Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced several projects in central Cook County as part of the fifth year of the Rebuild Illinois initiative. This program, spearheaded by Governor JB Pritzker, represents a significant investment in infrastructure, with ten major projects totaling over $128 million. These efforts aim to enhance safety, mobility, and quality of life while also supporting job creation in the region.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of these developments: "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the central Cook County region and throughout the state." He highlighted that this initiative is the largest capital program in state history and aims to build a more resilient transportation system for future generations.

Projects include ongoing work on LaGrange Road involving bridge repair and deck replacement, expected to finish by spring 2024. Pulaski Road's resurfacing project is set to conclude later this fall. East Avenue's intersection reconstruction should be complete by spring 2024. Cicero Avenue's bridge repairs are slated for completion by year's end.

Upcoming projects include intersection widening on 55th Street starting later this fall, with an expected completion date in fall 2025. Harlem Avenue will see bridge widening beginning soon with a similar timeline. Traffic signal installation at East Avenue is planned for fall 2025 through fall 2026.

Additional initiatives involve bridge replacement on LaGrange Road starting spring 2024, resurfacing on 79th Street from Archer Avenue to Cicero Avenue beginning at the same time, and Eisenhower Expressway improvements scheduled from spring 2026 to fall 2027.

State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford commented on the significance of these upgrades: "Safe, reliable infrastructure enables people to move about their communities freely... creating economic development and tourism opportunities." State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid expressed his support for local benefits: "I look forward to the convenience and economic benefits for our region."

Since its inception in 2019, Rebuild Illinois has allocated $33.2 billion over six years towards enhancing various modes of transportation across the state. By Year Four, approximately $12.1 billion had been spent improving highways, bridges, and other safety measures statewide.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman reminded drivers about ongoing construction: "If you are driving in Illinois this construction season... stay patient... slow down."

For updates on these projects or others within IDOT's District 1 area follow them on social media or sign up for email alerts.