Morrison, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. has been awarded a $15.2 million contract by the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide preliminary engineering services for improvements to US 30 in Morrison. The project focuses on enhancing the Lincoln Highway, addressing congestion, improving pedestrian access, and mitigating local flooding. The reconstruction will include historic district considerations, requiring extensive public involvement and environmental impact assessments.
Bowman Consulting Wins $15.2M IDOT Contract for US 30 Upgrades in Morrison, Illinois
The Illinois Department of Transportation has awarded a $15.2 million contract to Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. for preliminary engineering services on improvements to US 30 in Morrison. The work centers on preparing an environmental impact statement and planning reconstruction along parts of the historic Lincoln Highway that run through the city, including two designated historic districts. The contract identifies Phase 1 priorities as reducing congestion, improving pedestrian access, and addressing local flooding risks.
What the project will cover
The scope includes options and designs for roadway widening where needed, addition or modification of turn lanes, upgrades to drainage systems and culverts, and the creation of ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities. New bicycle accommodations are also part of the planned improvements, reflecting a multi-modal approach to address safety and mobility. Because sections of the work fall within historically sensitive areas, the project requires a formal environmental impact statement and extensive public and stakeholder involvement before final design and construction decisions.
Historic areas and public process
The reconstruction touches two historic districts in Morrison along the Lincoln Highway corridor. That means the design process will include reviews for cultural resources, community outreach with local residents and property owners, and coordination with preservation stakeholders. The environmental impact statement process will assess potential effects on historic resources, traffic, flooding, and other environmental factors before advancing to detailed design or construction phases.
Immediate design priorities
Phase 1 is aimed at solving near-term operational problems. Key focus areas include:
- Congestion relief through targeted lane additions and turn lane adjustments.
- Pedestrian accommodations such as ADA-compliant sidewalks, crossings, and access ramps.
- Local flooding mitigation via upgraded drainage systems and culvert improvements.
- Bicycle facilities to support alternative transportation modes and safety for cyclists.
Bowman Consulting: company context and recent performance
Bowman Consulting, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, provides engineering, construction management, environmental consulting, and other technical services. The firm employs over 2,400 people across more than 100 U.S. locations. Financially, Bowman reports a market capitalization of about $662 million and has posted a 19.5% revenue increase over the past year.
Recent quarterly results showed stronger-than-expected performance: second-quarter earnings per share of $0.55 compared with an anticipated $0.23, and revenue of $122.1 million versus a forecast of $106.33 million. The company also secured a separate $4.5 million contract in Illinois for the DuPage Water Commission WaterLink Pipeline Project, suggesting continued demand for its services in the state.
Market reaction and regional strategy
An independent analyst raised Bowman’s price target to $43.00 and maintained a Buy rating, citing solid margin execution, robust revenue growth, and improved backlog levels that point to sustained business demand. For Bowman, winning this IDOT work represents more than a single contract: it is an opportunity to expand presence into new IDOT districts in Illinois and build a track record for future transportation and infrastructure projects in the region.
Next steps and what to expect
As a preliminary engineering assignment, the immediate next steps will include data collection, environmental studies, public meetings, and stakeholder engagement. The environmental impact statement process typically sets study scopes, evaluates alternatives, and identifies environmental mitigation measures. Because of the historic resources involved, that process is likely to require careful coordination with preservation entities and multiple rounds of public input before design and construction can move forward.
Local impacts to watch
Residents and local officials should expect a period of planning activity involving community workshops, technical studies of traffic and drainage, and opportunities to comment on alternatives. The planned improvements aim to reduce daily congestion, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and lessen flooding during storm events, while balancing preservation of the area’s historic character.
FAQ
What is the value of the contract?
The contract is valued at $15.2 million for preliminary engineering services on US 30 in Morrison.
What will Bowman Consulting do for this project?
Bowman will prepare an environmental impact statement, evaluate reconstruction alternatives, design improvements for congestion, pedestrian access, drainage and culverts, ADA compliance, and bicycle accommodations, and lead stakeholder engagement during preliminary engineering.
Which areas are affected?
Sections of US 30 that follow portions of the historic Lincoln Highway through Morrison are affected, including two historic districts that require careful review and public involvement.
Will there be public meetings?
Yes. Extensive public and stakeholder involvement is expected due to the historic nature of the corridor and the environmental review process.
How does this contract fit into Bowman’s broader business?
The contract adds to Bowman’s pipeline of state transportation work, complements a recent $4.5 million pipeline contract in Illinois, and supports the company’s push into new IDOT districts as part of regional growth efforts.
Is funding for construction included?
This award covers preliminary engineering services. Funding for final design and construction would typically be addressed through separate contracts and budget approvals by the responsible agencies and funding partners.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract value | $15.2 million (preliminary engineering) |
| Project location | US 30, Morrison, Illinois (Lincoln Highway corridor) |
| Primary tasks | Environmental impact statement, design alternatives, drainage, ADA, bike/ped, turn lanes |
| Historic considerations | Includes two historic districts; requires careful review and public input |
| Company profile | Bowman Consulting — Reston, VA; >2,400 employees; >100 U.S. locations |
| Recent financials | Q2 EPS $0.55 vs est. $0.23; Q2 revenue $122.1M vs est. $106.33M; 19.5% year-over-year revenue growth |
| Other recent contract | $4.5M DuPage Water Commission WaterLink Pipeline Project (Illinois) |
| Analyst note | Price target set to $43.00 with a Buy rating; improved backlog cited |
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Additional Resources
- Investing.com: Bowman Selected for US 30 Engineering Services in Illinois
- Futunn News: Bowman Consulting Secures $4.5 Million Contract for Water Pipeline
- Business Wire: Bowman Announces Record Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024
- Wikipedia: Bowman Consulting Group
- Google Search: Bowman Consulting Group
