Illinois DOT, matching fed funds provide $4 million for Chicago bridge inspections

Updated Feb 7, 2017
Chicago

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is providing $800,000 in state funds to Chicago to help with the cost of conducting bridge inspections, a figure that will be matched with $3.2 million in federal funding.

“Safety is always a top priority at IDOT. This commitment will go a long way in giving residents peace of mind that inspections of critical structures in Chicago are meeting federal guidelines,” says Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Illinois is the transportation hub of North America and the bridge network in Chicago plays an integral part in that. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Chicago to meet our safety goals and make Illinois an even better place to live, work and do business.”

IDOT reports Illinois has 26,547 bridges throughout the state, ranking third highest in the country.

The agency says the funding makes possible “a variety of required inspections on bridges,” the results of which will help the city and IDOT “identify and prioritize” future bridge improvements.