PLAINFIELD – As the temperatures continue to drop, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

“During the winter months, let’s make sure we are careful and patient when driving in hazardous weather,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Being aware of the weather and road conditions can keep you and your loved ones safe.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.

“This resource gives drivers a heads up to take precautions on the roads,” Cappel said. “Residents should view the map before any trips this winter so everyone can stay safe when traveling.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/.

PLAINFIELD – Following the death of her friend and colleague, Scott Bennett, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel released the following statement.

“The passing of Senator Scott Bennett is a devastating loss to the Senate and to the State of Illinois. He was an incredible legislator, and I have a deep respect for his leadership both on and off the Senate floor.

“Scott was a good, upstanding man whom I looked up to. He brought humor into everything he did. I’m going to miss him as a colleague, but most of all, I’m going to miss him as a friend.

“My heart is with his family and all who knew him.”

PLAINFIELD – To spread holiday cheer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a holiday card drive for seniors across the community.

“We often lose track of what’s most important this season – and that’s spreading joy,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone enjoys a small yet meaningful act of kindness during the holidays.”

Loughran Cappel is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors this holiday season. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her district office, located at 2009 Illinois Rte. 59, Plainfield, IL 60586. She is collecting cards until Dec. 16 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

Loughran Cappel encourages teachers and students to participate in the seasonal event.

“As a former teacher, I saw how excited students are to do crafts, and that there is a learning aspect to each activity,” Loughran Cappel said. “The holiday season is about making a difference in people’s lives, even if you don’t know them personally. I hope teachers and residents will take advantage of this opportunity.”

People with questions can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

ROMEOVILLE – Lewis University Airport recently completed construction on a new air traffic control tower championed by State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson.

“This completed project shows our commitment to reinvigorating our infrastructure for the next generation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I am happy to see the project completed just in time for the holiday travel season.”

The new tower not only will increase safety at the airport, but it will benefit airspace in the entire region, which includes Midway and O’Hare international airports, as well as provide enhanced training for aviation students at Lewis University. As the first air traffic control tower in Will County, it also will foster economic opportunity and new transport options in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state.

“Will County is one of the fastest growing areas in our state and we need to match that growth with investments in infrastructure,” said Mattson (D-Joliet). “Our future pilots will benefit from better security and communication that the tower will provide.”

The majority of the funding for this tower came from the historic Rebuild Illinois bipartisan infrastructure plan, which is investing a total of $150 million in aviation.

The new tower is set to open on December 1, 2022.