ICT, IDOT extend joint research program

Illinois Department of Transportation has extended a seven-year, $47 million agreement with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Illinois Center for Transportation for their joint research program.

The one-year extension will expand their current contract to June 2024. During this period, ICT and IDOT will explore the latest transportation challenges in Illinois and beyond.

At the top of their list?

Focusing on emerging transportation technologies to improve Illinois’ transportation network for all users.

“IDOT is truly appreciative of the work that ICT completes on our behalf and the strong relationship that we have formed over the years,” said John Senger, IDOT’s Bureau Chief of Research. “IDOT and ICT will continue to lead the way in innovative new technology and practices to prepare our multimodal system for the future.”

IDOT and UIUC have worked together to improve Illinois’ highways since the 1940s, with IDOT’s partnership with ICT beginning with the transportation center’s founding in 2005.

“Fast forward 80 years, and we are working closely with ICT to create a better transportation system,” Senger said. “With our focus on eight different components of our transportation system, we are working together to create a safe, sustainable and cost-effective transportation system.”

Through the program, the two entities have brought together industry and academic professionals along with government agencies to improve the transportation system in Illinois and beyond.

Altogether, they’ve completed over 275 joint projects, with over 50 scheduled to be in progress by this fall.

Upcoming projects involve accelerated bridge construction, advancing air mobility technologies, smart work zone systems, the impacts of electrical trucks on infrastructure, and harnessing computer vision and machine learning to improve the safety of pavement, among others.

Imad Al-Qadi, ICT director and UIUC Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering, is grateful for the opportunities that ICT and IDOT’s “innovative partnership” creates.

“IDOT and ICT share the same vision of moving Illinois to the next level of excellence,” Al-Qadi said. “ICT is delighted that we maintain a strong professional relationship with IDOT to advance the state of the art and practice of smart mobility in Illinois and the nation.”