Tree Removal Various Routes District 3

The Illinois Department of Transportation is requesting sealed bids for tree removal and maintenance on state-maintained routes in Bureau, Grundy, Livingston, and LaSalle Counties (District 3), with bids due June 12, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. via the iCX electronic bidding system. Contractors must demonstrate at least five years of documented experience in tree removal along highway sites — a core eligibility gate.

The scope includes removal and disposal of medium trees (6–15 inches in diameter) and large trees (greater than 15 inches in diameter), clearing of undesirable brush, structural pruning of old growth oak trees, and site restoration within IDOT right-of-way across four counties. At the Three Rivers Rest Area on Westbound I-80, work includes Paclobutrazol application and structural pruning. At all other locations, work includes tree cutting, herbicide application to cut stumps (by an Illinois Licensed Pesticide Applicator/Operator), stump removal, and rutting repair. All personnel must hold current Illinois Pesticide ID Cards in the Rights-of-Way and Aquatics or Ornamental categories; tree trimming laborers must be ISA Certified Arborists. The contractor must obtain Roadside Management Specialist approval for all herbicide products and calibration and must provide 48-hour notice to specified IDOT personnel in each county before commencing work.

Limestone Rest Area tree removal must be completed by September 15, 2026; all other tree removal work must be completed by March 31, 2027, with final completion and jobsite restoration by September 15, 2027 plus five working days. Payment is by unit diameter (per Standard Specifications Section 201.10), acreage for clearing work, and individual tree treated for trimming. Seeding, mulching, herbicide application, and site restoration costs are incidental with no additional compensation. The contract is funded through IDOT Construction Funds. Award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.