Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the commencement of the first phase of a $21.8 million project to reconstruct and widen Fayette Avenue in Effingham. The project, set to begin on May 30, is part of Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program. This initiative aims to improve safety and capacity along a vital commercial corridor connecting Interstate 70 to downtown Effingham.

Governor Pritzker stated, "After years of neglect and decay, I couldn't be happier to announce that Fayette Avenue in Effingham will be getting a much-needed makeover — reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing quality of life for the thousands of Illinoisans who travel through this corridor every day." He emphasized that Rebuild Illinois addresses various infrastructure needs while creating numerous union jobs.

The plan involves widening Fayette Avenue from Illini Drive to Walnut Street and adding a middle turn lane between Henrietta Street and Walnut Street. Other improvements include upgrading storm sewers, constructing a multiuse path, installing ADA-compliant sidewalks, modernizing traffic signals, and adding new lighting. The enhancements are expected to benefit around 19,000 vehicles using the avenue daily by improving traffic flow and safety for different transportation modes.

Construction will initially focus on the eastbound right lane from Raney Street to Walnut Street. This phase will involve property removals necessary for road expansion while maintaining one lane in each direction during construction. Temporary pavement and traffic signals will be implemented as needed.

The project's second phase is part of IDOT's FY 2023-28 Multi-Year Program with an estimated cost of $44.1 million. It will extend improvements from Banker Street to Long Street.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman remarked, "This project is a transformational investment in central Illinois that illustrates how Rebuild Illinois is improving Main Streets throughout our state." He urged drivers to exercise caution in work zones.

Planning for these improvements began in 2006 but was delayed until funding became available with the passage of Rebuild Illinois in 2019. In addition to Fayette Avenue upgrades, another significant project under Rebuild Illinois includes reconstructing seven miles of I-70 in Effingham County at $50 million.

Over six years, IDOT plans to enhance over 2,500 miles of highway as part of Rebuild Illinois' $33.2 billion investment into transportation infrastructure statewide.

Effingham County has received an additional $5.1 million in motor fuel tax revenues through this program for local infrastructure investments. Additionally, $5.3 million has been allocated for county projects involving road and bridge improvements among other maintenance needs.

Further details about IDOT projects can be found on their website or by following updates on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict7.