Legislation to streamline infrastructure projects headed to Illinois
governor
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[March 31, 2022]
By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – A new measure aims to
streamline Illinois Department of Transportation projects.
The Illinois House has approved the Innovations for Transportation
Infrastructure Act, which authorizes IDOT to use the design-build method
to allow for a single entity to both design and start construction on a
project.
Currently, IDOT uses the design-bid-build project delivery method where
the department designs a plan in-house, then reviews bids from
contractors. Sponsors said design-build would expedite the process by
allowing a single entity to both design and start construction on the
project.
“Streamlining the implementation of infrastructure improvements will
save taxpayer dollars and rebuild our roads, bridges and mass transit
systems in a transparent and equitable manner,” bill sponsor state Sen.
Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, said.
Projects that use the design-build method would be capped at a combined
total of $400 million.
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said the method was used
for the construction of a bridge from Pike County, Illinois, to
Missouri.
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State Sen. Ram Villivalam.
BlueRoomStream
“Missouri was in charge of it and they used design-build,” Davidsmeyer
said. “They came in under budget and got it done in less time.”
The Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act also authorizes
IDOT and the Illinois Tollway Authority to use the construction
manager-general contractor delivery method on up to two projects per
year. Using the method, the department would contract with a single
entity to serve as the construction manager for the design phase, then
agree on a price to serve as general contractor for construction.
“We applaud the Senate’s actions on this legislation as it will provide
flexibility needed by our state’s transportation agencies to complete
certain projects that can best be performed on a design-build basis,”
said Larry Bullock, president and CEO of the U.S. Minority Contractors
Association.
The bill passed the House on a unanimous vote and is now headed to the
governor.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois for
the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio news
reporting throughout the Midwest.
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