Illinois DOT May Delay Some Projects, Citing $82-Million Gas-Tax Shortfall

Illinois Highway — Interstate 90 in Northern Illinois. *Photo by Jeff Yoders/ENR*

Illinois Dept. of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman told lawmakers during a state senate transportation committee hearing Aug. 28 that the agency may have to put off some projects planned for this year until 2021 due to a funding shortfall related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other projects in IDOT's multi-year program, which encompasses 2021-2026, may be delayed even further.

Gas tax revenues used to fund road projects are much lower this year than the agency projected with less travel during the pandemic, Osman said. According to IDOT, motor fuel tax revenue from March through June were down $82 million from the same period in 2019.

"We continue to stress that we have not suspended or cancelled any projects at this time," says Maria Castaneda, IDOT communications manager. "The department is committed to all projects for this construction season, although there might be the possibility we start shifting projects starting with the 2021 construction season."

She also said the funding situation remains fluid, and it is "a little too soon" to tell what impact the lower revenue will have.

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ENR Associate Technology, Equipment and Products Editor Jeff Yoders has been writing about design and construction innovations for 20 years. He is a five-time Jesse H. Neal award winner and multiple ASBPE winner for his tech coverage. Jeff previously wrote about construction technology for Structural Engineer, CE News and Building Design + Construction. He also wrote about materials prices, construction procurement and estimation for MetalMiner.com. He lives in Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper, where the pace of innovation never leaves him without a story to chase.

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