Tree Removal in Advance to CN 64G98

The Illinois Department of Transportation is requesting bids on tree removal in advance of US Business Route 20 reconstruction in Boone County, Illinois, with electronic bids due July 31, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. via the iCX system. This is a federally-funded project under the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP).

The work spans approximately 3.051 miles of US Business Route 20 from Shaw Road east of the Winnebago County Line to 0.1 miles northeast of State Street in Belvidere, plus up to 0.2 miles of Town Hall Road north of the US Business Route 20 intersection. The scope includes removal of trees 6 inches or greater in diameter, clearing of shrubs and saplings 3 to 6 inches in diameter, fence removal and replacement, temporary fencing, and high-visibility fencing installation. Tree removal must occur between October 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, with a mandatory operational restriction from October 15, 2026, to March 14, 2027, within Rusty Patch Bumble Bee designated areas — an environmental constraint that filters work windows and methods.

All tree removal is prohibited on parcels where easements have not been acquired. Bidders must coordinate with multiple electrical, telephone, and water utility providers per contract specifications. A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 0.00% has been established, requiring submission of DBE Utilization Plans with bids. The contract incorporates the Illinois Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (effective January 1, 2022, revised January 1, 2026), supplemental specifications, and recurring special provisions. Prevailing wage and federal labor standards apply. The contract completion date for all roadway openings to traffic is March 31, 2027, with an additional 10 working days allowed for cleanup and punch list items. Contract award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.