operations ofbituminous plants throughout the state.

Case FindingsBased on an analysis of cases received by OQCR in2008, allegations of employee theft of state time or statematerials were the most frequent. OQCR opened 40cases during 2008 dealing with allegations of employeetheft of time, materials, or improper use of equipment.Employees alleged that they felt threatened or harassedin 9 percent of the allegations. Violations of ethics andconflicts of interest amounted to approximately 7 per-cent of the allegations and misuse of computer dataamounted to approximately 5 percent of the allegations.

Future PlansFor the future, OQCR plans to continue to cultivate itsworking relationship with law enforcement agencies,especially the Office of Executive Inspector General andthe Illinois State Police, in order to provide the most pro-fessional and effective fraud detection and deterrenceprogram. OQCR also recognizes the continued increas-ing use and reliance upon computer technology by thedepartment and associated entities. New risks areevolving and new techniques are being used by thosewho want to “cheat” the system. It is important thatOQCR continue to evolve and improve in this everchanging world.

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OFFICE OF OPERATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

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MissionTo provide legislatorsand the traveling publicwith accurate real-timeinformation on construc-tion projects that affectthe areas in which theylive and do business.Our goal is to promoteroad safety to ensurethat constituents areaware of what is hap-pening in their neighbor-hoods through context

sensitive solutions.

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of Operations and Communications isresponsible for developing and implementing IDOT’spublic outreach policy, plans and programs. The primaryobjective is to provide the vital information necessaryfor the traveling public to make informed decisions ontransportation choices and play a role in the decisionmaking process that helps shape the projects in theircommunities. This Office also assists in the proactivepublic outreach to news and information outlets.

Next Steps for OOCThe office of Operations and Communications (OOC)has begun creating a formal Marketing Plan for thedepartment. This will provide IDOT the opportunity touniformly market and brand all transportation relatedprograms and accomplishments internally and exter-nally. The Office of Operations and Communicationswill continue to use marketing tools like the E-newslet-ter, letter to the editors, column pieces, video updates,RSS feeds, press releases, press conferences, photoreleases, and represent IDOT at various project meetings.

CREATEChicago Region Environmentaland Transportation Efficiency ProgramThe Office of Operations and Communications (OOC)is the arm of IDOT’s CREATE program that assists inorganizing press conferences and public involvementmeetings. OOC also ensures project marketing materi-als are accurate and forwarded to appropriate ElectedOfficials (suburban municipalities and state legislators).Federally funded, CREATE is a first-of-its-kind partner-ship between the State of Illinois, City of Chicago,Metra, Amtrak, the nation's freight railroads, and U.S.DOT. A program of national significance, CREATEseeks to reduce vehicle and train congestion at freightrail crossings with improvements of 78 critically need-ed rail and highway infrastructures in the greaterChicago area. CREATE will help reduce the environ-mental and social impacts of rail operations on thegeneral public.

Congestion MitigationIn 2008, the RTA, in partnership with the IllinoisDepartment of Transportation (IDOT), the ChicagoMetropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), the ChicagoTransit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace, and the IllinoisTollway, re-launched the drive less. live more. Campaign.

The purpose of this campaign is to promote the envi-ronmental and personal benefits of alternative trans-portation in northeastern Illinois, while providing thepublic with information on time saving and convenienttravel options.

This campaign promotes healthier and happier com-munities by offering tools to explore more cost-effec-tive and environmentally-friendly travel options. TheOffice of Operations and Communications representsIDOT on the Campaign Advisory Committee to assistin exploring real solutions that will fit an individual’slifestyle and needs.

Additional resources created by IDOT and promoted bythe Office of Operations and Communications to pro-mote the mitigation of traffic throughout Illinois is aone-stop source for travel and transit information -www.GettingAroundIllinois.com. This website allowsthe user to customize their trip, showing everythingfrom service stations to restaurants to museums.

Adopt-A-HighwayThe Adopt-A-Highway program was started in Illinois in1995 as a partnership between the Illinois Departmentof Transportation and citizen volunteers from acrossthe state to assist with litter pickup on Illinois high-ways. The Adopt-A-Highway program now boasts over1700 volunteers helping to maintain over miles of 3,400miles of roadways. This year IDOT workers have addedthe newly designed Adopt-A-Highway signs to pro-

Director Kyle Anderson

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OFFICE OF OPERATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

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mote the anti-litter campaign “Love the Land ofLincoln, Please Don’t Litter”. Motorists will see thebrightly colored green signs at rest areas and allthroughout Illinois. The Office of Operations andCommunications leads the statewide coordination ofthis program and the continuing growth of volunteergroups participating in Illinois.

Coordination of Ribbon Cuttings, News Conferencesand other Special EventsThe Office of Operations and Communications (OOC)organizes and staffs any press conference or specialevent hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation.OOC secures and advances venues for use, composesguest lists, creates and issues invitations, creates anddistributes event programs, provides briefings to IDOTstaff participants, ensures photos are taken at theevent, and coordinates a systematic logistical flow atthese events. OOC also drafts press advisories andreleases. Some of the projects/events OOC worked onin 2008 included the Edens Expressway; I-55, the IL 7Bridge, IL 336, The Statewide Snow and Ice PressConference, the Bud Billiken Parade, and the Office ofBusiness and Workforce Diversity’s HighwayConstruction Preparatory Training Program Graduation.

Green InitiativesThe Office of Operations and Communications (OOC)through various forms of marketing and public out-reach, informs the citizens of Illinois of the extraordi-nary Green Initiatives practiced by the IllinoisDepartment of Transportation (IDOT).

OOC created a Green Initiatives brochure that highlightsmany of IDOT’s Greening efforts such as its compre-hensive Recycling Program, Adopt-A-Highway Initiative,and its Green Purchasing Practices. This brochure alsohighlights the Green Construction Practices that IDOTimplemented on major reconstruction projects thatincluded, but not limited to, the installation of equip-ment to monitor air quality at numerous locations.

The OOC was also instrumental in producing IDOT’sFuel Conservation Brochure. The brochure providestips for the traveling public on how to conserve fuelwhile traveling and has been made readily available atall of State rest areas throughout Illinois.

Members of the OOC are proactive when it comes tohighlighting IDOT’s Green efforts. Staff members sub-mitted examples of IDOT’s Greening efforts to TheGreen Government Coordinating Council. In turn IDOTbecame a recipient of the 2008 Green Award in the cat-egory of Transportation. Awards are presented to StateAgencies that have demonstrated a commitment toGreen Practices.

IDOT in MotionThe Office of Operations and Communications (OOC)created and implemented a new email subscription serv-ice. This is a tool the OOC will utilize to better inform thepublic on transportation matters. To sign up, an individ-ual can complete an IDOT in Motion information card orsimply go to the IDOT main web page and submit theiremail address in the subscriber’s box. Subscribers willbe provided an array of IDOT information. They canchoose what type of interests on which they wish toreceive information. This new system replaces numeroussubscriber links all in to one. Subscribe today and seewhat IDOT in Motion has to offer!

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

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Secretary Gary HannigGary Hannig was appointed Secretary of Transportation by Gov. Pat Quinnon February 28, 2009. Hannig, formerly Deputy Majority Leader in the IllinoisGeneral Assembly, has represented the 98th District, located in Montgomery,Christian and Macoupin Counties, since 1979.

Hannig, a Certified Public Accountant, was appointed Deputy Majority Leaderfor the 94thGeneral Assembly and is an expert on the state budget. A seniormember of the House, Hannig’s legislative record includes strong support forroads, education, agriculture and rural economic development. He lives inLitchfield with his wife, Betsy. Additional biographical information:

Past success for Illinois:• Ensured that the State had budgets that filled the state’s needs in a fiscally

responsible manner as theChief Budget Negotiator for the House Democrats.

Experience:• Illinois State House Representative for the 98th House District (1978-present)

• Assistant Democratic Leader for the 89th General Assembly• Deputy Majority Leader for the 94th General Assembly• Chief Budget Negotiator for House Democrats• Committee assignments: Rules

• Certified Public Accountant (1975)

Organization Membership:• Coal Country Chamber of Commerce• Fusion Fitness Board• Knights of Columbus• Rotary• Wolfpack Antique Car Club

Education:• University of Illinois, BS in Accounting (1974)

Bill GrunlohChief of Operations

John WebberAssistant to the Secretary

David PhelpsDeputy Secretary

Gary Hannig

ResponsibilitiesThe Office of the Secretary serves as the focal point for coordinating IDOT’s large and diverse modal activitiesand directing the transportation policy of the state in concert with the Governor and the General Assembly.This Office also oversees strategic planning and performance accountability for the department.

