Prairie State Wire

Entering its fifth year, the Rebuild Illinois initiative has outlined significant projects in Will County, as announced by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The projects are part of a commitment made possible through Governor JB Pritzker's bipartisan capital program. Five major undertakings will see an investment exceeding $45 million, aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and quality of life while supporting job creation in the region.

Governor Pritzker remarked on the impact of Rebuild Illinois: "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Will County area and throughout the state." He emphasized that this initiative represents "the largest capital program in state history," which aims to build a more resilient transportation system.

The five projects are scheduled for completion by 2024:

1. The project on Illinois 7/53 from Caton Farm Road to Theodore Street involves bridge deck resurfacing with daytime lane closures. It began this summer and is expected to finish later this fall.

2. Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) at Steger Road is undergoing intersection improvements requiring daytime lane closures. This started in spring and should conclude later this fall.

3. Interstate 57 from West County Line Road to Steger Road includes resurfacing, ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, and upgrades at weigh stations. Overnight lane closures are necessary for this project which started last spring and should end later this fall.

4. Joliet Road from Interstate 55 to Sherman Road involves resurfacing, new shoulders, and ADA improvements with daytime lane closures needed until spring 2024.

5. Coal City Road from I-55 to Novy Road will see a resurfacing project starting in spring 2024 with completion anticipated by summer 2024.

These efforts complement ongoing work on Interstate 80 valued at $1.3 billion from Ridge Road to U.S. 30.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel noted that "Rebuild Illinois is creating good-paying jobs and enhancing quality of life throughout Will County." State Representative Dagmara Avelar added that these investments make the region safer and more competitive.

Since its inception in 2019, Rebuild Illinois has invested $33.2 billion over six years into various transportation modes across the state, including roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation facilities, as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman highlighted these investments' importance: "These investments in the Will County region will strengthen our system of multimodal transportation across the state."

For updates on these projects within IDOT's District 1 or further information about Rebuild Illinois initiatives statewide, residents can follow IDOT on social media or sign up for email alerts.