Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the release of the new Illinois Official Highway Map. This updated map includes route changes and detailed sections for cities ranging from Zion to Cairo. It also features a tool to help travelers calculate mileage between towns and marked route junctions.

"Paper maps remain an important resource and a valuable travel companion to keep in your vehicle," stated Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. He encouraged people to request a copy, noting their usefulness for planning and as a backup when digital services fail.

The map's cover displays a brick section of Old Route 66 between Auburn and Chatham. This photograph was submitted by Jeffrey Emrick, a condemnation engineer, as part of IDOT's employee map cover contest.

For user convenience, QR codes are printed on the maps. These codes provide quick access to information about IDOT's Getting Around Illinois for travel conditions, Amtrak, the Office of Tourism's Enjoy Illinois campaign, as well as historic sites and parks managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The production of the Illinois Official Highway Map is funded by the Federal Highway Administration. It is published every two years by IDOT on recycled paper using soybean oil-based inks.

To obtain a copy of the map, individuals can contact DOT.maps@illinois.gov. Free copies will also be available at interstate rest areas and other IDOT facilities.