QEI collected and organized data on the statewide transportation system, including infrastructure, equipment, resources, and existing plans and programs. Data was gathered across all transportation modes to provide a comprehensive snapshot of current conditions, planned developments, and readiness for advanced technologies such as Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV), rail electrification, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and multimodal corridors incorporating facilities like bikeways.
Federal and state regulations related to transportation policies, plans, and programs were reviewed, including new requirements associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) as they were incorporated into the Code of Federal Regulations. The 2017 IDOT Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and two other state DOT LRTPs were evaluated as examples of policy-based plans, along with their supporting reports, to assess compliance with applicable federal and state requirements and guidance. Relevant federal and state guidance was also analyzed to define equity in transportation and identify best practices for minimizing environmental impacts. These efforts, combined with internal coordination and public outreach, informed strategies for incorporating equity into the 2022 LRTP.
QEI identified and participated in statewide community outreach activities and supported community analytics at regional, district, and sub-district levels. A Public Outreach Plan was developed by reviewing federal and state public involvement requirements, as well as outreach efforts conducted for the 2017 LRTP and other recent departmental initiatives. This plan outlined outreach and media strategies to be implemented throughout the LRTP process and was informed by the statewide community analysis.
Ongoing comment tracking, communications monitoring, and response management were also provided. A database was utilized to collect, organize, and categorize input from the public and stakeholders for use in planning efforts. QEI collaborated with OP&P staff to establish a single advisory group representing a diverse range of transportation stakeholders statewide and organized and participated in in-person public meetings and workshops in each region.
Client: Illinois Department of Transportation
Location: Statewide, Illinois
2026 ACEC-IL Merit Award