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IDOT INSIDE

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PEOPLEFor IDOT’s Staff, Professionalism Is the Key to SuccessThe Illinois Department of Transportation has a longtradition of professionalism and achievement, andIDOT staff has a lot riding on the successes or failuresit either enjoys or endures. At IDOT, staff typically exhibitsthe kind of personal pride that often spells the positivedifference between failure and success. The culture atIDOT insists that failure is not an option, and when thechips are down, staff consistently rises to the occasion.

Never has this attitude been more apparent than in theearly 21st century as nationwide budget constraintsand increasing demand for accountability have com-bined to add unprecedented program and servicedelivery pressures to a rapidly decreasing staff. IDOThas reduced staff numbers by more than 20 percent,more than 1,500 workers, since 2002 while continuingto deliver on its annual program promises.

The Department has worked through staffing concernsto date by focusing on improved process efficiencies,improved program coordination, improved training,improved strategic planning, improved communications,more effective use of outside contractors, improvedcontract and procurement management, and more.

But mainly, the gains made at IDOT despite continuingbudget constraints point directly to the willingness andabilities of key staff to take on additional workloads,learn additional skills, and produce additional value forIDOT’s customers – the business and leisure travelerswho rely on Illinois’ vast array of safe, cost-effectivetransportation options.

As a result, every single man and woman who proudlyexclaims they work for IDOT will tell you that they domuch more than their job titles require. This reflects thetraditional can-do attitude and staff support that keepsIDOT successful and prepared to deliver needed trans-portation services. At IDOT, it all starts with a dedicat-ed, knowledgeable and professional staff.

FISCAL OVERVIEWThe IDOT highway programs are supported primarilyby three major revenue sources: two state tax sourcesand federal aid.

State Revenues. One state source is the Motor FuelTax (MFT) with a current rate of 19 cents per gallon onmotor fuel consumed on the highways plus an addi-tional 2.5 cents per gallon for diesel. The other ismotor vehicle registration (MVR) fees that vary accord-ing to vehicle type and weight. The state shares MFTrevenue with local governments for use on their roadsystems, distributing more than 54 percent of net rev-enue to local agencies. This amounts to about 25 per-cent of all state source revenue for highways beingdistributed to local governments.

The characteristic common to both major state rev-enue sources is that the tax base does not tend togrow in parallel with inflation even in the best of yearsbecause the tax is based on gallons purchased, notdollars spent. In recent years, improving auto fuel effi-ciencies coupled with fluctuating prices and demandfor gasoline, has caused the tax base to shrink. In FY2009, for instance, a 3 percent decline in motor fuelconsumption is anticipated, following a 1.8 percentdecline in FY 2008.

Although auto and truck travel had steadily increaseduntil the dramatic fuel price swings of 2007 through2008, the effect on fuel consumption has been signifi-cantly offset by increased fuel efficiency. At the sametime, Illinois' mature economy and slowly growing pop-ulation are not adding significant numbers of vehiclesto the existing fleet. Since neither the fuel tax nor reg-istration fees are based on price or value, inflationdoes not cause tax revenues to grow. As a result ofthese factors, the major revenue sources for highwayprograms do not grow sufficiently to keep up withinflation-driven costs.

Federal Revenues. The third major source is federalaid, supported by the federal Highway Trust Fund(HTF). Although there are several taxes supporting thisfund, the main one is the federal motor fuel tax. Thistax, like the Illinois tax, is applied in cents per gallonand is subject to the same slow-growth trends. In thepast, federal expenditures from the HTF have beenartificially constrained in an effort to reduce the federalbudget deficit. The current multi-year authorization bill(SAFETEA-LU) is designed to distribute all availablemoney to the states. While the SAFETEA-LU legislationraised federal highway funding to Illinois significantly,the increase still fell far short of the amount needed tokeep up with the level of deterioration of Illinois' high-ways and bridges. Further it failed to address the needto upgrade facilities, expand capacity, and developnew four-lane highways in under-served corridors.

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It is important to note that in Federal Fiscal Year 2008,the HTF required an infusion of $8 billion from theGeneral Fund of the U.S. Treasury to meet the HTF’songoing funding obligations, and that an even largerinfusion may be needed before the end of FederalFiscal Year 2009 for the same reason. Federal FiscalYear 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009) is the lastyear of the SAFETEA-LU funding authorization, andCongress has not yet taken up the issue of the nextmulti-year authorization bill, a process typically referredto as “reauthorization.”

Illinois is one of only a handful of states that chargesales tax on motor fuel. Financing legislation in 1979directed a percentage of sales tax revenue, estimatedto be equal to that raised from motor fuel, to highwaysfunding. Legislation following in subsequent yearsgradually reduced the percentage until Illinois FIRSTeliminated it.

Because of inadequate tax base growth, periodic fueltax rate increases have been necessary to provideenough revenue to maintain an acceptable investmentlevel. The last time that the MFT was increased was inFY 1990. The last increase of any type for transportationfunding was a part of Illinois FIRST in FY 2000. Motorvehicle registration fees were raised by $30 for carsand pickups and by 25 percent for most other vehiclesand transactions. The title fee was raised from $13 to$65. The limit on Road Fund appropriations for otheragencies, first established in the FY 1990 legislation,was reduced further for the Secretary of State and freedup more money for construction. In addition, $2 billionin highway bonds were authorized, to be appropriatedover the FY 2000-04 five-year program. All of this fund-ing allowed a then-estimated $10.5 billion program overFY 2000-04, a $3.7 billion increase over the five-yearprogram that could be afforded without Illinois FIRST.

After Illinois FIRST was passed, a number of actionswere taken that reduced the amount of resources thatwere originally intended to be available for the highwayprograms. In 2007, the State enacted a “Special CorrectedTitle Fee” of $15 (instead of $65) for certificates of titleissued for name changes due to death, divorce or mar-riage. The legislation, however, was silent on how thismoney was to be distributed. Rather than following theoriginal schedule of reduced funding, the Road Fundappropriation for the Secretary of State has beenrestored to its pre-Illinois FIRST funding levels ($130.5million currently from the scheduled $30.5 million). Inaddition, the Road Fund support for State Police, hasnow more than doubled to over $114 million per year.

The following pages describe various aspects of high-way funding:• Road Fund, Construction Fund. A definition of each

separate fund.

• Combined Road and Construction Funds. A discus-sion of the major revenue and expenditure categoriescomprised by those two funds.

• Motor Fuel Tax. A brief history and description of theMotor Fuel Tax.

• Motor Vehicle Registration Revenue. A summary ofthe many vehicle fees, a discussion of the fees ontrucks, and a brief discussion on the predictability ofrevenue.

• Highway Bonds. A discussion on the use of GeneralObligation bonds for highways.

• Funding the Highway Construction Program. A sum-mary of the underlying principles used to determinethe amount that can be spent on the highway program.

• Changes to the Road Fund Diversion Statute.

ROAD FUND, CONSTRUCTION FUNDIDOT has two funds that support most of the highwayprograms. (The third, Series A Bond Fund is discussedlater.) The Road Fund is the fund that IDOT has usedthroughout its history to support highway construction,maintenance, and related operations. The 1983 taxincrease legislation created the Construction Fund(technically, the State Construction Account Fund) anddirected all revenue from the tax increases into thatfund. The Construction Fund can only be used for con-tract construction on the state-maintained system.There was a concern in 1983 that without such anarrangement, there was no assurance that all of theincreased revenue would go to construction. This con-cern faded by 1989 so that the General Assemblydirected all of the revenue from the 1989 tax increaseinto the Road Fund, even though the tax increase wassolely for increased construction. However, the IllinoisFIRST legislation in 1999 directed the existing propor-tional shares of revenue to both funds. The departmentwas not willing to risk controversy over weakening oreliminating the Construction Fund, since its existencegives an appearance to some of a priority for construc-tion. Managing two funds has been a problem becauseof the doubling of the number of separate appropria-tion lines and seasonal cash flow differences thatwould not exist with just one Road Fund. Two fundsare not needed for accountability of highway user feesor to maximize highway construction and repair; theyare a holdover from the 1983 tax package.

In the event of cash flow problems in the ConstructionFund, State law provides for the Governor to order atemporary transfer of up to $35 million from the RoadFund to be repaid by the end of the fiscal year. There isno reciprocal provision allowing for the transfer ofmoney from the Construction Fund in the event of cashflow problems in the Road Fund. The departmentattempted to establish such a two-way mechanismand increase the amount to $100 million, but that pro-posal was rejected.

