Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has dedicated its new District 6 headquarters in Springfield to honor James L. Easterly, a longtime employee and former Director of Highways. The building, located at 3215 Executive Drive, was named after Easterly during a ceremony held on June 30.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman stated, "It would be difficult to find an employee more widely beloved by his colleagues than James Easterly." He described Easterly as "a mentor to many and a friend to all," highlighting his years of service to the residents of Illinois.

Easterly worked at IDOT from high school graduation until his retirement in 2003. His career included roles such as resident engineer, statewide construction engineer, district engineer, and director of highways. He passed away in 2011.

Gale Easterly, his wife, expressed gratitude for the recognition: "Our family could not be more appreciative of this recognition. The James L. Easterly Building is a tremendous way to honor someone who devoted his career to public service and improving the lives of others."

Originally built in 1990 near the main IDOT headquarters at the Harry R. Hanley Building on Dirksen Parkway, the 68,000-square-foot property was purchased in 2020 for renovation purposes. With renovations nearly complete, District 6 staff will move into the new space this summer.

The consolidation will bring all District 6 office staff under one roof, enhancing collaboration and reducing travel between locations. Previously operating from two sites within the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency complex due to a proposed rail corridor cutting through that area made relocation necessary.

District 6 serves several counties including Adams, Brown, Cass, Christian, Hancock, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott.