IDOT competes for best project in the country

The Illinois Department of Transportation is encouraging voting for the Chicago-to-St. Louis rail improvement project, “Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail,” as the top transportation project in the country.

On the line is national prestige and $10,000 in prize money that IDOT will award to Illinois Operation Lifesaver, with the public encouraged to vote daily in the People’s Choice Awards at americastransportationawards.org.  

“During Rail Safety Week, we are proud to be in a position to support the important work happening at Illinois Operation Lifesaver,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “For the fifth time in seven years, IDOT is competing for the right to claim the best, most impactful project in the country. We ask you to please give us a hand and vote. Let’s bring this award back to Illinois where it belongs.” 

Illinois Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at railroad crossings along Illinois’ nearly 7,400 miles of active tracks. The organization promotes rail safety through public awareness campaigns and education initiatives, including free safety presentations by authorized volunteers. ​ ​ 

“Connecting rail commuters throughout the state of Illinois, safely and effectively, mirrors one of many priorities of Illinois Operation Lifesaver. This award will be instrumental in advancing our organization’s mission of raising awareness of rail safety education for commuters and motorists,” said Illinois Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Aisha Jackson. “With the support of IDOT, we can further educate communities and help prevent tragic incidents around rail tracks, keeping Illinois residents safe.” 

As a Top 12 finalist for project of the year, Illinois is in the running for the People’s Choice honor in the annual America’s Transportation Awards, hosted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The public can vote online once a day until the contest wraps up Oct. 29.

Visit americastransportationawards.org, select the “Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail” project and click the “Vote Now” button. 

The “Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail” project upgraded the Chicago-to-St. Louis corridor, allowing train speeds to rise from 79 mph to 110 mph. The $2 billion initiative improved service along the Midwest’s most heavily traveled passenger rail route while encouraging a more balanced use of transportation modes. ​ ​ 

The projected also benefited communities, including Joliet, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville and Alton. All of these communities have new or renovated stations with improved amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and expanded bicycle accommodations. Additionally, improvements like four-quadrant gates, pedestrian gates, loop detectors and fencing have increased safety.