Prairie State Wire

Entering the fifth year of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that several projects in the Peoria area are either completed, planned, or underway. These initiatives are part of a larger effort made possible by Governor JB Pritzker's bipartisan capital program. The eight major projects represent a $270.6 million investment aimed at improving safety and mobility while creating jobs in the region.

Governor Pritzker stated, "Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Peoria area and throughout the state." He added that through this historic capital program, improvements will create a more resilient transportation system for future generations.

Six out of eight significant projects in Peoria are expected to be completed by 2023, with two slated for completion in fall 2024. Among these projects:

- The Edwards Bridge replacement over BNSF Railway on Illinois 8 began in 2021 and is set to finish late this fall.

- Bellevue Bridge replacements on Interstate 474 over Illinois 116 started this spring, with major work finishing this fall.

- Bob Michel Bridge resurfacing on Illinois 40 over the Illinois River began this spring and should conclude by November.

- Eastbound McClugage Bridge replacement commenced in spring 2019 with an estimated opening in fall 2024.

- Lacon Bridge rehabilitation on Illinois 17 over the Illinois River started this spring and aims for completion by late fall.

- Widening and resurfacing work from Alexis U.S. 67 to Illinois 135 began in 2021 with expected completion this fall.

- Resurfacing from Interstate 74/Illinois 110 north of Woodhull to north of U.S. 34 started recently, ending late next year.

- Replacement work on Illinois 8 over Kickapoo Creek will start May next year.

State Sen. Dave Koehler emphasized the program's role in promoting economic development: "We continue to see the much-needed improvements...creating jobs right here." State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth highlighted infrastructure focus as critical for meeting current demands.

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois invests $33.2 billion over six years into transportation infrastructure across various modes including roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation facilities, bicycle paths and pedestrian accommodations.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali noted significant bridge improvements under Rebuild Illinois: "More than 37,000 vehicles cross these bridges daily," emphasizing enhanced infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles.

To date, Rebuild Illinois has facilitated approximately $12.1 billion worth of statewide improvements covering highways, bridges along with additional safety enhancements.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman urged caution during construction season: "When you see orange...stay patient."

For further updates about IDOT’s District Four projects follow @IDOTDistrict4 on Twitter or sign up for email alerts from IDOT Motion service.