New Materials Testing and Research Center opens next to IDOT headquarters in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Capital Development Board were joined today by local officials and industry leaders to celebrate the completion of the new $63 million Materials Testing and Research Center. The cutting-edge facility, on the grounds of IDOT’s headquarters next to the Harry R. Hanley Building, will continue to propel the state in the field of highway construction materials and keep Illinois at the forefront of industry research, while helping to ensure the public is getting value and durability with road and bridge projects.

“Under Gov. JB Pritzker, IDOT has more work taking place than ever before throughout the state. High-quality construction materials are at the foundation of almost everything we are doing,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “This new lab and research facility immediately becomes one of our most important assets at IDOT, inspiring us to deliver the most modern, innovative projects we can for the people of Illinois”

Built under the supervision of the Capital Development Board, the new building stretches across 81,000 square feet, nearly half of which is dedicated lab space. Construction started in late 2024. In addition to housing IDOT’s Bureau of Research offices and library, the building will be home to the Bureau of Programming’s traffic instrumentation laboratory, meeting rooms, a loading dock and the materials lab for District 6, which serves 15 counties in Central Illinois.

“Strong partnerships, combined with the design-build delivery method, were key to the success of this project,” said CDB Executive Director Tamakia “TJ” Edwards. “By working alongside IDOT and our industry partners, we maintained the project schedule, carefully managed costs, and delivered a modern facility that streamlines IDOT's operations and better serves Illinois communities."

The new location puts the lab within walking distance of both District 6 headquarters and the Hanley building on South Dirksen Parkway, centralizing IDOT’s testing operations in Springfield. The building replaces facilities at First and Ash streets in Springfield built in 1934. The outdated structures required frequent expensive repairs and lacked the space needed to efficiently handle samples and equipment.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation’s materials lab is a smart investment that prioritizes efficiency and productivity,” said state Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Now, the lab will have the necessary space to adequately test the materials used for bridges and roads that not only help travelers get from point A to point B smoothly, but also safely.”

Each year, IDOT spends more than $1.5 billion on construction materials, which account for about half of all construction costs. Through its lab facilities, IDOT tests a wide range of these materials, including asphalt, concrete, crushed stone, sand, gravel, soil, steel reinforcement, structural fasteners, bridge components, pavement marking and striping materials, reflective sign sheeting, and much more.

“This new laboratory represents an investment not only in Springfield, but in the future of transportation across Illinois,” said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. “By providing a modern facility to test the materials used to build and maintain our roads and bridges, this project strengthens public safety, supports innovation and reinforces Springfield's important role in transportation and infrastructure.”

The Materials Testing and Research Center is accredited in more than 100 test methods by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which develops standards and protocols for the country’s state departments of transportation.

“Illinois always has been a leader in the field of materials testing. This new lab places our state and our industry at the forefront of innovation for many more years to come,” said Roger Driskell, executive director of the Associated General Contractors of Illinois. “We congratulate IDOT on an impressive new facility that will help our members continue to deliver the best projects at the best value for Illinois.”

The lab’s impact will reach far beyond IDOT. Local agencies throughout Illinois refer to IDOT’s list of tested and qualified materials lists for improvements in cities, towns and rural areas outside of the agency’s jurisdiction.

“Modern, reliable and resilient infrastructure starts with sound engineering, strong quality control and the ability to test and verify the materials that go into our roads, bridges and transportation systems,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “This new Materials Testing and Research Center reflects IDOT’s innovative and forward-thinking approach to strengthening project delivery, advancing research and making long-term investments that will help ensure Illinois’ infrastructure is built to last.”

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