Prairie State Wire

Entering the fifth year of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a series of major projects in the Metro East area. These projects are part of a $762 million investment aimed at improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating jobs in the region. This initiative is supported by Governor JB Pritzker's bipartisan capital program.

Governor Pritzker stated, "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Metro East area and throughout the state." He emphasized that this is the largest capital program in state history, which aims to build a resilient, accessible, and equitable transportation system for future generations.

Among the 18 major projects planned for Metro East, five are expected to be completed within 2023. The remaining 13 are projected to finish between 2024 and 2027. Key projects include:

- Interstate 270 over Mississippi River bridge replacement began in fall 2022 with completion anticipated by summer 2027.

- Resurfacing on U.S. 67/Illinois 111 from Airport Road to Illinois 3 started in spring 2023 with an expected completion by summer 2023.

- Intersection improvements on Illinois 157 from St. Louis Street to South University Drive in Edwardsville are set to start in summer 2023 and end by fall 2024.

State Senator Christopher Belt remarked on the importance of these developments: "The Metro East is a heavily traveled area and through Rebuild Illinois we are ensuring the region continues to meet the demands of drivers."

Assistant House Majority Leader Jay Hoffman highlighted how these investments will impact the region's future: "These are not just transformative investments that will create jobs right now, they're projects that will prepare our region to meet the long-term demands of tomorrow."

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois plans to invest $33.2 billion over six years into upgrading transportation infrastructure across the state. The program covers roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation facilities, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Freeburg Mayor Seth Speiser expressed support for these efforts: "Mayors throughout Southwestern Illinois support the state's efforts to strengthen and rebuild our area's infrastructure."

To date, accomplishments under Rebuild Illinois include $12.1 billion worth of improvements across more than 5,339 miles of highway and work on over 533 bridges statewide.

Omer Osman, Illinois Transportation Secretary, advised drivers about construction season safety: "Remember: If you are driving in Illinois this construction season, you will be driving through work zones. When you see orange, stay patient, drop the devices and slow down."

For updates on District 8 projects or other news from IDOT follow @IDOTDistrict8 on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.