Illinois Tollway Highlights Capital Program Progress, Diversity Initiatives and Future Plans at ACEC Illinois Fall Conference

Date Date 2024-10-18

Illinois Tollway leadership provided updates on its current capital program, diversity initiatives and future planning at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois Fall Conference in Springfield. 

To engage the audience, the presentation included lively trivia questions, testing participants’ knowledge of the Illinois Tollway and highlighting key facts, such as the number of professional engineering services invoices processed this year (1,358) and the average time to process those invoices (29 days).

“The trivia questions were very well-received by the audience,” said Deputy Chief of Program Implementation Cindy Williams. “The data we provided gave the statewide engineering community good context on how quickly we’re able to process payments, considering the high volume of invoices.”

Williams kicked off the presentation with a detailed status update on the 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois Program. Williams shared progress on major projects currently underway, including the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project and I-490 Tollway Project, as well as systemwide projects. Her remarks emphasized the Tollway’s commitment to deliver infrastructure improvements that enhance mobility throughout the region.

Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development Marlene Vick followed with a spotlight on the success of the Illinois Tollway’s diversity initiatives. She highlighted programs such as Technical Assistance, Partnering for Growth and the Building for Success webinar series, which continue to support small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses and create pathways for their participation in Tollway projects.

Looking toward the future, Chief of Planning Karyn Robles discussed the ongoing development of the Tollway's next capital program. She outlined how the agency is shaping its future investments and priorities around four guiding principles: innovation, sustainability, diversity and inclusion and equitable economic development. Robles also emphasized the importance of the Tollway’s outreach efforts, ensuring that stakeholders and communities are engaged in the planning process.

When asked about the key takeaways for the audience of approximately 250 engineering professionals, the Tollway presenters highlighted the teamwork among various Tollway departments and consultants to work together to deliver critical infrastructure improvements while advancing diversity, sustainability and economic opportunity for all.