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Road FundIn FY 2008, the Road Fund received $2,570 million inrevenues, spent $2,602 million and ended the year witha balance of $387 million. The fund is estimated toaverage revenues totaling $2,717 million and spendingof $2,749 million per year in FY 2009-2014. The fund'sending balance is projected to be about $197 million inFY 2014.

The Road Fund's primary revenues come from motorfuel taxes, motor vehicle registration fees, and federalreimbursement. Other revenue sources include reim-bursements from local governments, interest earnedon fund balances, and miscellaneous fees. By law, allreimbursements are deposited in the Road Fundregardless of the fund in which the reimbursed spend-ing occurred. This practice has been questioned byoutside parties in the past, but is necessary to ensurethe financial viability of the Road Fund. Any type ofspending authorized by IDOT's enabling statutes forhighways or its associated support costs can occur inthe Road Fund. This includes paying for any construc-tion on the state or local highway system, debt service,IDOT operations, grants and highway safety spending.The law also allows spending for the Secretary of Stateto administer the Motor Vehicle Code and for a portionof the Department of State Police. Central ManagementServices also bills the Road Fund for Workers’Compensation Fund and Professional Services Fundexpenses. Employer Group Insurance contributions forRoad Fund-supported employees are appropriated tothe Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Construction FundIn FY 2008, the Construction Fund received $761 mil-lion in revenues, spent $548 million and ended the yearwith a balance of $414 million. The fund is estimated toaverage revenues totaling $735 million and spending of$770 million per year in FY 2009-2014. The fund's end-ing balance is projected to be $204 million in FY 2014.

The Construction Fund's revenues come from motorvehicle registration fees, motor fuel taxes, the dieseldifferential, and interest earned on fund balances. Thediesel differential is an additional 2.5 cent per gallontax on diesel fuel above the base tax rate. It wasimposed in 1983 along with higher registration fees onlarger trucks to defray extra costs from allowing 80,000Ib. trucks on Illinois highways. The only type of spend-ing allowed in the Construction Fund is for highwayconstruction on the state highway system. IDOT maynot use this fund to pay for a project on the local high-way system or any other type of expenditure and can-not use it for debt service on highway bonds, nor con-tractual or regular Department employees.

COMBINED ROADAND CONSTRUCTION FUNDSThe combined Road and Construction Funds make upIDOT's primary fiscal perspective. The combined fundsperspective is necessary for financial planning and iswhat the Comptroller uses when discussing IDOTfinances (by referring to the "Road Funds"). However, itis always important to note that the combined fundsconsist of two separate funds. Each fund requires cashfor balances and extra administrative effort. In FY 2008,the combined funds received $3,331 million in revenues,spent $3,150 million and ended the year with a com-bined balance of $801 million. The funds are estimatedto average revenues of $3,452 million and spending of$3,519 million per year in FY 2009-14. The funds' pro-jected ending balance in FY 2014 is $401 million.

The combined funds' primary revenue sources aremotor fuel taxes, motor vehicle registration fees, andfederal reimbursement. Other revenue sources includereimbursements from local governments, interestearned on fund balances, and miscellaneous fees.Shown below is a table showing the combined funds'projected revenues and expenditures.

Combined Funds Revenues and Expenditures ($ in millions)

% of Projected FY2009-14 % ofFY2008 Total Annual Average Total

REVENUESMFT 579 17% 552 16%MVR 1,337 40% 1,361 39%

Federal Aid 1,257 38% 1,359 39%Other 159 5% 180 5%Total 3,332 3,452

EXPENDITURESConstruction 1,715 55% 1,905 54%

IDOT Operations 655 21% 784 22%Other Departments 408 13% 456 13%

Debt Service 260 8% 248 7%Other 99 3% 111 3%Total 3,136 3,504

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Highway construction spending makes up more thanhalf of all spending in the combined funds. Otherdepartments’ spending includes the Secretary of State,State Police, and group insurance. Limits on the RoadFund appropriation for Secretary of State and StatePolice were important components of the 1989 trans-portation financing legislation. The Illinois FIRST financ-ing legislation further reduced the limit for the Secretaryof State, and the General Revenue Fund (GRF) support-ed the budget amount over the limit. However, budgetshortfalls in the General Revenue Fund beginning in FY2003 resulted in continuing increased Road Fundappropriations to the Secretary of State and theDepartment of State Police. Other spending includesgrants for highway safety programs, local maintenanceagreements, metropolitan planning, and other variousitems. Debt service expense reflects an anticipated $1.6billion, Road Fund-supported bond program assumedto begin in FY 2010 (which would require substantivelegislation—i.e., a capital bill).

MOTOR FUEL TAX (MFT)The Illinois MFT was first established in 1929 at 3 centsper gallon. It has been raised periodically and was 19cents as of Jan. 1, 1990, with an additional 2.5 centsfor diesel. In theory, the MFT is a highway user feesince the amount of fee paid increases with travel.Because the vehicle fleet has a wide range of fuel effi-ciencies, some motorists pay less than others for thesame amount of travel. Despite this imperfection in the-ory, the principle of paying for the highway system withrevenues collected from users is widely accepted.

Unlike revenues from the income and sales taxes, MFTrevenues do not grow with inflation because the tax isbased upon consumption of fuel and not the value ofretail transactions. Thus, if the price of fuel rises, taxrevenues will not rise with it and could even fall if theprice rises high enough to reduce consumption.

Fuel consumption and revenues from the MFT rosesteadily for decades after its imposition, allowing rateincreases to be few and far between. But the Arab oilembargo of 1973 and the large oil price increases in1979 and 1980 changed this longstanding trend. Thehigh price of fuel and fuel efficiency standards mandat-ed by Congress caused motorists to buy more fuel effi-cient vehicles, which allowed more travel on less fuel.At the same time high inflation eroded the value of MFTrevenue. Thus, tax rate increases were necessary tomaintain the investment level in the highway system.The trend of ever-increasing fuel efficiency slowed inthe 1990s, so fuel consumption and MFT revenue moreclosely reflect increases in travel, generally only 1.5 per-cent to 2 percent a year during the past decade.

Illinois shares MFT revenue with local governments andlimits the use of the money to build and to maintain the

local road and street system. The amount shared hasbeen a matter of debate every time a tax increase hasbeen discussed. In 1989 and in the deliberations pre-ceding Illinois FIRST, IDOT promised to seek legislationthat would equalize the percentage increase in rev-enues between IDOT and local governments. The 1989legislation included equal revenue growth for locals, butthe General Assembly approved local revenue growth inthe Illinois FIRST legislation that was less than IDOT’s.Because registration fees were the only fee increases inIllinois FIRST and are not shared with local governments,the MFT revenue distribution to locals was increased asa part of the overall program. The local share went from41.6 percent to 54.4 percent (which meant dropping thedepartment’s share from 58.4 percent to 45.6 percent).Local governments since 1999 have received more thanhalf of MFT revenue for the first time since 1983.

The recent spike in fuel prices to over $4 per gallon onboth gasoline and diesel fuel caused a drop in motorfuel consumption in Illinois and throughout the nationstarting in 2008. This surge in prices has been followedby a collapse in prices due to a rapidly weakeningeconomy and lower demand. In recognition of theseevents and based on economic forecasts from GlobalInsight, the department is now anticipating an overall 3percent decline in motor fuel consumption in 2009 and,essentially, no revenue growth from the MFT for theremainder of the Multi-Year Program (through FY 2015).

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION (MVR) FEESAnnual registration fees for vehicles are the "secondstructure" of highway user fees, with the MFT being thefirst. In theory, registration fees are charged for accessto the highway system regardless of use. They are gen-erally called user fees because they are fees on usersof highways. The principle of dedicating the revenue tohighways has been long established and is widelyaccepted.

The amount of the fee charged depends upon the vehi-cle. Fees range from $38 a year for a motorcycle to$2,790 for the heaviest truck allowed. Fees for autosand pickup-trucks, which are the most numerous regis-trations, are $78 a year. Heavier trucks have a widerange of fees and alternatives. There are 15 weight cat-egories above the 8,000 lb. limit for pickups, most in4,000 to 5,000 lb. increments but with several excep-tions. The fees are progressively higher for each weightclass. There is a separate fee schedule for farm trucks,with fees of roughly one-half to two-thirds of the regularschedule. Interstate carriers, whether based in Illinois orelsewhere, register to operate in Illinois under theInternational Registration Plan (IRP). Carriers pay eachstate's registration fee for their entire fleet in proportionto their miles driven in each state. There are other spe-cial truck registration categories to accommodate spe-cial equipment or very low mileage vehicles.

