Bob Schillerstrom (dailyherald.com photo)

Illinois Tollway Board of Directors Chairman Bob Schillerstrom was named Person of the Year by the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association (IAPA) in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of the statewide asphalt industry through the Tollway's 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

The IAPA Person of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual outside the association's membership who has demonstrated a commitment to partnering with the asphalt pavement industry on improving the performance, environmental impact and life cycle of asphalt pavements in Illinois. The award was presented to Chairman Schillerstrom at the IAPA annual meeting in Springfield.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association for our work through the Move Illinois Program," said Schillerstrom. "The Illinois Tollway is proud of its efforts to support sustainability by lessening the environmental impact of construction and building longer-lasting roads to reduce long-term maintenance costs and minimize disruption to our 1.6 million daily drivers."

Under Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration, the Illinois tollway has advanced and continues to demonstrate leadership in improving the sustainability of its construction projects. The agency pioneered the use of recycled asphalt shingles in pavement mixes, creating a new market for this product that helped Illinois asphalt businesses thrive and create more jobs for Illinois workers in the asphalt industry.

Moving forward, the tollway is allowing greater use of recycled asphalt pavement and recycled roof shingles in its pavement mixes — on top of the highest levels of recycling for asphalt mixes by any agency in the United States. The agency also continues to foster innovation by introducing new initiatives such as the use of dry crumb rubber in asphalt mixes and allowing asphalt rejuvenators to revive aging pavements. These materials, which have been used in other states outside Illinois, help provide longer lasting pavements while improving performance quality.

"The Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association is proud to recognize Bob Schillerstrom for his leadership as chairman of the Illinois Tollway Board," said Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association President John Healy. "Under Chairman Schillerstrom's direction, the Illinois Tollway has followed through on its commitment to Move Illinois by improving mobility, relieving congestion and driving the regional economy. The Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association's members appreciate Chairman Schillerstrom's dedication and are proud to recognize him as the 2018 IAPA Person of the Year."

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