South Central Reporter

The Illinois General Assembly has recently approved legislation mandating the public release of road studies on traffic and environmental impact conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This move is anticipated to yield potential savings on local projects while enhancing transparency in state decisions.

State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) sponsored the legislation in the Senate, with Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) filing it in the House. “By making these reports public, counties and local governments can save the taxpayers significant money for road projects, if the state has already put together a similar report,” Senator Plummer explained. He added that this measure would ensure greater transparency in state decision-making processes, allowing scrutiny of the basis for their decisions and whether they are appropriate.

House Bill 5138 explicitly mandates IDOT to make any study or survey related to traffic or environmental impact of road construction projects publicly accessible. The legislation was passed by the Illinois Senate on May 16th and is now awaiting approval from the Governor.