SGT. SAYNE MEM'L OVERPASS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Brad Halbrook and 5 co-sponsors

Renames the Fayette Avenue overpass near Effingham as the Sgt. Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass and directs IDOT to install commemorative plaques.

Adopted Both Houses

Overview

SJR 62 is a Senate Joint Resolution from the 104th Illinois General Assembly designating a named overpass in Effingham, Illinois, in honor of Sgt. Timothy D. Sayne, a United States Army soldier who died in Afghanistan in 2011. The resolution requests the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to erect plaques or signs at the overpass acknowledging the memorial designation.

Purpose and Intent

Honor and recognize the sacrifices of a fallen service member, Sgt. Timothy D. Sayne, who served in the U.S. Army and was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Confer public commemoration by renaming a specific overpass to the “Sgt. Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass” and instruct IDOT to install commemorative plaques or signs.

Key Provisions

Designation: The Fayette Avenue Interstates 57 and 70 Overpass in Effingham shall be designated the "Sgt. Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass."

Signage: IDOT is requested to erect suitable plaques or signs at appropriate locations, consistent with state and federal regulations, identifying the memorial designation.

Official Action: The resolution directs the formal designation and signage, and it provides for the distribution of copies of the resolution to Sgt. Sayne’s family and to IDOT.

Affected Parties

Sgt. Timothy D. Sayne and his family (as the beneficiaries of the memorial recognition).

The public, particularly travelers using the Fayette Avenue Interstates 57 and 70 Overpass in Effingham, who will encounter the commemorative designation.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, which would implement the signage in accordance with regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The measure is a commemorative resolution, not a statute or budget appropriation, and it does not create new funding or enforceable requirements beyond the request to install plaques/signage.

Effective date would align with the adoption of the resolution by both Senate and House, followed by action from IDOT to place signage in accordance with regulations.

The resolution lists multiple co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan support among Illinois legislators.

Significance

The bill preserves the memory of a local service member who sacrificed his life in service to the country.

It provides a formal, public acknowledgment of Sgt. Sayne's service and sacrifice through a named overpass, enhancing community recognition and historical remembrance.

Note: As a Joint Resolution, SJR 62 primarily serves symbolic and ceremonial purposes rather than creating new law or funding.