New Illinois Road Map to be Available at State Fair

Just in time for the state fair, the Illinois Department of Transportation is releasing the new Illinois Official Highway Map, featuring an updated look that reflects the Geographic Information System technology used to create it – a development that will significantly reduce production time of future editions. The map, available at the IDOT tent at the state fair starting Thursday, includes route updates, Quick Response (QR) codes for transportation-related websites and useful links to help you make the most of your travels throughout Illinois.

“We are pleased to offer these updated maps,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “While many Illinoisans use their smartphones to find their way, others continue to rely on the classic paper map. Regardless of your preference, the official map is great to have on hand in case of emergency and provides additional information to enrich your travel experience.”

The cover of the new map displays a vibrant photo of a monarch butterfly, the official state insect of Illinois and an important pollinator in the state’s ecosystem. For those with a smartphone, QR codes printed on the maps provide easy access to information on IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois site for travel conditions, Amtrak, the Office of Tourism’s Enjoy Illinois campaign as well as Illinois Department of Natural Resources historic sites and parks.

The Illinois Official Highway Map is paid for with funds from the Federal Highway Administration and published by IDOT every two years on recycled paper with soybean oil-based inks. To request a map, contact DOT.maps@illinois.gov. Free copies also will be available soon at interstate rest areas and other IDOT facilities.