IL Special Bridge Program (ISBP)

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), through its Bureau of Local Roads and Streets, has announced the Fiscal Year 2030 funding opportunity for the Illinois Special Bridge Program (ISBP). This funding opportunity, outlined in Circular Letter 2024-16, is part of the broader FY2026–FY2031 Highway Improvement Program currently being developed. The ISBP provides discretionary funding for eligible bridge improvement projects across Illinois, with a focus on addressing infrastructure needs for deficient bridges under local jurisdiction. The program prioritizes structures that are functionally obsolete or structurally deficient, especially those part of the National Highway System. The ISBP specifically targets the rehabilitation or replacement of existing major highway bridges that are eligible under the Local Bridge Formula Program (LBFP), formerly known as the Surface Transportation Program-Bridge. Only bridges that carry public highways are eligible. The program does not support the construction of new bridges, nor does it fund maintenance projects such as bridge deck overlays, which are classified as preservation or maintenance rather than rehabilitation. Eligible projects must demonstrate a total estimated cost of at least $1,000,000, which includes engineering, land acquisition, utilities, and construction costs. However, only the construction and construction engineering portions are reimbursable through ISBP funding. The program provides 80% federal funding, requiring a 20% local match and full coverage of any expenses beyond approved funding. Applicants must be county, municipal, or township entities with jurisdictional responsibility over the proposed bridge site. In cases where a bridge is currently in jurisdictional dispute or privately owned, eligibility may be extended if a formal jurisdictional transfer agreement is signed, although the transfer should not occur until after funding approval. All applications are evaluated using a defined rating formula, which incorporates structural condition factors, detour lengths, average daily traffic, and project costs. Only bridges with a computed Rating Factor (RF) of 100 or less will be considered for funding. To apply, local public agencies must work with their District Local Roads Engineer to complete the ISBP application (Form PRO 2171), along with a project briefing paper and supporting documentation. Required components include a completed application form, project cost estimate, structural inspection data, location maps, photos, and additional forms including the LRS Grant Application, LRS Risk Assessment (BLR 04101), and a Conflict of Interest Disclosure (BoBS 2831). Electronic submission of the application and attachments must be completed via the embedded email feature in the application PDF. Applications for FY 2030 must be submitted to IDOT District offices by October 9, 2024. Districts will then forward selected applications to the Central Bureau of Local Roads and Streets by October 11, 2024. Successful projects will be announced in spring 2025 with the release of IDOT’s proposed FY2026–FY2031 Highway Improvement Program. For assistance or inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact Melinda Kos at (217) 785-5178 or Melinda.Kos@illinois.gov.

Submit through the form's email feature; clearly identify costs; avoid preservation-only projects