Solar eclipse management, Springfield underpasses win America’s Transportation Awards for Illinois

August 28, 2025

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that Springfield’s Jefferson and Madison Street underpasses and traffic management planning during last year’s total solar eclipse have won top honors among Midwest states in the latest America's Transportation Awards.

“We’re delighted to be recognized for these special projects that are unique among the hundreds of great projects that IDOT completes each year,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Congrats to everyone on the IDOT team and to all of our partners who helped deliver these improvements that are having a real impact on safety and quality of life in Illinois.”

Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, America's Transportation Awards recognize states for critical infrastructure work and associated economic and quality of life benefits. They are among the highest recognition for state departments of transportation.

A project managed by the city of Springfield with IDOT oversight and significant state investment, the Jefferson and Madison Street underpasses won in the “Safety – Medium Project” category. The project lowered both streets to separate vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic from railroad tracks in the heart of the capital city. The underpasses have decreased noise, reduced emissions and improved reliability for first responders.

Managing the influx of traffic into Illinois for the day of the eclipse won in the “Operations Excellence – Small Project” category. For months, IDOT prepared for April 8, 2024, strategizing and planning for various scenarios while collaborating early and often with the public, other agencies and surrounding states. Because of the efforts, the event happened safely and without major incidents.

“The America’s Transportation Awards shine a spotlight on the vital projects state DOTs deliver for their communities to enhance safety, expand mobility for users, deliver a better quality of life for residents and visitors, and keep our economy moving,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. “This competition continues to show us that state DOTs are able to transform communities in a variety of ways.”  

###