IL Special Bridge Program (ISBP)

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Illinois Special Bridge Program (ISBP), applicable to Fiscal Year 2030. This program is part of IDOT’s broader effort to maintain and enhance the condition of local and state highway infrastructure and is timed with the development of the FY2026–FY2031 Highway Improvement Program. The ISBP targets structurally deficient bridges and aims to provide funding for the rehabilitation or replacement of these critical transportation assets across Illinois. It is a discretionary and competitive funding opportunity, with a strong emphasis on projects that contribute to statewide priorities and address existing structural deficiencies. The ISBP exclusively funds rehabilitation or replacement of existing bridges that meet eligibility under the Local Bridge Formula Program (LBFP), formerly known as the Surface Transportation Program-Bridge. New bridge construction is not eligible. Each project must involve a public highway structure with a total project cost of at least $1,000,000, which includes all engineering, utilities, land acquisition, and minimal approach work. However, only construction and construction engineering costs are eligible for reimbursement under the program, with an 80% federal share. The local agency must cover the remaining 20% and any excess costs. Jurisdictional responsibility is also a requirement; proposed bridges must fall under the purview of a county, municipality, or township. Exceptions may be considered for certain private bridges if a jurisdictional transfer agreement is secured. To apply, local agencies must coordinate with their District Local Roads Engineer and submit the completed ISBP funding request form (PRO 2171), along with a briefing paper detailing project scope, location, cost estimates, funding sources, inspection records, and more. The submission must also include supporting forms such as the LRS Grant Application, LRS Risk Assessment (BLR 04101), and Conflict of Interest Disclosure (BoBS 2831). Applications are submitted electronically through the form’s embedded email function. Attachments, such as location maps and photographs, should be uploaded using the embedded paperclip feature in the PDF. Applications are due to the appropriate District Local Roads office by October 9, 2024, and districts must submit all candidates to the Central Bureau of Local Roads and Streets by October 11, 2024. The selected projects will be announced in Spring 2025 with the release of IDOT’s proposed FY2026–FY2031 Highway Improvement Program. Projects are evaluated using a revised rating formula that factors in deck, superstructure, and substructure condition ratings, detour length, and average daily traffic metrics. While not required, it is recommended that applicants secure IDOT approval of the Bridge Condition Report (BCR) before applying. “Bridge Deck Overlay” projects are ineligible, as they are categorized as maintenance or preservation rather than rehabilitation. Priority consideration may be given to structurally deficient bridges on the National Highway System to align with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reporting goals. Questions about the program can be directed to Melinda Kos at (217) 785-5178 or [email protected].

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