Quad Cities leaders are lauding recently retired Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Omer Osman for his lasting and significant contributions to Quad Cities infrastructure.
On Monday, Dec. 9, Gov. JB Pritzker said Chicago transportation expert Gia Biagi would succeed the IDOT secretary, pending Illinois Senate confirmation.
“Omer has presided over and ushered in what will become known as the golden age of IDOT,” predicted Doug House. The Quad Cities leader and transportation and infrastructure expert and advocate clearly was proud to serve alongside Mr. Osman as deputy secretary of IDOT. “His commitment to all modes of transportation are second to none,” Mr. House added.
That has included delivering a wealth of critical projects for the state and the Quad Cities during his 35-year tenure at the agency, Quad Cities leaders say.
“From the iconic Interstate 74 Bridge to the scheduled replacements of the Interstate 80 and Centennial bridges to the coming Divergent Diamond that will replace the John Deere Road Interstate 74 clover leaf, our local transportation system will benefit for years to come,” Mr. House said of Mr. Osman’s Quad Cities contributions.
Jeff Nelson, CEO and managing director of MetroLINK, told the QCBJ “The Illinois Quad Cities has been unbelievably fortunate to have a leader such as Secretary Osman, who believes strongly in enhancing our transportation systems, improving infrastructure, and ensuring safer, more efficient travel for all residents and visitors.”
Mr. Nelson added, “We thank him for his support and look forward to working with our newly appointed Secretary of Transportation, Gia Biagi.”
Osman’s rapid rise
Mr. Osman began his career at IDOT in 1989, working as a civil engineer. He quickly moved to more challenging leadership roles culminating in 2019 with his appointment as transportation secretary.
The agency is charged with developing and maintaining one of the largest multi-modal transportation systems in the nation. It serves as a hub for national and regional travel and freight movement.
“There has been no greater honor for me than leading this agency, the finest department of transportation anywhere. I cannot thank Gov. Pritzker enough for the opportunity,” Mr. Osman said in a statement last week.
“Each day, IDOT keeps Illinois safe and connected while promoting quality of life and creating opportunity. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments, including keeping projects on track during a global pandemic,” he added. “I look forward to seeing new, exciting ideas and projects under the new secretary and the top-notch IDOT staff.”
One of the critical things Mr. Osman did was implement Mr. Pritzker’s aggressive, $41 billion Rebuild Illinois bipartisan infrastructure bill, the governor and Quad Cities leaders say.
And one of the highest profile Quad Cities projects to which the retiring leader lent his support included completion of the Interstate 74 Bridge between Bettendorf and Moline. He called it “a gateway” to the state, and he joined Mr. Pritzker and local and regional leaders on Dec. 1, 2021, to cut the ribbon on that award-winning hard-won, much-needed river crossing.
“The I-74 bridge is yet another example of bold leadership delivering the type of improvements in infrastructure that will keep this region competitive for many, many years to come,” he told the crowd of dignitaries on that unseasonably warm and bright winter day.
Building partnerships
“This beautiful new structure is especially meaningful because of our partnership with Iowa and our work with federal, state, and local stakeholders,” he added.
Under Mr. Osman’s watch, other major regional projects have been launched and completed using COVID-19 relief and Rebuild Illinois funding. They include the $2.1 million renovation of MetroLINK’s John Deere Commons Channel Cat landing and dock.
“On behalf of MetroLINK, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Illinois Secretary of Transportation, Omer Osman, on his well-earned retirement,” Mr. Nelson said.
“Secretary Osman has been incredibly instrumental in supporting critical capital investments not only here at MetroLINK, but throughout the entire Illinois Quad Cities,” he added.
“His leadership under the Rebuild Illinois capital program has allowed MetroLINK to invest and expand infrastructure to improve our transit system and continue our sustainable transportation initiatives.“
Quad Cities and statewide intermodal transportation projects he has championed include expanding passenger rail in the Quad Cities and in his hometown of Peoria. He told attendees April 11 at the inaugural QCBJ Transportation & Infrastructure Seminar that talks are continuing with the commercial rail company that has so far derailed the arrival of passenger rail from Chicago to Moline.
Mr. Osman also pushed for his agency to work with more minority and women-owned businesses.
‘Excellent selection’
Leading that staff forward will be Ms. Biagi. Mr. House, the former longtime public works director for the City of Moline, called her “an excellent selection.”
He added “Her intimate knowledge of all phases of transportation and construction as well as urban planning make her perfect.”
Ms. Biagi will bring decades of experience in urban planning, transportation, and public policy, the governor’s office said.
Mr. Pritzker said “Her expansive portfolio and unique leadership experience will undoubtedly propel IDOT’s mission forward and strengthen Illinois’ infrastructure efforts.”
Ms. Biagi joins IDOT after four years of service at the Chicago Department of Transportation. She also served as principal of urbanism and civic impact at Studio Gang Architects, a Chicago-based architecture and urban design practice.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Gov. Pritzker and the State Legislature to help deliver a world-class transportation system for Illinois,” Ms. Biagi said. “Investments in our critical infrastructure connect our residents to the places they need to go, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in communities in every corner of our state.”
Ms. Biagi also spent more than 10 years at the Chicago Park District.
The incoming secretary was recently named a Visiting Fellow at the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and her master’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
