Bill would provide $343 billion for highways, bridges and highway safety.

House-Senate staff negotiations are continuing, with hopes of an agreement before Dec. 11 deadline

Road and bridge projects were the big winners, accounting for 54 of the 70 projects selected.

House expected to take up stopgap spending bill soon, CR negotiators also considering authorization extensions.

When Congress returns from break, only about 10 legislative days left before FAST Act lapses.

Illinois transportation officials unveiled a six-year, $21.3-billion upgrade program recently, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the gas tax shortfalls expected from it.