SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would require the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide funding to create additional infrastructure passed the State Senate on Tuesday.

The measure would require IDOT to fully fund all aspects of construction projects on state roadways, including infrastructure for pedestrians walking and bicycling within one mile of a city or town. Additionally, the measure requires IDOT to complete any of these unfinished infrastructure projects in municipalities with a population of 1,000 or more.

“Many towns and cities in Illinois simply cannot afford to finish these projects.” Belt said. “If the state is funding a roadway project, it needs to also pay for the sidewalks and bike lanes along the roadway.”

Currently, IDOT covers 100% of the roadway construction, but requires 20% of costs associated with pedestrian infrastructure projects, like sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes, to be funded by the municipality where the project is located, which can be a large burden for some cities – particularly lower-income communities. 

“When these projects go unfinished, nobody benefits, and taxpayer money is wasted,” Belt said. “Many communities have large commuter populations who walk or bike. When a sidewalk or bike lane isn’t finished, people can’t get to work and school safely.”

According to the Metropolitan Planning Council, the states that cover 100% of state roadway projects, including pedestrian infrastructure, include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey. 

House Bill 270 passed the Illinois Senate with a vote of 56-1.