Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a series of projects in northern Cook County as part of the fifth year of the Rebuild Illinois initiative. This program, backed by Governor JB Pritzker's capital plan, aims to enhance infrastructure across the state. The current phase includes eight major projects with a combined investment exceeding $40 million, focusing on improving safety and mobility while creating jobs.

Governor Pritzker stated, "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the northern Cook County area and throughout the state." He emphasized that this initiative is part of the largest capital program in Illinois history, aiming to build a resilient transportation system for future generations.

The projects are scheduled for completion between now and 2025. They include improvements on Edens Expressway from Lincoln Avenue to Montrose Avenue and from Lake-Cook Road to Lincoln Avenue, both involving lighting replacements. Additionally, Milwaukee Avenue will undergo resurfacing with ADA improvements, while Golf Road will see culvert repairs starting next spring.

Other significant undertakings include bridge deck resurfacing on Higgins Road over Willow Creek and bridge replacement on Rand Road over the Des Plaines River. These efforts aim to maintain traffic flow during construction phases. The Edens Expressway at Oakton Avenue will also see a bridge replacement project.

State Senate President Don Harmon remarked, "Illinois is investing not just in infrastructure but also in people through the ongoing accomplishments of Rebuild Illinois." State Senator Ram Villivalam added that these efforts contribute to making communities stronger and more accessible.

State Representative Martin Moylan highlighted specific projects like those on Higgins Road and Rand Road as investments in both infrastructure and quality of life. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois commits $33.2 billion over six years to upgrade transportation systems statewide.

Achievements so far include $12.1 billion spent on various improvements covering thousands of miles of highways and hundreds of bridges. For more information about ongoing projects under Rebuild Illinois, visit their website or follow updates through social media channels managed by IDOT.

Transportation Secretary Omer Osman advised drivers to exercise caution during construction seasons: "Remember: If you are driving in Illinois this construction season, you will be driving through work zones."