Leaders from the University of Illinois System visited Illinois Center for Transportation on September 24 as part of the fourth annual Leadership State Tour.

Other visitors included leaders from the three University of Illinois campuses, state politicians, Rantoul officials and Illinois professors, among others.

The tour aims to build on existing partnerships and initiatives as well as shape new ones to drive economic development throughout Illinois.

Key focus areas include research and tech innovation, additional education pathways, commitment to access and affordability, sustainability awareness and action, health education and health care access.

ICT, a transportation research center in The Grainger College of Engineering, specializes in developing and implementing cost-effective technologies that enhance safety, reduce congestion and minimize environmental impacts.

Forty-nine leaders gathered to hear about current challenges and solutions in transportation, such as sustainability, connected and automated technologies, accelerated pavement testing, cybersecurity and quantum networks, and electrification, to name a few.

Imad Al-Qadi, ICT director and Illinois Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering, shared the Rantoul center’s vision for the proposed Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track.

AECOM completed the design for the 240-acre track in April. I-ACT will focus on ensuring the safe and reliable deployment of smart mobility technologies as well as the development of connected and electrified infrastructure.

The high-speed test track will operate under simulated mobility environments — including urban, suburban, rural and agricultural areas — and will be equipped to simulate all-weather conditions, wireless charging and a self-sustained energy system.

Research at I-ACT will address key areas such as improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, testing drone delivery, preparing for autonomous and connected mobility, and addressing climate change through electrification and clean energy.

“It is an honor for the Illinois Center for Transportation to be selected as a tour destination by the University of Illinois System,” Al-Qadi said. “We’re excited to share our vision for the future of transportation in Illinois and look forward to what’s ahead.”

The Rantoul stop is part of a larger itinerary, which includes a Chicago-area segment from Sept. 3-5 and a downstate portion from Sept. 24-26.