IDOT to embark on ‘listening tour’ to address road needs

From Illinois Business Journal news services

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Illinois Capital Development Board, will hold a series of “listening sessions” over the next month to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs and the steps required to make sure the right investments are being made.

Dozens of stops are planned, of which at least two will be held in Metro East. The goal is to present Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office with a comprehensive package of recommendations for consideration this spring.

The two meetings to be held in Metro East will both be on May 5:

– Collinsville: 9 a.m., Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, sponsored by the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce.

– Godfrey: 2 p.m., Lewis and Clark Community College (Advance Technology Center) Trimpe Building, 5800 Godfrey Road, sponsored by the River Bend Growth Association

“With a world-class system of roads, transit systems, airports and railroads, Illinois is rich in transportation infrastructure, but we are at a crossroads. This asset makes us stand out, but it is beginning to deteriorate and in need of reinvestment,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn in a statement. “These meetings with the Capital Development Board are a listening tour to help us rebuild and craft a plan going forward that allows Illinois to continue to serve as the transportation hub of North America and build top-notch state facilities so we can grow our economy and improve our quality of life.”

The complete list of meetings is being updated regularly at www.idot.illinois.gov.

At each stop, the objective will be to engage residents, businesses, local leaders and various stakeholders in identifying the infrastructure challenges and setting priorities. Among the topics that will be addressed are improving deteriorating roads, bridges and transit systems, providing better access across multiple transportation modes and reinvesting in state facilities, such as schools and state parks.

“The time to rethink our transportation goals and priorities is now. Inaction is no longer an option,” Blankenhorn said.