Jan. 31, 2024

Building Blocks of Success series workshops in February

Join the Illinois Department of Transportation for several free virtual Building Blocks of Success series workshops every Tuesday and Thursday in February. New and existing Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and firms interested in becoming certified in the DBE program are invited to participate.

February workshop dates and topics:

• Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to noon: Website Best Practices: Whether DIY or Hiring Firm
• Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to noon: Marketing & Networking Q&A
• Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Building a Capability Statement
• Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to noon: How to Connect & Stand Out
• Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Benefits of Becoming IDOT DBE Certified, How to Apply & Expand Work Categories
• Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to noon: Accounting Practices / Financial Reporting Financial Series
• Feb. 29, 10 a.m. to noon: Budgeting & Cashflow Management

The Building Blocks of Success series will continue through April. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/dbeworkshops.

Region 4, District 6: More than 100 people attended a public meeting Dec. 7 in Quincy to learn about the replacement of the Quincy Memorial Bridge. The preferred design for the new bridge as well as exhibits, maps and aerial photography of the study area were available for the public to gain a better understanding of the proposed improvement. 

The current bridge, which is more than 90 years old and accommodates 7,000 vehicles a day on eastbound U.S. 24, originally carried traffic in both directions between Illinois and Missouri until the Bayview Bridge opened in 1987 for westbound traffic. The last major rehabilitation of the bridge occurred in 2021. Construction for the new bridge could begin as early as 2029. 

Region 5, District 9: The new Westminster Drive bridge over Interstate 57 south of Marion in Williamson County has reopened to traffic. The $7.3 million project began in early 2023. Remaining work with minor traffic impacts will continue through this spring.

Letting Update

March 8 is the first letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2024. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

• Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. Transportation Bulletin release (Official advertisement of projects.) 
• Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Prequalification cutoff (Date that contractors must be qualified to bid on contracts.)
• March 1 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so.)·   
• March 5 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts.) 
• March 8 at noon Letting (Bids can be submitted until 11:59 a.m. on the day. Bids are shut down at noon.) 

If you are new to the IDOT bid letting process or need updated information, following are some helpful resources:

• Transportation Bulletin
• EBids
• Letting Schedule
• Electronic Subscription Service
• Prequalification
• Authorization to Bid
• Bid Bonds