Transportation

Provide a Transportation System
that Offers a High Degree of
Multi-modal Connectivity, Mobility
and Accessibility
Background:
Transportation’s role in the state’s economy cannot be overstated. A vital
multi-modal transportation system including air, highway, public transportation,
rail and water is a key component to a sustained viable economy. The transportation
system provides access to work, mobility for freight and connectivity
between communities.
Action Plan:
1. Increase modal alternatives on key freight corridors and encourage the development
of intermodal facilities where there is market support for such facilities.
■ Expand IDOT’s presence in the coordination of freight transportation
planning — establishing strong working relationships with rail, trucking,
waterway and air freight stakeholders.
2. Establish a procedure for monitoring the condition and operational status of
National Highway System (NHS) Intermodal Connectors and other last-mile
connections to important freight generation sites.
■ Evaluate the potential for expanding the Department’s Truck Access Route
Program (TARP) to address NHS Intermodal Connector safety and geometric
needs.
■ Establish performance measures for Department initiatives that support
NHS Intermodal Connectors.
■ Explore network options that promote interstate connectivity.
■ Explore increased intermodal options with transit and intercity rail.
■ Complete and implement the State Bike Plan.
4. Enhance coordination with MPOs, regional planning and local planning entities
to improve modal connectivity, mobility, and accessibility.
■ Enhance partnering with transportation providers to undertake projects and
programs to improve modal connectivity, mobility, and accessibility.
■ Fully utilize technology techniques to enhance program effectiveness and
system connectivity.
Provide for Efficient
Freight Movement
Background:
Easy access to a well-functioning highway system is fundamental to supply
chain efficiency, flexibility and reliability. For the Department, the provision
of a safe and efficient highway system ensures that Illinois industry and
shippers have the necessary core infrastructure for a quality multi-modal
transportation system. This assurance of a high caliber highway system provides
the connective glue that allows private freight carriers to invest in their
network of intermodal terminals and for major shippers and logistics firms to
safely invest in warehouse and distribution systems. Ultimately, a well maintained
highway network provides Illinois shippers with the greatest flexibility
to assure reliable delivery of freight via alternative market routings and access
to alternative intermodal shipping points.
Illinois is also the hub of America’s rail freight network served by all seven
of the Class 1 railroads in the nation. In addition, waterborne transportation
connects Illinois grain and coal shippers to both key domestic and international
markets.
The confluence of all these modes in Illinois and the intermodal capacity that
links these modes together are the principal advantages that the State brings
to supply chain businesses. These advantages help drive the state’s economy.
Businesses and communities are dependent on an integrated system of freight
transportation as the network and freight services provide a full range of
options for a viable community.
Action Plan:
2. Coordinate with private sector freight stakeholders, metropolitan planning
organizations, and other affected parties regarding freight needs and strategies.
■ Establish working contacts and relationships with freight industry partners.
■ Establish a statewide freight advisory committee.
■ Enhance partnering through public, private initiatives for freight industry and
public benefits.
3. Work with freight industry partners to help integrate an efficient and reliable
freight system.
■ Identify opportunities for promoting air, barge, pipeline, rail and trucking
services that make Illinois the global freight hub of the nation.
■ Develop program initiatives that enable Illinois firms to move goods faster and
more reliably to regional, national and international markets.
■ Establish performance indicators to determine system response to
Department initiatives.
Lead: OPP, Division of Highways,
Division of Public and Intermodal Transportation
1. Adopt a “Zero Backlog” requirement for the Interstate Highway System to
support supply chain connectivity, efficiency, flexibility and reliability.
3. Provide bikeway and walkway systems that are integrated with other
transportation systems.
66 | Illinois State Transportation Plan 2012 Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow | 67