09/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2024 12:18
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 Will County area are planned or underway, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Ten projects combined represent a total investment of $118million, 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 Will 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 10 major projects in Will County, three are scheduled to be completed in 2024 and the remaining seven are anticipated to be completed from 2025 through 2030. The work is in addition to the $1.3 billion redo of Interstate 80 through Joliet and much of Will County.
"We are thankful to the Illinois Department of Transportation and the governor for spearheading these projects that will improve our community of Will County with the help of all our constituents," said state Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Romeoville). "These projects are necessary as they improve road conditions to prevent confusion and accidents, they make the roads smoother and more visible resulting in less car damage caused by rough roads, and maintain the structures of bridges and decks so they don't collapse or cause a major safety issue. Please help us by obeying all traffic signs and speed limits during these work zones to enforce and promote safety for all."
"Will County is home to the largest in-land port in the country," said state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr. (D-Elwood). "Gov. Pritzker and our partners at IDOT know how important investing in this region is for keeping America moving forward. Across the 2025 multiyear program's lifetime, we are investing $1.151 billion in the 86th District alone and that wouldn't have been possible without Rebuild Illinois. We appreciate your patience with road closures and increased traffic as we make these investments. Because, during the construction season, patience is the best way to protect our construction workers' safety and reduce accidents."
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 Will 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."