Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced an active construction season in Will County, supported by Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program. This initiative includes ten projects with a combined investment of $118 million aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and job creation in 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."

Three out of the ten major projects are scheduled for completion in 2024, with the remaining seven expected between 2025 and 2030. These efforts complement the ongoing $1.3 billion renovation of Interstate 80 through Joliet and much of Will County.

Specific projects include:

- U.S. 6 (Scott Street) from Washington Street to Ruby Street resurfacing with ADA improvements.

- U.S. 6 (Channahon Road) from Terry Road to Hollywood Road resurfacing and shoulder repair.

- U.S. 6 (Maple Road) from Henderson Avenue to Draper Avenue/Walnut Street bridge deck resurfacing.

- U.S. 30 (Cass Street) at Des Plaines River bridge superstructure replacement.

- Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) at Illinois 53 traffic signal installation.

- Interstate 57 at Pauling Road new bridge deck installation.

- U.S. 30 (Jefferson Street) at Des Plaines River new bridge deck installation.

- Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) at Des Plaines River bridge replacement.

- Illinois 53 from Doris Avenue to west Manhattan Road resurfacing.

- Jackson Street at Des Plaines River bridge superstructure rehabilitation project.

State Rep. Dagmara Avelar emphasized the importance of these projects: "These projects are necessary as they improve road conditions to prevent confusion and accidents... Please help us by obeying all traffic signs and speed limits during these work zones."

State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., representing Elwood, added: "Will County is home to the largest inland port in the country... We appreciate your patience with road closures and increased traffic as we make these investments."

Rebuild Illinois was passed in 2019, allocating $33.2 billion over six years for transportation infrastructure across various modes including roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation, bicycles, and pedestrian paths.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman stressed safety during this busy construction season: "If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this construction season... Follow the signs. And when you see orange, slow down and save lives."

Further information on Rebuild Illinois can be found at https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois.