IL Special Bridge Program (ISBP)

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the Fiscal Year 2030 Illinois Special Bridge Program (ISBP), which supports the rehabilitation or replacement of deficient highway bridges throughout Illinois. This program forms part of the IDOT FY2026–FY2031 Highway Improvement Program. The ISBP is a discretionary funding opportunity, meaning that projects will compete statewide for selection based on strict eligibility and evaluation criteria. The primary objective of the program is to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges, particularly those on the National Highway System, while ensuring that bridge investments meet long-term safety, functionality, and mobility needs. Funding under this program is limited to existing bridges that qualify under the Local Bridge Formula Program (LBFP), previously known as the Surface Transportation Program-Bridge. The program will not fund new bridge construction. To be eligible, candidate projects must involve bridges that carry a public highway. The total project cost must be at least $1,000,000, including engineering, utilities, land acquisition, and construction costs. However, only construction and construction engineering expenses are eligible for reimbursement under ISBP. IDOT will provide up to 80 percent of eligible project costs, with the local agency required to supply the remaining 20 percent match and any costs exceeding the approved funding. This matching requirement ensures shared financial responsibility between state and local partners. Local bridge candidates must be under the jurisdiction of counties, municipalities, or townships, though bridges in jurisdictional dispute or private bridges (such as railroad overpasses) may be considered if the local public agency is willing to accept jurisdictional transfer. Applicants are encouraged to complete a Bridge Condition Report prior to applying to ensure proper project scope. Notably, projects such as “Bridge Deck Overlay” are considered maintenance or preservation and are not eligible under ISBP rehabilitation criteria. Priority consideration will be given to structurally deficient National Highway System bridges as reported by the Federal Highway Administration, though this does not guarantee funding. Applications must be submitted in close coordination with District Local Roads Engineers. Each submission must include Form PRO 2171 (Special Bridge Fund Request), a project briefing paper with structure details, proposed improvements, detailed cost estimates by phase, funding participation information, preconstruction status, tentative letting dates, and relevant inspection documentation. Additional required forms include the Local Roads and Streets (LRS) Grant Application, the LRS Risk Assessment Form (BLR 04101), and the Conflict of Interest Form (BoBS 2831). Local agencies must submit applications electronically using the embedded email feature within the form, ensuring all supporting documents are attached in the designated folder. The program employs a rating formula to rank candidate bridges, factoring in deck, superstructure, and substructure conditions, functional classification, detour length, average daily traffic, truck traffic, and total project costs. Projects must achieve a rating factor of 100 or less to be considered. This formula was recently revised to align with new federal National Bridge Inventory standards, replacing the previous sufficiency rating approach with a condition-based evaluation method, ensuring greater accuracy and fairness in project selection. Applications from local public agencies must be submitted to district offices no later than October 9, 2024. District offices must then forward all qualified candidates to the Central Bureau of Local Roads and Streets by October 11, 2024. Selected projects will be announced in spring 2025 as part of IDOT’s Highway Improvement Program for FY2026–FY2031. For assistance, applicants may contact Melinda Kos at (217) 785-5178 or by email at Melinda.Kos@illinois.gov. Gregory Lupton, Acting Engineer of Local Roads and Streets, has endorsed the circular outlining this funding opportunity, emphasizing the state’s continued commitment to infrastructure renewal and safety.

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