Transportation

December 2012
Greetings,
As Governor of the State of Illinois, I am pleased to present the Illinois
State Transportation Plan. The Plan’s policies and goals provide a framework
to guide the sustainable development of a single, integrated transportation
system — a quality transportation system that is safe, efficient, and reliable
— and one that enhances the quality of life and supports the economic
prosperity of all its citizens.
Illinois has a network of 110 public-use aviation landing facilities statewide.
Illinois has the second largest rail freight system in the nation, operating
on 7,400 miles of track; the fourth largest roadway network in the nation
with 140,745 miles of highways, streets, and roads; and more than 26,000 bridges. There are at least
12 companies that provide intercity bus service in Illinois and Amtrak provides intercity rail service. A total of 67 public
transportation systems provide service in urban areas and rural communities throughout the state and Illinois has 1,095 miles of
navigable waterways that pass through or border the state, as well as Lake Michigan. Add to all of these hundreds of miles of
bicycle and pedestrian paths and you start to understand what a rich and complex transportation system we have in Illinois.
Transportation touches everyone’s lives and is vital to the well being of the citizens and economy in the State of Illinois. This
Plan for the future of transportation in Illinois was developed with input from all areas of the state and its implementation will
challenge us to work together to ensure that its goals are achieved.
I thank you for your input in the development of this groundbreaking Illinois State Transportation Plan and look forward to
working together as we move forward to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in the 21st century in ways that
enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity, and demonstrate respect for our environment.
Sincerely,
Pat Quinn
Governor, State of Illinois
For more than a year, the Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) has been working together
with Illinois residents, businesses, and IDOT’s industry
partners, including local, state, and federal officials,
agencies, transportation operators, regional planning
agencies, workforce development boards, and other
organizations on the development of this Illinois State Transportation Plan.
The Illinois State Transportation Plan (Plan) provides the strategic direction
for realizing the IDOT vision, Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow.
The Department’s vision for transportation in Illinois is that all modes be
integrated, coordinated, planned, and built with the idea that present and
future travel options are user focused, economically supportive, ecologically
sensitive, and information centric. The Plan’s policies and goals provide a
framework to guide the sustainable development of a single, integrated
transportation system — a quality transportation system that is safe, efficient,
and reliable — and one that enhances the quality of life and supports the
economic prosperity of all its citizens.
IDOT’s work does not end with the development of this Long Range Transportation Plan
but rather it only begins. The Plan not only contains policies and goals but also actions
which IDOT will adopt to make these goals a reality for the citizens and visitors in Illinois.
You will all play an important role as partners in the implementation of these actions and
achieving these goals. Let us go forth together in developing a safe sustainable Illinois
multi-modal transportation system which sets the standard for the nation.
Sincerely,
Ann Schneider
Secretary, Illinois Department of Transportation