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Illinois FIRST in 1999 raised registration and title fees,the only source of increased revenue for highways.Autos and pickup trucks were increased to $78; mostother vehicle and transaction fees were raised byapproximately 25 percent; and title fees were raised by$52. The last time registration fees had been raised wasin 1983. Revenue from these increases replaced forIDOT the MFT revenue that was redirected to local gov-ernments from IDOT (described above), offset the lossof the Sales Tax transfer to the MFT Fund, and anincrease in transfers to the Grade Crossing ProtectionFund, paid the higher debt service from the increasedhighway bonds, and financed the non-bond portion ofthe increased construction program.

Illinois' fees on heavy trucks are high compared toother states. As axle weights and gross vehicle weightsrise, pavement stress rises geometrically. Because fuelconsumption (and thus MFT revenue) does not rise asfast, Illinois uses registration fees to help collect rev-enue in proportion to extra costs caused by trucks.Relatively high fees on heavy trucks have made it politi-cally more difficult to raise the fees but probably havenot contributed to an exodus of trucking firms. Illinois'overall tax climate, large economy, and location have allbeen inducements to trucking firms to stay in Illinois.Since under IRP interstate carriers would pay about thesame in registration fees to Illinois regardless of wherethey are officially based, other factors are more impor-tant in deciding a firm's location.

The nature of MVR revenue makes the revenue levelfairly stable from year to year. In economic downturns,people will still renew the registration on their auto orpickup even if they will be driving less than in times ofeconomic growth. Trucks are more sensitive to eco-nomic cycles, since large carriers may idle vehicles ifshipping orders decline. Illinois' mature economy andslowly growing population will not provide significantgrowth in the number of registrations. Therefore, rev-enue will not grow significantly without fee increases.

After the enactment of the MVR fee increase for IllinoisFIRST, two major developments have occurred in theIllinois MVR fee structure. In 2003, a series of feeincreases were enacted with all the additional moneygoing to the General Revenue Fund. This included asurcharge on large truck registrations, increases in deal-er fees and driver’s license reinstatement fees, the cre-ation of a new personalized plate fee (as opposed tothe existing vanity plate fee), and the institution of a $20late registration filing fee. As noted earlier, the $65 cer-tificate of title fee for corrected titles due to namechanges resulting from death, divorce or marriage wasreduced to $15 in 2008. In addition, a $1 increase inpassenger vehicle registration fees was recently enact-ed to fund a vehicle purchase program for State Police.

SERIES A BONDSGeneral Obligation bonds for highways were firstauthorized by the General Assembly in 1971 under thenew state Constitution that eased requirements forbonds. Bond authorizations have been raised fivetimes since then. The last four authorization increasesin 1979, 1983, 1989, and 1999 (Illinois FIRST) wereassociated with an increase in revenue supportingstate highways. Raising revenues when increasingbond authorizations recognizes that bonds are not freecash and that revenues must be provided for repay-ment and interest.

Bond authorizations have been an important compo-nent of each revenue initiative since 1979. They haveallowed larger construction programs than what wouldhave been possible with just new revenue alone and somade the whole package more viable. The bondincrease of $2 billion as part of Illinois FIRST was thelargest single increase for highways in history. It was19 percent of the $10.5 billion five-year program of butwas more than half of the program increment madepossible by Illinois FIRST. Bond authorizations for high-ways are made to support several years of annualappropriations. The last new bond appropriation wasmade in FY 2004, the last year of the five-year IllinoisFIRST program.

There are three main reasons for the use of bondfinancing. One is to reduce construction costs of aproject by building now with bonds instead of later asrevenues become available but at higher costs frominflation. Another reason is that the cost of long-livedcapital projects (as evidenced by debt service pay-ments) are matched to benefits of a project over thesame period. Third, these advantages must be bal-anced against selling so many bonds that debt servicebecomes such a large proportion of revenues thatoperations and capital programs are severely impacted.

There are some problems with the use of bonds. Eachbond project must be released by the Governor'sOffice, with the Office of Management and Budget'srecommendation, before IDOT can award a contract tothe low bidder. Highway bonds are a part of the state'sgeneral obligation bond program and have to fit withinits overall goals, individual bond sale strategies, andrecently enacted restrictions on how bonds shall beissued. These considerations have sometimes resultedin delays of implementation of bond-funded projects orin cash shortages in the bond fund that pays contrac-tors for completed work.

Bonds had been sold three or four times a year to raisecash in order to meet estimated spending before thenext bond sale. More recently, only one or two salesper year have been done.

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The bond market, i.e. those who buy Illinois statebonds, insists that long-term bonds be used only forlong-term projects. This is to help ensure continuedwillingness of the state to re-pay the bonds plus inter-est 20 to 25 years after issue. The Office ofManagement and Budget and the Governor enforcebondability guidelines through the project releaseprocess. Because the greatest portion of the state’shighway construction program is dedicated to main-taining the existing system, long-Iife projects that meetbondability guidelines are sometimes difficult to identi-fy. For this reason, it is important that projects identi-fied as eligible for bond funding be allowed to proceedwhen they are ready for bid. Delay in funding couldforce a delay in project completion by as much as oneyear, since IDOT avoids open construction during win-ter for motorist convenience.

FUNDING THE HIGHWAYCONSTRUCTION PROGRAMFour things make IDOT finances unique among stateagencies:• IDOT prepares a multi-year construction program

and updates it annually.• IDOT's predominant funding comes from special

dedicated funds and relatively little comes fromGeneral Funds.

• The major part of the budget is capital which is fund-ed primarily by current revenues and relatively littleby bonds.

• The majority of construction spending in a given yearis from reappropriations, not new appropriations.

IDOT publishes a multi-year program every spring,updating the prior year’s program, deleting the firstyear and adding a year to the prior year's program.The program consists of a brief description of the proj-ects that IDOT says it will put under contract, i.e.accomplish, during the specified period. Along withmany other tasks, a multi-year projection of the sup-porting funds' fiscal status is necessary to determinethe affordable level of the program. An annual pro-gram, which is the first year component of the multi-year program, is published once appropriations areapproved for the new fiscal year. The entire cost of anannual program is appropriated for the fiscal year.

Capital programs, in general, and especially highways,take several years to spend once they have beenappropriated. Our standard estimate is that an annualprogram will spend over four years. Most of the pro-gram (more than 90 percent) is usually spent in threeyears, but some big projects, financial close-outs andlocal agreements can result in spending beyond threeyears. This pattern for a program does not mean thatevery project takes three to four years to spend. Aproject that takes one year to build and is started at

the end of the fiscal year or at the beginning of thenext will spend in two or three fiscal years. Unspentappropriation balances are reappropriated in followingfiscal years.

Once projects have begun, IDOT's options to limitspending are either delaying payment of bills or, in theextreme, ordering a halt to construction in progress.Neither of these options is desirable. Limiting the cur-rent year's program to reduce spending is not veryeffective because two-thirds or more of constructionspending in any year is from past year programs. Sincecurrent program funding decisions affect the fiscalcondition of the Road and Construction Funds yearslater, financial projections tend to be conservative inorder to avoid having to use the extreme short-termspending controls available to IDOT.

Two basic methods are used by state transportationdepartments to fund the state-supported portion ofconstruction programs. One method is to accumulateand encumber cash equal to the state's share of eachproject before the contract is executed. This methodreduces uncertainty over the future ability to pay billsbut also accumulates high cash balances. The othermethod, used by IDOT, is to program at levels so thatestimated spending will be equal to estimated availablerevenues for the life of the program. This method is amore efficient use of highway user revenues butincreases the risk from uncertainty over future rev-enues and spending.

To calculate the amount of state source funds that canbe used to support the multi-year program and theannual component, a revenue forecast is made thatextends one year beyond the MYP. The extra year isnecessary because of the large cash impact of a pro-gram in its second year (roughly 50 percent of the orig-inal appropriation). Projections of base expenses suchas debt service, other departments, maintenance costsof mowing and snow plowing, and engineering arethen deducted. Revenue remaining after prior program-s' expenditures are covered is available to supportspending from future programs. Annual program levelsare set to maintain financial viability and meet certainprogrammatic goals such as avoiding widely fluctuat-ing annual levels.

