Feb. 23, 2024

Building Blocks of Success series workshops in February and March

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

February and March workshop dates and topics:

• Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to noon: Accounting Practices / Financial Reporting Financial Series
• Feb. 29, 10 a.m. to noon: Budgeting & Cashflow Management
• March 5, 10 a.m. to noon: Job Costing & Work-In-Process
• March 7, 10 a.m. to noon: Overhead Rate Calculation - Construction & Prof. Services Part 1
• March 12, 10 a.m. to noon: The Benefits of Using Accounting Software
• March 14, 10 a.m. to noon: QuickBooks - Part 1,2 & 3 Q&A
• March 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Construction
• March 21, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Professional Services
• March 26, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Suppliers
• March 28, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Trucking

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

Region 4, District 6: A 5-mile resurfacing and maintenance project began Feb. 19 on Illinois 78 in Morgan County. The $5.7 million project runs from the Cass County line south to Snake Creek.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane at times and maintained using temporary signals, flaggers, cones and message boards. In addition to the resurfacing, other improvements include replacing guardrail, addressing drainage issues, shoulder maintenance, stabilizing retaining walls and tree removal. This project is scheduled to be completed in mid-November. 

Region 4, District 7: Construction has begun on the south section of Henrietta Street (U.S. 40) in Effingham. The work is part of the larger, multiyear $21.8 million reconstruction of Fayette Avenue.

Henrietta Street will be closed between Fayette and Edgar avenues through early April as the road is reconstructed. East/west traffic on Fayette Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction at the intersection during the project.

The overall Fayette Avenue construction project will widen the road from Illini Drive to Long Street. Work began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2025. Click here to learn more.

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.

• 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