One of the features of the new state maps allows smartphone users to scan the numerous QR (quick response) codes printed on the maps to access helpful information immediately to guide them on their travels.

A new Illinois Official Highway Map with a refreshed design and updated information was introduced at the Illinois State Fair last week and is now available to the public.

The maps are free of charge and will maps also will be available at the DuQuoin State Fair, which runs through Sept. 7. They will be available soon at interstate rest areas.

“There is a lot to see and do in our state and these maps are very helpful to the traveling public. It‘s a great idea to keep one in your vehicle at all times,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn.

Here are some features of the 2015-2016 maps:

• New landscape oriented cover image, featuring the Interstate 74 Murray Baker Bridge in Peoria

• QR codes:

o Getting Around Illinois website

o Start Seeing Motorcycles website

o Enjoy Illinois website

o Travel Midwest and St. Louis traffic websites

o Amtrak and Illinois High-Speed Rail websites

o Alternative fuels website

• Additional websites and information:

o Embrace the Orange work zone safety

o Illinois Yellow Dot Program

o Illinois State Police Scott’s Law (“move over law”)

o Illinois Amber Alert

o Illinois Scenic Byways

Smartphone users can scan the numerous QR (quick response) codes printed on the maps to access helpful information immediately to guide them on their travels.

The Illinois Official Highway Map is printed on recycled paper with soybean oil-based inks. The map is published every two years and is made available by federal funding. To request copies of the new map, please contact DOT.maps@illinois.gov.

— New State Maps Introduced at Illinois State Fair —