09/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2024 09:24
Gov. Pritzker's capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout Illinois
CHICAGO- Highlighting one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that major projects in the south Cook County area are planned or underway, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eight projects combined represent a total investment of $148million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
"Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in south Cook County and throughout the state," said Gov. Pritzker. "Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life."
Of the eight major projects in south Cook County, four are scheduled to be completed in 2024 and the remaining four are anticipated to be completed from 2025 through 2026.
"This investment will improve the safety of our roads and enhance the quality of life in our community through increased accessibility for our residents," said state Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). "Enhancing our infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs and boosting the local economy is a welcomed investment in our community."
"Rebuild Illinois continues to make our roads better, support local jobs and prepare our region to meet the economic demands of tomorrow," said state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights). "These projects will make our area roads safer for travelers, and are a responsible investment in our infrastructure that will pay dividends for years to come."
"New improvements to our bridges and roads will make our community safer; spur economic growth through new, good-paying sustainable job opportunities; and make commutes easier for thousands of people," said state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-Matteson). "Whether a person is driving to work, picking up their kids from school or running to the grocery store, Rebuild Illinois is going to make their lives easier while building a stronger future for this community. These infrastructure improvements are taxpayer dollars well-spent, and I'm happy to see the budget I helped craft put to good use."
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Accomplishmentsthrough Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.
"Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT continues to deliver projects in south Cook County that strengthen the state's entire multimodal system of transportation," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this construction season, you will be traveling through work zones. Put down the devices. Follow the signs. And when you see orange, slow down and save lives."