ICT, IDOT sign $48M agreement to transform transportation system

Illinois Department of Transportation has signed a six-year, $48 million agreement with The Grainger College of Engineering’s Illinois Center for Transportation for their joint research program, starting July 1.

During this period, ICT and IDOT will explore the latest transportation needs in Illinois and beyond.

At the top of their list is developing and implementing next-generation mobility technologies, while ensuring a safe, resilient and net-zero emission transportation system by 2050.

“We are excited about our progressing partnership,” said Omer Osman, IDOT Secretary of Transportation. “IDOT and ICT will continue to lead the way in innovative new technologies and practices to prepare our multimodal system for the future.”

The agreement marks a new milestone in the long partnership between IDOT and the University of Illinois. The two have worked together to improve Illinois’ highways since the 1940s, with IDOT’s partnership with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering research center beginning with ICT’s founding in 2005.

“This agreement is a testimony of the long and sustainable relationship between IDOT and Illinois,” said Robert Jones, Illinois Chancellor. “We are pleased that ICT continues to be at the forefront of developing transportation technologies that benefit the state, nation and world at large.”

The partnership will enhance IDOT and ICT’s position at the front of solving key transportation challenges such as creating safer and more sustainable infrastructure, reducing congestion, achieving more equitable transit systems, preparing for autonomous vehicles, and more.

“We’re excited about the role Grainger Engineering will play in solving present and future transportation challenges, particularly the recently designed Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track, an ICT-led initiative to develop and test smart mobility,” said Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering.

“Grainger engineers continue to lead mobility in terms of electrification and sustainability, helping to transform present and future transportation challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities,” he added.

Through the program, ICT and IDOT have brought together industry members, academic professionals and government agencies to improve the transportation system in Illinois and beyond. Altogether, they’ve completed over 320 joint projects, with over 40 scheduled to be in progress by this fall.

Imad Al-Qadi, ICT director and Illinois 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, safe, resilient and sustainable mobility in Illinois and the nation.”