BALANCES IN ROADAND CONSTRUCTION FUNDSAlthough cash flow budgeting for the highway con-struction program reduces the required level of fundbalance (compared to cash encumbrance budgeting),reasonable available-fund balances are still required.The targeted balance at the end of each budget yearcannot be zero, or minimal, for several reasons. Onereason is intra-year cash flow. The construction season

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results in a severe imbalance between monthly rev-enues and expenditures. Without a large balance car-ried over from the previous fiscal year, IDOT cannotpay all of its bills on time during the summer and earlyfall when construction expenditures are their largest.What are often referred to as the "Road Funds" areactually two separate funds in the state treasury, theRoad Fund and the Construction Fund. Each fund hasits own unique cash flow patterns within the year andeach needs sufficient available balance. The RoadFund may temporarily transfer up to $35 million to theConstruction Fund to help alleviate a cash shortagesuch transfers must be repaid in the same fiscal year.However, this amount has never been sufficient in thepast when the Construction Fund had insufficient bal-ances to pay all bills on time. There also is no provisionfor the Construction Fund to come to the aid of theRoad Fund. Thus, sufficient available balances must bemaintained in each fund.

Unspent obligations typically exceed $1 billion at theend of each month. Legally, IDOT (as are all stateagencies) is required to pay any invoice submittedagainst an obligation balance within a short period oftime. If invoices are submitted faster than budgeted,the fund available balance has to be sufficient to coverthe unexpected spending.

The highway construction program is planned over asix- to seven-year horizon. Even the annual element ofthe program has a nearly five-year horizon, consideringthe nearly one year of advanced planning and four yearsto expend. Obviously, actual revenues and spendingcan turn out to be different from the plan over such along horizon. Available balances must be sufficient tocover the impact from unexpected differences.

CHANGES TO ROADFUND DIVERSION STATUTEAs part of the 1979 transportation financing legislation,several items were specifically earmarked as ineligiblefor Road Fund support in an effort to limit demands onthe Road Fund for non-highway purposes. These diversionswere phased out beginning in FY 1980 and continuinginto FY 1984. Examples specifically excluded were:

FY 1980 Department of Public Health.IDOT grants for reimbursement of one-half transit farefor students and reduced transit fare for the elderly.Department of Central Management Services exceptfor group insurance payments.Judicial systems and agencies.

FY 1981 Illinois State Police, except for expendituresfor the Division of State Troopers. IDOT grants forIntercity Rail Subsidies and Rail Freight Services.

FY 1982 Department of Central ManagementServices, except for awards made under the WorkersCompensation Act.

FY 1984 Illinois State Police other than 40 percent ofthe funds appropriated for the Division of StateTroopers. That is, only 40 percent of State Troopersallowed from the Road Fund.

An integral part of the 1989 MFT increase legislationwas a limit (or “cap”) on the Road Fund appropriationsfor the Secretary of State and State Police. Budgetgrowth above the cap was to be supported by theGeneral Revenue Fund. These limits were phased in,with the first year for the State Police cap in FY 1991and for the Secretary of State in FY 1992. However, theSenate attached an extra $51 million to the FY 1991Road Fund appropriation for State Police in order tosave the GRF a like amount. The schedule was followedin subsequent years, and in FY 1998, $36 million wasrepaid to the Road Fund for the FY 1991 extra amount.

As part of Illinois FIRST, statutory limits to Road Fundappropriations for the Secretary of State were reduced.The allowed amount was to be $50 million lower ineach of FYs 2000 through 2003, and $100 million lowerin FY 2004 and thereafter. This schedule was followedin FY 2000 through 2002, but because of GRF short-ages beginning in FY 2003, the law has been changedannually to allow more Road Fund appropriations forboth the Secretary of State and State Police. Thedepartment assumes that these appropriations willremain at current levels indefinitely.

In the mid-1990s, the Governor’s Bureau of the Budget,as it was named at the time, budgeted a $15 milliongrant in IDOT to pay over to State Police in direct vio-lation of the Road Fund statute. This appropriation wascontested in court by a legislator and was reversed.

Since 1979, Governors, General Assemblies and othersoutside of state government have been concerned withnon-highway uses of the Road Fund. While there hasbeen broad-based support for dedicating user fees forhighway improvements, this group of revenue sourcesunder the Road Fund has come under increasing pres-sure in recent years.

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Training and Staff Development at IDOTThe Training and Educational DevelopmentSection provides quality leadership, managerial, tech-nical and human resource training to the employees ofIDOT. These services encourage all levels of personnelto improve their interpersonal, leadership, managerialand technical proficiency.

The Program Development (PD) TechnicalTraining series expands technical skills needed byemployees to perform Phase I and Phase II tasks relat-ed to project development, and preparation of plans,specifications and estimates (PS&E) for scheduled let-tings. Courses cover a broad curriculum of specifictechnical topics as well as overviews of policies andprocedures for developing projects and preparing plans.

Employee Safety Unit Occupational Safety TrainingPrograms are for employees who may be exposed tohazards within their job assignments. IDOT employeesare trained on various health and safety issues thatcould affect their lives. Several of the programs aremandated by the U.S. Department of Labor and followOSHA standards. Land Surveyors, Structural Engineersand Civil Engineers can earn required ProfessionalDevelopment Hours (PDH) for identified seminars.

Behavioral Risk Unit provides courses designed totrain senior management, managers, supervisors andemployees to recognize danger signals in order tointervene or seek assistance before problems escalate.

All training courses fully comply with mandatory federaland state educational requirements and incorporateadult education principles and guidelines.

TRAINING ACCOMPLISHMENTSFOR 2007-08Reinstitution of Operations TrainingOperations training of the IDOT Operations Workforcewas temporarily suspended from 2003 to 2006 forbudgetary reasons. It is back in place to help:• Improve operational efficiency and corresponding

productivity,• Provide better communications between employees

to help ensure a safer work environment, improveemployee morale, and ensure compliance with exist-ing policy guidelines.

• Reinforce positive public perception of the capabilityand efficiency of the IDOT Operations Workforce.

Additional Training Program for New SupervisorsThis new initiative provided six one-day training ses-sions for approximately 100 new supervisors to learncore skills necessary to be successful in their roles.

Expanded Context SensitiveSolutions (CSS) TrainingThe IDOT Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) trainingprogram is to:• Develop awareness of the nature of CSS and its ben-

efits to IDOT, FHWA and the communities served;• Build partnerships and consensus with stakeholders

through a constructive, collaborative decision-makingprocess;

• Integrate the CSS process through all phases of atransportation project.

OSHA 30-Hour TrainingThis course targets employees who have a supervisoryrole, or oversee field operations or construction proj-ects, and incorporates an understanding of multiplework-safety topics. Topics covered in this course arespecific to job responsibilities of the trainee.

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Illinois Motorist Opinion Survey Results –Summary for 2008The Illinois Department of Transportation focuses long-term strategic objectives on customer needs andexpectations. In addition to project-specific stakehold-er meetings, hearings and discussions, IDOT since2000 has employed several comprehensive customersurvey tools designed to measure user satisfaction lev-els with various transportation services.

One of the most revealing and helpful tools in shapinglong-range objectives is the annual Illinois MotoristOpinion Survey, a written questionnaire randomly dis-tributed each year by mail to a random sample ofIllinois licensed drivers. The survey is conducted andadministered each year on behalf of IDOT by theUniversity of Illinois-Springfield Survey ResearchOffice. The survey is stratified among the nine IDOTregional districts to provide an accurate balance inresponses and opinions from motorists throughout thestate. The typical response rate for these surveys isfrom 35 to 40 percent, providing a sample of from1,200 to 1,500 usable responses each year. The 2008survey produced a sample of 1,310 responses, result-ing in a sampling error of plus or minus 2.7 percentwith a 95-percent confidence level. This means thatresults of this survey sample will be within 2.7 points ofactual population characteristics 95 percent of the time.

Each year, the bulk of the survey is focused on staticquestions within four basic areas of IDOT transporta-tion service – Roadway Maintenance and Traffic Flow;Road Repair and Construction; Traveler Services; andEmployee Conduct. Motorists are asked a series ofquestions for each service area calling for their ratingsof IDOT services on a five-point scale: Excellent, Good,Fair, Poor and Very Poor. Responses are then combinedand calculated to provide an overall index of satisfac-tion for analysis, ranging from 1.0 to 5.0. The methodalso allows responses to be analyzed based on per-centages of specific responses received – for instance,the percent of motorists rating a particular service“good” or “excellent.” These responses to repeatingquestions provide a benchmark from year to year bywhich to measure changes in overall motorist attitudes.

Each annual survey also includes a short series ofquestions that change from year to year to provide IDOTinformation on topical subjects of the moment, such astraffic safety, motorist communications, work-zoneissues, user fees, or specific program or project results.

The following is a general summary of results in thefour service areas. Readers should keep in mind that,while the survey attempts to describe the differencesbetween state-maintained roads and locally maintainedroads, and seeks information and satisfaction levels on

the state-maintained roadway system itself, the resultsshould generally be considered as indicative of satis-faction levels with all roads in Illinois.

Motorist survey results since 2003 show that attitudesand satisfaction levels have remained consistent withfew significant statistical fluctuations from year to year.

