Illinois Department of Transportation Receives Top Award for Major Reconstruction Project in Metro East Area

I-55 Project Recognized for Best Innovation Practices in Regional Awards Competition
 

CHICAGO - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider was pleased to accept an award on behalf of the agency for “Best Innovation” for the Interstate 55 Reconstruction Project in Madison County from the Mid America Regional America's Transportation Awards competition. The awards were presented Thursday at the Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials 2012 meeting.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Secretary Schneider. “IDOT employees work hard each day to ensure our construction projects adhere to the department’s mission of providing safe and cost-effective transportation to the citizens of Illinois, while also keeping innovation and creativity intact.”

The competition, now in its fifth year is sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The awards recognized the very best of America's transportation projects in three main categories: Ahead of Schedule, Under Budget, and Best Use of Innovation. The categories are then split up by size: small (less than $25 million), medium (between $25 million and $199 million), and large ($200 million or more).

“The America's Transportation Awards competition is a great way to highlight tremendous transportation projects that demonstrate how state DOTs continue to deliver value with limited transportation dollars. Our state DOTs should be proud of the projects they complete to keep our communities safe, make our commutes easier, and become more efficient,” said Kirk Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation director and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

The project scope for the Interstate 55 Reconstruction Project consisted of rubblizing existing concrete pavement and placing an 11½-inch hot mix asphalt overlay. During the reconstruction, the project used a comprehensive strategy to alert the public, manage traffic and accelerate schedules through innovative staging and construction techniques. A computer-assisted traffic control system was also used to monitor real-time traffic conditions and automatically update dynamic messaging, including driving instructions and current delay times for particular locations. The contract award totaled $42.3 million for the reconstruction of 11.24 miles of Interstate 55. The contractor for the project was a joint venture between the Kilian Corporation and Keeley & Sons, Inc.

“With the hard work and dedication from the IDOT staff and contractors on this project, it is with great pride I can say we were able to complete the project ahead of schedule, save money and improve safety in the area,” Secretary Schneider added.

A total of 14 transportation projects from nine Mid America states were nominated in this year's Mid America's Transportation Awards competition. For details about the projects and the competition, please click www.AmericasTransportationAward.org.