Tollway committee recommends $7.2 million plow truck purchase and $2 million repair services contract

The Technology & Operations committee heard two facilities and fleet procurement items on Jan. 21 and recommended both for placement on the full board agenda.

Dave Donovan, the Tollway's facilities and fleet chief, said the first item is a purchase of 25 single‑axle plow trucks under the CMS master contract to serve roadway maintenance sites for winter snow removal and year‑round maintenance. Donovan said the trucks replace units that exceeded a 7,000‑engine‑hour replacement threshold; the agency will auction retired vehicles on the state's I‑Bid website. Four bids were received, and Donovan recommended award to Paterson Incorporated (transcript noted contract numbering transposition, referenced as 25‑1062) in an amount not to exceed $7,202,594.75 for a one‑time purchase.

Donovan's second recommendation was an order against the CMS master contract with Rush Truck Centers of Illinois (doing business as Rush Truck Center) to provide as‑needed truck and equipment repair services. The Tollway has approximately 330 medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks and uses outside repair vendors for large jobs that would otherwise tie up base operations during peak seasons. Donovan recommended award of contract 25‑1095 to Rush Truck Centers of Illinois Inc. in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for repairs through Nov. 26, 2028.

Both items were moved and seconded in committee and approved by voice votes for placement on the January full board agenda with the committee's recommendation. The board later approved Facilities & Fleet items 1 and 2 during the full meeting on Jan. 21 by voice vote.