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Road Repair and Construction (10 aspects surveyed):

• Overall Satisfaction Range: 2.84 to 3.88 out of 5.0.• Overall Satisfaction Mean for the 10 aspects: 3.26

out of 5.0.• Highest Rated Services: Warning signs when workers

are present; Work zone signs to direct merging trafficand alert motorists to reduce speed; and Advanceinformation about projects.

• Lowest Rated Services: Timeliness of repairs onnon-interstates; Ride quality and smoothness onnon-interstates; Timeliness of repairs on interstates;and Flow of traffic through work zones.

Roadway Maintenance and Traffic Flow (9 aspects surveyed):

• Overall Satisfaction Range: 3.35 to 3.88 out of 5.0.• Overall Satisfaction Mean for the 9 aspects: 3.56 out

of 5.0.• Highest Rated Services: Traffic signs; Electronic mes-

sage boards to advise of delays or traffic conditions;Snow and ice control and removal; Visibility of laneand shoulder markings.

• Lowest Rated Services: Roadside lighting and reflec-tors; Timing of traffic signals; Landscaping and over-all appearance, Timely removal of debris from road-ways.

Traveler Services (5 aspects surveyed):

• Overall Satisfaction Range: 3.40 to 3.99 out of 5.0.• Overall Satisfaction Mean for the 5 aspects: 3.72 out

of 5.0.• Highest Rated Services: Informational signs (blue

service logo signs) at highway exits for food, gas andlodging; Informational signs (brown informationalsigns) about area tourist attractions and state parks;Cleanliness and safety of rest areas.

• Lowest Rated Service: Availability of free IDOT roadmaps.

Employee Conduct on the Job (4 aspects surveyed):

• Overall Satisfaction Range: 3.52 to 3.87 out of 5.0.• Overall Satisfaction Mean for the 4 aspects: 3.74 out

of 5.0• Highest Rated Aspects: Courtesy and respect shown

to motorists; Overall conduct of employees on thejob; Helpfulness of information provided by employ-ees.

• Lowest Rated Aspect: Accessibility of employeeswhen you need them.

2008 Illinois Motorist Opinion Survey – Summary of Results• Overall Job IDOT is Doing: 3.50 out of 5.0, and 54 percent rated “good” or “excellent.”• How Often You Trust IDOT to Do the Right Thing: 3.83 out of 5.0, and 71 percent rated “just about always” or “most

of the time.”

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Major Highway ProjectsThe Department has continued moving forward withthe implementation of CSS during 2007. The year beganwith national recognition by way of a presentation atthe annual meeting of the Transportation ResearchBoard for the Department’s CSS implementation. Workcontinued in the area of policy development, training,communication, and program implementation as out-lined on the Department’s CSS Balanced Scorecard.

Western AccessThe region in the vicinity of O’Hare International Airportis experiencing increasing levels of congestion anddelays as a result of regional and local travel demandin a job-rich area. The department seeks to improveaccess and mobility in the study area. The areas in thevicinity of the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway are industrial innature but also contain commercial development andredevelopment opportunities. Residential propertiesalso exist, which will require extensive community out-reach. As part of the department’s planning process, asignificant public involvement program will be imple-mented in accordance with the department’s ContextSensitive Solutions policy. Several alternatives arebeing studied, one alternative would be to extend theElgin-O’Hare Expressway within the Thorndale Avenuecorridor. Transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvementswill also be part of the overall solution.

IDOT is the lead agency for engineering on this projectof national and regional significance. SAFETEA-LU pro-vided a combined total of $140 million for the project.The FY 2009-2014 Proposed Highway ImprovementProgram included a total of $164.3 million for these twoprojects. The adjusted FY 2009 program includes acombined total of $15.1 million for protective land acq-uisition, preliminary engineering project managers, Phase Iengineering for design, location and environmentalstudies and Phase II engineering for contract plans.

Phase I engineering is currently under way. It is antici-pated that Tier I will be complete by 12/31/10 (preferredmulti-modal transportation system concept for studyarea). Tier II is expected to be complete by 12/31/13(detailed Phase I planning for priority sections of Tier Irecommendation). The department will also be lookingat the possibility of utilizing some of the SAFETEA-LUfunds on interim projects which will provide short termcongestion relief.

Prairie Parkway - Interstate 80 in GrundyCounty to Interstate 88 in Kane CountyThe Phase I engineering for the project is nearing com-pletion with the Record of Decision (ROD) receivedSeptember 19, 2008. The final design report is antici-pated to be approved in spring 2009. Engineering, landacquisition and subsurface utility engineering are under

way. Two consultants have been selected to do PhaseII engineering for contract plans from south of Illinois71 to north of US 30.• The feasibility study, corridor protection, Phase I

engineering, subsurface utility engineering, land sur-vey, Phase II engineering start-up and land acquisi-tion have obligated $41.4 million to date.

• Engineering for preliminary structure plans, geotech-nical reports, subsurface utilities, and contract plans,land acquisition, and construction engineering areprogrammed in FY 2009 at a cost of $42.6 million. Ofthis total, $11.7 million for land acquisition and $6.7million for Phase I engineering has been obligated.

• Construction, utility adjustment and constructionengineering of 5 miles of 4-lane freeway and bridges,interchanges at Illinois 71 and US 34 in KendallCounty, reconstruction and widening of 3 miles of US34 and Illinois 71 and land acquisition from I-80 to I-88 are programmed during FY 2010 2014 at a cost of$193.1 million.

Peoria Eastern Bypass – Illinois 6 to Interstate 74Phase I engineering using Context Sensitive Solutionspolicies, for the preparation of a corridor study/re-eval-uation report, was started in March 2008 and is antici-pated to take 2 years to complete at a cost of $3 mil-lion. This study will review previously identified corri-dors along with other potential corridors to select apreferred corridor and alignment within the selectedcorridor. A public kick-off meeting was held on July 29,2008 and another Community Advisor Group meetingwill be held on February 19, 2009. This project is antic-ipated to be completed in two parts. All work neces-sary for the Corridor Study was negotiated as Part 1 ofthe Prime Agreement. It is expected that near the com-pletion of the Corridor Study, Part 2 of the project,which includes all work required to complete thedesign report, environmental impact statement, andcorridor protection map, will be negotiated as aplanned supplement, which is not currently funded.

New Mississippi River Bridge at St. LouisOn Feb. 28, 2008, Illinois and Missouri reached agree-ment on the construction of a new I 70 MississippiRiver Bridge at St. Louis. The new bridge will be locat-ed one mile north of the Martin Luther King Bridge innorth St. Louis, the location originally approved by theFederal Highway Administration in 2001. It will carry I-70 traffic from Illinois to Missouri connecting I 70 at theI-55/I-64 interchange on the Illinois side of the river toI-70 near Cass Avenue on the Missouri side.

With Missouri as the lead state for environmental re-evaluation, design, construction and maintenance, thetotal project cost is estimated at $640 million. Of the$640 million cost, the total cost to construct the bridgeis estimated at $306 million with Illinois contributing$213 million and Missouri contributing $93 million (in

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both monetary and in-kind contributions). Missouri’sroadway connections to the bridge are estimated at$70 million, and Illinois’ roadway connections are esti-mated at $264 million.

Though the original plan called for building two bridgesto carry four lanes in each direction, the two statesagreed to build one of the bridges at this time withdesign accommodations for a companion bridge to bebuilt in the future. The new bridge will have two lanesin each direction with room to expand to three lanes.With this design, the new bridge is expected to handletraffic beyond 2030 based on traffic modeling.

Current status: Land acquisition and Phase II engineer-ing for contract plans are under way. Design work forthe bridge’s main span and approaches has begun.Continuation of this work, as well as other pre-con-struction work, utilities, land acquisition and construc-tion are included in the FY 2009-2014 ProposedHighway Improvement Program at a total estimatedcost for the Illinois share of $477 million, whichincludes $1.1 million of TEA-21 High Priority Projectfunds. Construction could begin as early as 2010 andrequire four to six years to complete.

On Jan. 15, 2009, IDOT and MoDOT met with all rail-roads affected by the project. Consulting firms forIllinois and Missouri submitted formal design plans forrailroad approval. IDOT met with appraisers that spe-cialize in railroad work to begin the valuation process.Both IDOT and MoDOT continue to meet with contrac-tors for the Alternate Technical Concept process. Sixcontractors have been prequalified for the IllinoisApproach contract.

Project Details Update:1) Property acquisition has begun in both Illinois and

Missouri2) Overall signing and ITS plans are being developed3) The Memorandum of Agreement for archaeologi-

cal testing has been executed by all parties.Phase III archaeological investigations (recovery)may begin.

