This Project consists of removing trees in several locations throughout District One

The Illinois Department of Transportation is requesting bids for tree removal across multiple locations throughout District One in Cook County, with electronic bids due September 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. via the iCX-Integrated Contractors Exchange system. This is a state-funded, lowest-responsive-and-responsible-bidder award subject to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals and prevailing wage requirements.

The scope encompasses tree removal and all incidental and collateral work at five locations: Harrison Street from 1st Avenue to Des Plaines River, US 41 north of IL 176, I-190, and SB Mannheim, spanning the municipalities of Forest Park, Chicago, Rosemont, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood. Forestry work is restricted to November 1 through March 31 under Endangered Species Act compliance, except hazardous or safety-critical work with written engineer approval. The contractor must maintain existing roadways, provide all traffic control and protection devices, and comply with diesel retrofit emissions control requirements for equipment 50 horsepower and above, with certified equipment lists due prior to jobsite use. Tree removal and clearing operations are subject to specialized provisions addressing diameter-based removal classifications, weed control spraying, and regulated substances monitoring.

Contract completion is required by March 31, 2027, with five working days allowed for cleanup and punch list items after roadway opening. Liquidated damages of $500 per location per day apply for failure to complete tree removal cleanup by May 1. Contracts valued at $500,000 or more are subject to the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative. The Department reserves the right to determine contractor responsibility at time of award and to reject any or all proposals. Public bid opening follows immediately after the 12:00 p.m. submission deadline on September 18.