Tree removal at various locations along I 74 & I 57

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is soliciting bids for tree removal at various locations along Interstate 74 and Interstate 57 in Champaign and Douglas Counties, with electronic bids due July 31, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. via the iCX system.

The scope encompasses removal of trees at marked locations along I-74 from High Cross Road in Urbana to the St. Joseph interchange in Champaign County, and along I-57 from 2.25 miles north of the Pesotum interchange in Champaign County and from 3 miles north of the Tuscola interchange to the Arcola interchange in Douglas County. All work is performed within IDOT right-of-way. Trees must be cut down and removed from the site within 8 hours of work order issuance; stumps must be ground 4 inches below surface, backfilled, seeded, and mulched. Tree removal is restricted from April 1 through September 30. Trees within Illini Prairie Rest Areas require three days' notice. Payment is unit-based, with one unit equal to 1 inch of diameter measured 4.5 feet above ground level; multiple-stem trees with branches of 6 inches or greater diameter are measured as individual trees. All traffic control costs, mobilization, and site restoration are included in the unit price.

The contractor must maintain at least one open lane at all times and comply with significant traffic control requirements, including dual-display warning signs at entrance ramps and restrictions on lane closures during peak traffic periods and University of Illinois home football periods. The contractor is responsible for all damages to existing structures, drainage systems, culverts, and utilities, and must arrange utility locating services prior to excavation. At least two responsible representatives must be available to receive work orders, with a five-day response requirement for work assignments.

All work must be completed by March 31, 2027. The contract is awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bids will be publicly opened at 12:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026.