4) The ICON and CIG meetings were conducted inlate January.

5) D8 met with the newly assigned ICC representa-tive in late January.

6) The January Project Newsletter is being prepared.

Updates on previous investments and design work:Phase I engineering began in 1992 for location designand environmental studies for the new bridge and werecompleted at a cost of $7.6 million. The Record ofDecision was received in June 2001. On Nov. 5, 2008,IDOT received FHWA’s concurrence that the 2001Record of Decision is still applicable and that a supple-mental Environmental Impact Statement is not

required. FHWA further stated that this project is incompliance with the National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA). The project received approval of the FinalAccess Justification Report (AJR) by FHWA in 2003.Approval of the revised AJR is anticipated within thenext few months.

Current Funding Status: Funding totaling $164 millionis available for the project from the current federaltransportation authorization, SAFETEA-LU. A total of$313 million in state funds is outlined in the published2009-14 Multi-Year Program for the Illinois share of theproject, of which $41 million is designated as the statematch for SAFETEA-LU funding. Missouri currently hassecured $75 million in federal funds from SAFETEA-LU,and has earmarked $88 million in state funding. Thetotal estimated cost for the project is $640 million.More information is available on the project website --www.newriverbridge.org.

US 67 Corridor and Alton Bypass (Illinois 255)The existing US 67 corridor extends nearly 220 milesfrom Interstate 280 at Rock Island to Interstate 270south of Alton. This includes Illinois 255, known as theAlton Bypass. Currently, $737 million in work has beencompleted or is in progress for the 2-lane and 4 lanecorridor improvements, $27.0 million is programmed inFY 2009 and $102.2 million is programmed during FY2010-2014. The estimated unfunded cost to completethe remaining 4-lane sections from Macomb southwardto the Alton Bypass is from $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion.US 67 from Rock Island to Monmouth will remain 2lanes as it closely parallels Interstate 74, which isapproximately 15 miles to the east.

The $737 million of work completed or in progressincludes:• $14.3 million for the US 67 relocation from Godfrey

to Alton; $120 million for the Clark Bridge; $21 millionfor the Illinois 143 relocation in Alton.

• $24.8 million for additional lanes in Macomb.• $36.8 million worth of 2 lane improvements from

Rock Island to Monmouth.• $10.4 million for completion of Phase I engineering

for the proposed 4-lanes from Macomb to Interstate270 south of Alton.

• $441.8 million for the completion of 4-lanes for 31miles from Monmouth to Macomb, 21.4 miles fromeast of the Concord/Arenzville Road to south of theScott/Greene county line, 13.9 miles from FosterburgRoad to Interstate 270.

• $13.1 million for the on-going construction of 2.6miles from Seminary Road to Fosterburg Road.

• $54.8 million for Phase II engineering, land acquisi-tion and utility adjustments for sections not yet con-structed or under construction from Macomb toSeminary Road.

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US 51 – Decatur to CentraliaCurrently, $77.3 million of work has been completed toupgrade US 51 to four lanes from south of Decatur,just north of Elwin, to Centralia. This work includes thecompletion of Phase I engineering for location, envi-ronmental and design studies from Decatur to south ofPana and construction of 18.2 miles of 4-lane fromnorth of Elwin to 1.5 mile north of Assumption.

Phase II engineering for contract plans and some landacquisition for the section 1.5 miles north ofAssumption to 0.4 mile south of the Christian/ShelbyCounty line south of Pana are under way at a cost of$4.1 million. Continuation of the Phase II engineeringand land acquisition is programmed in FY 2009 at acost of $1.1 million and an estimated $133 to $146 mil-lion to complete the four-lanes to south of Pana is notcurrently funded for this section.

Phase I engineering for location, environmental anddesign studies utilizing Context Sensitive Solutions(CSS) from south of Pana to Centralia is under way ata cost of $3.5 million. Continuation of this Phase Iengineering is programmed in FY 2009 at a cost of$2.5 million and in FY 2010-2014 at a cost of $3 million.

Construction of 4 lanes for 57 miles and pre-construc-tion work from the Shelby County line south of Pana toCentralia are not currently funded at an estimated costranging from $477 million to $525 million.

US 50Interstate 64 at Illinois 158 in O’Fallon toInterstate 57 West of Salem• US 50 is a two-lane highway (60.2 miles) from

Interstate 64 at Illinois 158 in O’Fallon to Interstate 57west of Salem except at interchanges with Illinois160 north of Trenton, with County Highway 11(Jamestown Road) north of Breese, and withInterstate 57 west of Salem, where US 50 is a four-lane divided highway through these areas.

• Phase I engineering for location studies and prepara-tion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) forproposed FAP 409 Supplemental Freeway (US 50)from Illinois 158/Interstate 64 to Illinois 127 north ofCarlyle was approved in 1978. The design report andEIS are no longer valid and would require re-evaluationto select an approved alignment. The proposed sec-tion from Illinois 158 at Interstate 64 east of O’Fallonto Illinois 4 in Lebanon in St. Clair County, in particu-lar with its major environmental impacts in the SilverCreek wetlands area, may not be approved in the EISre-evaluation. A west end termini at Illinois 4 inLebanon would eliminate these environmental impacts.

• All structures for an access-controlled four-lanedivided highway from Summerfield Road east ofLebanon to Illinois 127 north of Carlyle have beenbuilt on the new alignment.

• Approximately 95 percent of the right-of-way parcelshave been acquired for a four-lane divided highwayfrom Interstate 64 to Illinois 127 north of Carlyle.

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• The estimated cost to complete all engineering, landacquisition, utility adjustments and construction for afour-lane divided highway ranges from $856 to $947million.

Interstate 57 West of Salem to the Indianastate line at Vincennes• US 50 is a two-lane highway (68.6 miles) from

Interstate 57 west of Salem to east of Lawrencevilleexcept at interchanges with Interstate 57 west ofSalem and east of Flora at the US 45 intersectionwhere it is a four-lane divided highway. US 50 is afour-lane freeway (7.4 miles) from east ofLawrenceville to the Indiana state line at Vincennes,Indiana.

• Phase I engineering studies were completed for FAP409 Supplemental Freeway (US 50) from Salem tothe Indiana state line between 1969 and 1973. Thesestudies are no longer valid and new studies would berequired.

• Right-of-way was acquired between Xenia and theIndiana state line for the expansion of US 50 to afour-lane divided highway.

• A feasibility study for upgrading US 50 to four lanesfrom Interstate 57 west of Salem to east of Illinois 1,approximately 74 miles, was completed in 2008 at acost of $1.7 million.

• The estimated cost to complete all engineering, landacquisition, utility adjustments and construction for afour-lane divided highway ranges from $728 to $800million. The cost range was developed from costestimates in the feasibility study, which used 25%contingency and a base year of 2007. Depending onthe year of construction and inflation these costs areonly a rough estimate.

US 34US 34 from east of Carman Road to US 67 inMonmouth.The estimated cost to complete four lanes fromCarman Road to US 67 in Monmouth ranges from$324 million to $355 million.• Phase I engineering is complete.• The start of archaeological surveys and land acquisi-

tion are under way.• Utility adjustments and miscellaneous pre-construc-

tion work are funded during FY 2010-2014 at a costof $1 million.

• The pre construction and construction costs that arenot funded are estimated to range from $311 millionto $343 million.

US 20 - GALENA TO FREEPORTUS 20 from Illinois 84 northwest of Galena toBolton Road west of Freeport.• 46 miles of four lane freeway.• Phase I engineering and an Environmental Impact

Statement (EIS) are complete.• US 20 from Illinois 84 northwest of galena to Mount

Hope Road / Horseshoe Mound Interchange south-east of Galena (Galena Bypass).• 6.4 mile section.• Phase II engineering and land acquisition are

under way.• Construction and the remaining pre-construction

activities are estimated to cost $246 to $271 mil-lion and are not funded.

• US 20 from southeast of Galena to Bolton Road westof Freeport.• 43.3 mile section.• The cost to construct is estimated at $899 to $989

million and is not funded.

US 20 from Bolton Road west of Freeport towest of Springfield Road east of Freeport(Freeport Bypass). More than 10 miles to north ofFreeport of four-lane freeway.• 4-mile section from Bolton Road to west of Illinois 26

• Phase II engineering and land acquisition underway.

• The completion of Phase II engineering, landacquisition, utility adjustments and four-lane con-struction are estimated to cost $38.2 million andare not funded.

• Two 3-mile sections east of Illinois 26• Construction completed. Construction included

interchange reconstruction at Illinois 75 and addi-tional lanes for 6.1 miles from east of Illinois 26 towest of Springfield Road.

