Heroes Way Designation Program

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.

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.

1. Complete the Heroes Way Designation Program form
2. IDOT will review the application and, if approved, will notify the legislative sponsors listed on the application of the approval.
3. After approval of the application, IDOT will send the applicant instructions concerning payment of a one-time fee. 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.
4. IDOT will install the designation signs at or near the approved limits of the bridge, interchange, or highway segment requested in the application.

A list of Heroes Way designations is available at this link. (Coming soon)

For additional information regarding the Heroes Way Designation Program, please contact the coordinator by phone at (217) 785-8534 or by mail at:

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