Illinois FY 20202025 Proposed Multimodal MultiYear Improvement Program

Why a Multimodal Approach?

Illinois sits at the crossroads of the nations transportation network. Chicago is the thirdlargest freight hub in the United States, and the states interstate system carries more than 30percent of the nations truck traffic. A singlemodality focus (e.g., only highway expansion) would be insufficient to meet growing demand, reduce congestion, and lower emissions. The multimodal framework therefore integrates:

• Interstate and state highways
• Rail passenger and freight lines
• Urban and suburban bus networks
• Bikeandpedestrian infrastructure
• Emerging mobility services (escooters, rideshare, autonomous vehicles)

By coordinating improvements across these modes, Illinois can achieve better network efficiency, equitable access, and a more resilient transportation system.

Program Vision and Core Objectives

The MMIP is built around four core objectives:

1. Enhance Safety. Reduce trafficrelated fatalities and serious injuries by 15percent through engineering upgrades and advanced safety technology.
2. Increase Mobility. Cut average travel times on key corridors by 10percent and expand publictransit ridership by 20percent.
3. Promote Economic Growth. Strengthen freight corridors to support a $5billion increase in logisticsrelated GDP.
4. Advance Sustainability. Decrease transportationrelated greenhousegas emissions by 25percent relative to 2020 levels.

Each objective is supported by a set of measurable performance indicators that will be reported annually to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration.

Funding Structure

The FY 20202025 MMIP will be financed through a blend of federal, state, and private sources:

*All figures are projected estimates based on the 2023 budget request.

Priority Project Categories

1. Highway Capacity and Reliability

Key initiatives include:

• Reconstruction of I55 between Springfield and Chicago with added highoccupancy toll lanes.
• Installation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) on I90 and I94 to improve traffic flow.
• Bridge preservation program targeting 250 structurally deficient bridges for repair or replacement.

2. Passenger Rail Expansion

• Upgrade of the ChicagoSt. Louis Amtrak corridor to support speeds up to 110mph.
• Extension of Metras commuter lines to newly growing suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Modernization of Union Station with accessibility improvements and expanded platform capacity.

3. Freight Rail and Intermodal Facilities

• Expansion of the Chicago Intermodal Terminal to accommodate an additional 200,000 TEU per year.
• Signal and track upgrades on the BNSF and CSX mainlines crossing the state.
• Implementation of a statewide freightmovement coordination platform.

4. Urban Transit and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

• Construction of a BRT corridor linking downtown Chicago with OHare International Airport.
• Funding for electric bus fleets in Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford.
• Development of a statewide transit grant program for smaller municipalities.

5. Active Transportation & Equity

• Creation of 1,200miles of new bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, prioritizing lowincome neighborhoods.
• Complete streets pilot projects in ten cities, integrating safe crossing designs for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Subsidies for mobilityasaservice (MaaS) pilots targeting underserved communities.

Implementation Timeline

The program is divided into two phases:

1. Phase1 (FY20202022): Planning, environmental review, and early construction on highimpact projects such as bridge repairs and ITS deployment.
2. Phase2 (FY20232025): Fullscale construction of highway expansions, rail upgrades, BRT lines, and activetransport networks.

Milestone highlights include:

• 2021 Completion of the first ITS corridor on I90.
• 2022 Groundbreaking for the ChicagoSt. Louis highspeed rail upgrade.
• 2023 Launch of the electric bus procurement program.
• 2024 Opening of the first BRT segment to OHare.
• 2025 Full operational status of the expanded Intermodal Terminal.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

Economic modeling predicts that the MMIP will generate roughly $12billion in direct and indirect economic activity over five years, including construction jobs, increased freight efficiency, and higher tourism. Environmental analyses indicate a projected reduction of 5.4million metric tons of COe, primarily from decreased vehicle idling, smoother traffic flow, and a shift toward electric transit.

In addition to emissions reductions, the program emphasizes water quality protection through stormwater bestmanagement practices and the use of recycled materials in pavement construction.

Public Involvement and Oversight

The Department of Transportation has established a Multimodal Advisory Council that meets quarterly. Council members include local government officials, business leaders, transit advocacy groups, and representatives from environmental NGOs. Public comment periods are held for each major project, and all project documents are accessible via the IDOT website.

Annual performance reports will be posted online, detailing progress against the four core objectives and providing transparent accounting of expenditures.

How to Learn More or Get Involved

Stakeholders and residents can learn more and participate through the following channels:

• IDOT Official Site Project maps, environmental documents, and meeting schedules.
• MMIP Updates Page Quarterly newsletters and press releases.
• Local publichearing webinars Links posted on municipal websites.
• Contact the Multimodal Advisory Council at multimodalcouncil@illinois.gov.

Active community participation ensures the program remains responsive to the needs of Illinois residents and businesses.