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IDOT Mentor-Protégé Program Aims to BuildCapacity of Small and Minority ContractorsEffort teams experienced contractors with small firms;Goal is to increase percentage of contracts that goto DBEs

IDOT in 2008 continued building its groundbreakingMentor-Protégé Program, a public-private partnershipdesigned to help build the capacity of small, minority-owned companies to succeed in business and to suc-cessfully compete for larger road construction projects.

The federally approved pilot program compensatesmentor companies for administrative expenses associ-ated with the effort and teams larger, experienced firmswith contractors that are certified as a DisadvantagedBusiness Enterprise (DBE) in Illinois.

The Blagojevich administration and IDOT, through itsOffice of Business and Workforce Diversity havemoved aggressively to break down barriers that typi-cally prevent or hinder small and minority contractorsfrom succeeding in the road construction field. IDOTraised the bar on its target for inclusion, increasing itsstatewide goal for the percentage of contracts going toDBEs from 12 percent in 2003 to the current goal of22.7 percent.

In addition, IDOT has upgraded and expanded thesupportive services it offers to DBEs to enable them tocompete for contracts. Under this administration, IDOTopened walk-in DBE Resource Centers connected withmajor transportation projects in Chicago and East St.Louis. Previously, contractors seeking assistance hadto travel to Springfield.

Under the new program, once a mentor firm and pro-tégé are teamed up, they will jointly establish a devel-opment plan that outlines their goals and expectations,sets benchmarks and creates a monitoring and report-ing mechanism that will be used to judge the effective-ness of the effort.

The plan may include training in the following areas:business planning, recordkeeping, technical assistanceand use of equipment, capital formation, loan packag-ing, financial counseling and bonding.

The mentor and protégé will work together toward agoal of winning contracts for the protégé, and the twocontractors will have the option of forming joint ven-tures to bid on projects.

To qualify for the program, the mentor firm must haveat least five years’ experience as an IDOT contractorand the protégé firm must have at least three yearshighway construction experience and must also becertified as a DBE through the Illinois UnifiedCertification Program.

Progress in the program will be overseen by IDOT’sMentor-Protégé Oversight Committee.

The new program has been approved by the U.S.Department of Transportation’s Federal HighwayAdministration as a pilot project through 2010. It isoffered in four IDOT Districts around the state, includ-ing D-1 in the Chicago area, D-4 based in Peoria, D-6based in Springfield, and D-8 based in Collinsville.

IDOT AT A GLANCEHow to Learn More About Mentor-Protégé ProgramFor more information, interested parties should go tothe IDOT Web site at: www.dot.state.il.us/obwd/mentor.html

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IDOT AT A GLANCEAdditional Traffic Safety Measures for TeenDrivers Designed to Save LivesAdditional traffic safety measures targeting teen driversdo the following:• Double the amount of time a teen must have behind

the wheel before receiving their license;• Ban teen drivers from carrying more than one pas-

senger for the first six months after receiving his orher license;

• Ban cell phone use while driving by those under 18;• Require drivers under 18 to make sure that their teen

passengers are buckled properly in the front andback seats;

• Raise the age that children must be in booster seatsfrom 4 to 8.

• Increase penalties for drivers over age 21 who trans-port a child under age 16, while impaired;

• Require chemical testing for those arrested for hit-and-run;

• Enable harsher sentencing for causing a death whiledriving impaired;

• Enact tougher penalties for driving on a DUI-revokedlicense; and

• Allow for expanded use of DUI funds by local agencies.

IDOT AT A GLANCEAdditional Measures to Deter Impaired DrivingAdditional anti-impaired-driving measures include:• Harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders, includes

making it a felony offense if convicted of DUI three ormore times, with no probation for a fourth or fifthconviction;

• Chemical testing required for those arrested for hit-and-run;

• Harsher sentencing for causing a death while drivingimpaired;

• Tougher penalties for driving on a DUI-revokedlicense.

• Creation of the Illinois Alcohol Abuse Task Force, topresent recommendations on improved coordinationof the alcohol abuse, prevention and enforcementefforts by state agencies and organization, improvedinformation sharing, and improved use of stateresources.

IDOT Overhauls Communications andEducation to Reduce Traffic CongestionChicago holds the dubious title of being the secondmost congested city in the nation. U.S. Department ofTransportation studies show that commuters nation-wide spend more than 100 hours per year traveling towork… more than the average two weeks of vacationtime. Equally important, nearly 43 percent of ournation’s energy resources go into transportation –adding to our dependence on foreign oil.

In light of this, IDOT is working hard to identify practi-cal and economical solutions to this problem. Onesuch solution is a combined effort led by IDOT, work-ing with transportation service boards and the IllinoisTollway Authority, to promote the use of public trans-portation through a creative marketing campaigntheme: Drive Less. Live More.

This campaign urges drivers to try public transporta-tion and encourages the benefits – such as being ableto read the morning newspaper on the train, or makingit home in time for dinner because the commuter is notstuck in traffic. Features of this campaign include awebsite with a gas calculator, along with radio adver-tising and informational brochures.

IDOT also has launched what is dubbed the “arterialDMS project”. By placing dynamic message system(DMS) signs approximately one mile ahead of typicallycongested highway entrances, commuters are able tochoose their commuting routes based on posted, up-to-the-minute travel times along with suggested alter-nate routes.

IDOT also operates www.GettingAroundIllinois.comand www.ILTrafficAlert.com. Both of these services arefree to users and enable viewers to obtain up-to-the-minute information on traffic conditions, roadway andweather conditions and many other travel aids.GettingAroundIllinois features a customized travel pro-gram. Users can simply type in starting and endingpoints for their planned travel route, as well as destina-tions one would like to see along the way (such asrestaurants, museums or other businesses) and a cus-tomized itinerary is presented. This helpful site alsocontains real time information about road conditions,road construction and where to find E-85 stations.

IDOT’s new www.ILTrafficAlerts.com site allowsChicago area travelers to receive customized e-mailalerts based on the routes and time of day the com-muter selects in registering for the service. Working inconjunction with the Illinois Tollway Authority, this pro-gram covers more than 70 Chicago-area highways.

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Looking Toward 2009 and Beyond…The summary of activities and accomplishments for IDOT in 2008 demonstrates a longstanding dedica-tion to steadfast stewardship of assets and resources, continued excellence in transportation programdelivery, and greater efficiency in internal process management. Advances in staff development,process improvements, productivity and technology within IDOT have led directly to advances in trafficsafety, project delivery, communications, congestion relief and transportation development improvingthe economy and quality of life for travelers and workers throughout Illinois.

As IDOT looks to 2009 and beyond, long-range strategies center on further improvements in serviceefficiencies inside and outside IDOT, along with improved program effectiveness, staff productivity,communications and safety on behalf of all Illinois travelers and all stakeholders in the future of trans-portation development in Illinois.

The IDOT guiding principles promise that the Department will remain committed to continuing safety,integrity, responsiveness, quality and innovation as the IDOT way of doing business throughout Illinois.In these ways, every day, IDOT lives its pledge of professionalism and dedication to meeting the needsof Illinois travelers, and renews that pledge as a matter of course. Illinois can count on it.

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IDOT FAST FACTS

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Population . . . . . . . . . . . 12.9 Million

Licensed Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . 8.19 Million

Vehicles Registered . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.9 Million

Passenger Cars Registered . . . . . . . . . . . 7.98 Million

Annual Vehicle Miles of Travel. . . . . . 105,636 Million

Annual Gallons of Fuel Consumed . . . . . . . . . 6.329 Million

Miles of Highways and Streets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140,759

Highway StructuresGreater than 20 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,254

Public Railroad Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,843

Private Railroad Grade Crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,648

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Honorable Pat Quinn, Governor

Gary Hannig, Secretary

Bill Grunloh, Chief Operations Officer

David Phelps, Deputy Secretary

Christine Reed, Director, Division of Highways

John Webber, Assistant to the Secretary

Ellen Schanzle-Haskins, Chief Counsel

Ann Schneider, Director, Office of Finance & Administration

Dick Smith, Director, Office of Planning & Programming

Michael Stout, Director, Division of Traffic Safety

Larry Parrish, Interim Director, Office of Business & Workforce Diversity

Daniel Kennelly, Director, Office of Quality Compliance & Review

Susan Shea, Director, Division of Aeronautics

Kyle Anderson, Director, Office of Operations & Communications

Nick Williams, Director, Office of Governmental Affairs

Joe Clary, Director, Division of Public and Intermodal Transportation

Jason A. Gould, Graphic Design, IOCI Design & Publications

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