Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the commencement and planning of multiple projects in Decatur as part of Year Five of the Rebuild Illinois initiative. These efforts are supported by Governor JB Pritzker's bipartisan capital program, with nine major projects in the area amounting to over $80 million. The aim is to enhance safety, mobility, and quality of life while sustaining and creating jobs.

Governor Pritzker stated, "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Decatur area and throughout the state." He emphasized that this is part of the largest capital program in state history aimed at building a more resilient transportation system.

Eight out of nine projects are expected to conclude by 2023 or 2024. These include resurfacing work on Old U.S. Business 51 from Cleveland Avenue to U.S. 51, bridge replacements on Illinois 105/William Street over Lake Decatur, painting on U.S. 36 over U.S. 51, among others. Each project anticipates lane closures but will maintain one lane open for traffic.

State Representative Sue Scherer expressed support for these developments: "These improvements will finally bring our city's sidewalks, roads and bridges into the 21st century."

Since its inception in 2019, Rebuild Illinois has committed $33.2 billion over six years to modernize the state's transportation infrastructure across various modes including roads, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation facilities, as well as bicycle and pedestrian pathways.

Decatur Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe remarked on Governor Pritzker's investment efforts: "Gov. Pritzker is rebuilding Illinois is a way we haven't seen in decades! He is proving that Downstate matters by investing millions of dollars to fix our highways."

Through four years of Rebuild Illinois initiatives approximately $12.1 billion have been invested statewide covering thousands of miles of highway improvements along with bridge repairs and additional safety enhancements.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman advised caution during construction season: "When you see orange stay patient drop devices slow down."

For further updates on IDOT District 7 activities follow their Twitter handle @IDOTDistrict7 or sign up for email alerts via IDOT in Motion.