Illinois is home to more than 147,000 miles of roadways, a vast network that includes nearly 16,000 miles maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and an additional 294 miles overseen by the Illinois Tollway System. This network consists of the third-largest bridge inventory in the nation. While IDOT has made significant progress in upgrading roadway and bridge infrastructure across the state, a crucial backlog for substantial maintenance still exists.
Addressing the urgency of this infrastructure backlog would present a considerable fiscal challenge for any DOT. Yet, thanks to the substantial funding made available through Rebuild Illinois and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the tide is turning. Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital program in the state's history, will funnel nearly $5 billion over six years into bridge maintenance, including those on the local system. Coupled with $1.4 billion in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these investments pave the way for a more secure, sustainable future for Illinois' transportation network.
Embracing Innovative Delivery
The Innovative Project Delivery (IPD) program from IDOT is at the heart of this transformation. Beginning with the passage of HB5813, the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act, IDOT is developing processes and policies for the use of innovative project delivery methods, including Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), Design-Build (DB), and Progressive Design- Build (PDB).
Led by Mike Stirk, IDOT's Chief of Innovative Project Delivery, the Bureau of Innovative Project Delivery (IPD Bureau) is working to optimize the financial stewardship of public funds through IPD methods. Using CM/GC, DB, and PDB, Mike's team aims to harness private sector knowledge and innovation early in the project development process to accelerate the construction and completion of vital transportation projects. While speed is important, so is the emphasis on developing construction capacity in all sectors of the Illinois economy. To meet this need, the IPD Bureau will focus on driving proactive diversity and inclusion efforts to maximize the utilization of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms.
This new direction is a significant opportunity for local, regional, and national firms to build their alternative delivery portfolio. Established engineering and construction firms—specializing in public works, structures, bridges, and utility infrastructure— are poised to play a pivotal role in work across Illinois in the coming years.
IPD Projects Identified
As the IPD Bureau works to develop a multi-year plan that includes a pilot project in 2023, candidate projects have already been identified. (Source: IDOT Innovative Project Delivery)
FY2024‐2029 Innovative Project Delivery Potential Projects List
Year | Dist. | Value | Title | Scope |
2024 | 1 | $20M | (I-290) Des Plaines River to Austin Blvd (Phase II) | Drainage and pavement improvements |
2024 | 1 | $5M | (I-290) Des Plaines River to Austin Blvd (Corridor Mgr) | Drainage and pavement improvements |
2025- 2029 | 3 | $7.5M | (US 52) Fox River 2.1 mi West of ILL 71 | Bridge replacement |
2025- 2029 | 6 | $2.5M | (I-72) CH 3 & ILL 107 | Bridge deck overlay, joint repair/replacement |
2025- 2029 | 6 | $4.2M | (I-72) McCraney Creek - two locations | Bridge deck overlay |
2025- 2029 | 6 | $1.9M | (I-72) Bay Creek at New Salem Interchange | Bridge deck overlay, joint repair/replacement |
2025- 2029 | 6 | $14.3M | (I-72) Illinois River 3.7 miles west of ILL 100 | Bridge repairs, deck overlay, joint repair/replacement |
2025- 2029 | 8 | $273M | (I-55) Mississippi River to I-64 (Tri-Level) Interchange | Bridge replacement, overlay, joint repair/replacement, painting, and pavement |
2025- 2029 | 8 | $15.2M | (I-255) Pontoon Beach to I-55/70 Various Structures | Bridge deck overlay, joints, bridge repairs, painting, and deck sealing |
2025- 2029 | 8 | $68.5M | (I-270) Pontoon Beach to I-55/70 | Designed overlay, resurfacing, bridge replacement, ramp repair |
2025- 2029 | 8 | $62M | (IL 15/4) Kaskaskia River in Fayetteville | Bridge replacement |
Mission Critical: Alternative Project Delivery Practice Leaders
Here is where Mission Critical steps in. We are Alternative Project Delivery practice leaders providing proposal strategy development, technical and narrative writing, illustration and modeling, and interview preparation. Our success rate exceeded 80% across North America in 2022, demonstrating our ability to help firms break into the alternative delivery market and work with ENR's Top 400 firms planning their next large-scale CM/GC, Design-Build, or Progressive Design-Build pursuit.
As we move forward, the focus is clear: Illinois' transportation infrastructure is entering a new era of innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity. At Mission Critical, we stand ready to help you join this exciting journey.
