Prairie State Wire

Entering its fifth year, the Rebuild Illinois initiative continues to focus on modernizing and improving Interstates 24 and 57 in Southern Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced several projects that are either planned, underway, or recently completed. These efforts are part of a $390 million investment aimed at enhancing safety and mobility while supporting job creation in the region.

Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the significance of these developments: "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in Southern Illinois and throughout the state," he said. He noted that through this program, IDOT will deliver improvements for a more resilient transportation system.

The ten major projects include expansions and resurfacing efforts on both interstates. Of these, one project was completed in 2022, another earlier this year, with others scheduled for completion between now and 2028. Notably, upon conclusion, I-57 will have an additional lane in each direction over a span of 29 miles, while I-24 will see resurfacing across 35 miles.

Specific projects include:

- I-57 expansion to six lanes between mileposts 63-66 was finished last summer.

- A similar expansion from mileposts 66-75 began last spring with expected completion by 2025.

- Additional expansions on I-57 covering various segments are slated for completion between 2024 and 2028.

I-24's recent accomplishments involve resurfacing between mileposts 23-35 completed this spring. Upcoming work includes bridge replacements starting later this year.

Pinckneyville Mayor Robert L. Spencer praised these initiatives: "Gov Pritzker's bipartisan capital program has made these significant investments IDOT has announced in our area possible," he stated. Spencer highlighted the economic benefits brought about by improved infrastructure which aids freight mobility and encourages tourism.

Launched in 2019, Rebuild Illinois plans to invest $33.2 billion over six years into the state's transportation network. This comprehensive plan addresses roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation facilities as well as bicycle paths.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman urged caution during construction: "Remember: If you are driving in Illinois this construction season... When you see orange, stay patient."

So far under Rebuild Illinois' first four years approximately $12.1 billion has been spent on statewide improvements including highways spanning over five thousand miles along with numerous bridges receiving attention.

For ongoing updates regarding District Nine's activities or other related news follow @IDOTDistrict9 via Twitter or sign up online through their platform IDOT In Motion; further details can also be accessed via Facebook pages managed by them directly providing regular information streams relevantly linked towards developmental progressions occurring within boundaries covered extensively under umbrella operations executed systematically pursuant objectives established originally under auspices set forth therein accordingly throughout contextually referenced scope outlined effectively hereinabove duly stipulated appropriately thusly forthwith...