Tree Trimming on IL 34 from Akin Blacktop to the Saline County line.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is soliciting electronic bids for tree trimming on Illinois Route 34 from Akin Blacktop to the Saline County line in Franklin County, with bids due June 12, 2026 through the iCX-Integrated Contractors Exchange system.

The scope covers approximately 10.5 miles of right-of-way pruning across three sections in IDOT District 9. Branch pruning must clear a minimum horizontal distance of 30 feet from centerline and a vertical distance of 50 feet above pavement edge using ground-based equipment only. Work must be completed between October 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. The highway must remain open to at least one lane of traffic at all times, with access to all public roads and private entrances maintained. The contractor must notify the Engineer at least 14 days in advance of starting work, or 21 days in advance for projects involving width or height restrictions or complete roadway closures. Contractor is responsible for offsite disposal of all tree material at its own cost, included in the tree pruning price.

Payment is made at the contract unit price per 100 lineal feet, with plan quantities treated as estimates and actual quantities measured in place. Liquidated damages apply for failure to meet the March 31, 2027 completion deadline.

For contracts valued at $500,000 or more, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative applies, requiring apprentices to perform 10 percent of total or estimated labor hours. The contractor must comply with prevailing wage standards, submit payroll records to the Illinois Department of Labor and the Department's LCPtracker Pro system, and provide subcontractor and DBE payment reporting. Equipment warning lights must meet 625 ILCS 5/12-215 standards.