IDOT administers special sign program

November 22, 2021 at 6:00 am KJFM Radio

ILLINOIS — IDOT administers special sign programs that provide motorists with business identification and directional information for eligible motorist services, attractions, and tourist-oriented businesses. IDOT also administers special sign programs intended to raise public awareness of impaired driving and allow families an opportunity to remember the victims of crashes involving impaired drivers and to Honor Fallen Illinois Veterans who have been killed in action.

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Fatal Accident Memorial Sign Program

Overview

The Roadside Memorial Marker Rules is governed by 92 Ill. Adm. Code 549.

“The fatal accident memorial marker program is intended to raise public awareness of reckless driving by emphasizing the dangers while affording families an opportunity to remember the victims of crashes involving reckless drivers.”

The memorial consists of a 36” wide by 24” tall white on blue sign with the legend RECKLESS DRIVING COSTS LIVES. Below this will be a 36” wide by 18” tall white on blue plaque with the legend IN MEMORY OF and the name of the deceased followed by the date of the crash.

How the Program Works

An immediate relative of a deceased victim of a crash caused by a driver who committed an act of reckless homicide or who otherwise caused the death of one or more persons through the operation of a motor vehicle may request a fatal accident memorial along a state highway by filling out an official application form and returning it to IDOT at the address indicated on the form. The crash must have occurred on or after January 1, 1990.

Complete the Fatal Memorial Marker application.
IDOT will review the application and, if approved, will return a copy to the immediate relative along with instructions concerning payment of a one-time fee. Payment of the fee cannot be made until the application is approved. Currently, the fee is $150 for the RECKLESS DRIVING COSTS LIVES sign and $50 for the plaque with the name of the victim and the date of the crash.
The memorial will normally be installed at or near the location of the crash. However, IDOT reserves the right to install it at an alternate location due to restricted room, property owner complaints, interference with essential traffic control devices, safety concerns, or other restrictions.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding the Fatal Accident Signing Program, please contact the coordinator by phone at (217) 782-3450 or by mail at:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Roadside Memorial Sign Coordinator
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 009
Springfield, IL 62704

DUI Memorial Sign Program

Overview

Per 92 Ill. Adm. Code 549 the department has established the DUI Memorial Sign program is to memorialize

deceased victims of crashes caused by drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol, or other drug or intoxicating compounds, as well as to raise the public awareness of the consequences of driving while impaired.

The memorial consists of a 36” wide by 24” tall white on blue sign with the legend PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. Below this will be a 36” wide by 18” tall white on blue plaque with the legend IN MEMORY OF and the name of the deceased followed by the date of the crash.

How the Program Works

An immediate relative of a deceased victim of a crash caused by a driver found to be under the influence of alcohol, or other drug or intoxicating compound may request a DUI memorial along a state highway by filling out an official application form and returning it to IDOT at the address indicated on the form. Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or other interested groups may assist the immediate relative in obtaining and filling out the form. The crash must have occurred on or after January 1, 1990.

Complete the DUI Memorial Marker application
IDOT will review the application and, if approved, will return a copy to the immediate relative along with instructions concerning payment of a one-time fee. Payment of the fee cannot be made until the application is approved. Currently, the fee is $150 for the DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE sign and $50 for the plaque with the name of the victim and the date of the crash.
The memorial will normally be installed at or near the location of the crash. However, IDOT reserves the right to install it at an alternate location due to restricted room, property owner complaints, interference with essential traffic control devices, safety concerns, or other restrictions.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding the DUI Memorial Marker Sign Program, please contact the coordinator by phone at (217) 782-3450 or by mail at:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Roadside Memorial Sign Coordinator
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 009
Springfield, IL 62704

Heroes Way Designation Program

Overview

The Heroes Way Designation Program is governed by Section 127 of the Roads and Bridges Laws. “This Act establishes a designation program, to be known as the “Heroes Way Designation Program”, to honor the fallen Illinois heroes who have been killed in action while performing active military duty with the United States Armed Forces.” The program allows for the installation of two white on brown signs to dedicate a bridge, interchange, or segment of state highway with the adoption of a resolution through the Illinois General Assembly.

How the Program Works

An immediate relative of an Illinois Armed Forces Member who was killed in action and who is listed on the National Gold Star Family Registry may request signs under the Heroes Way Designation Program by filling out an official application form and returning it to IDOT at the address indicated on the form.

Complete the Heroes Way Designation Program form
IDOT will review the application and, if approved, will notify the legislative sponsors listed on the application of the approval.
If a state legislative resolution is adopted officially designating the requested bridge, interchange, or segment of highway, IDOT will send the applicant instructions concerning payment of a one-time fee. Payment of the fee cannot be made until the resolution is officially adopted. Currently, the fee is $1000 for two signs installed along Interstate highways and other roadways with posted speed limits over 55 mph and $200 for two signs installed along all other highways.
IDOT will install the designation signs at or near the limits of the bridge, interchange, or highway segment designated in the resolution.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding the Heroes Way Designation Program, please contact the coordinator by phone at (217) 782-3450 or by mail at:

Illinois Department of Transportation
Heroes Way Designation Program Coordinator
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 009
Springfield, IL 62704