Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), announced the completion of a significant infrastructure project in Rock Island County. The project involved installing a new deck on the Interstate 280 Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge, enhancing one of Illinois' key travel corridors for smoother and safer transit.

The initiative was part of Governor Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program and was executed in partnership with Iowa. The project's total investment amounted to $65.7 million, which included patching and resurfacing work east of the bridge.

"This is exactly what Rebuild Illinois, our state's massive infrastructure modernization program, is all about: to make life better and easier for our people," said Governor JB Pritzker. He emphasized that investing in roadways benefits families and businesses by facilitating reliable transportation across the region.

The Baker Bridge has been operational since 1973 and supports over 28,000 vehicles daily, including nearly 20% truck traffic. This was the first replacement of its deck since opening. The project commenced in 2021 with replacing the westbound bridge deck followed by the eastbound deck in 2022. Additional improvements included resurfacing from the bridge to the Illinois 92 interchange.

The Iowa Department of Transportation contributed $18.9 million towards these enhancements, which spanned more than six miles through Coal Valley, Moline, Milan, and Rock Island communities.

"These investments in I-280 will extend the life of another critical border bridge and strengthen the robust multimodal infrastructure system in the Quad Cities," said Omer Osman, Illinois Transportation Secretary.

State Sen. Mike Halpin expressed gratitude towards those who prioritized funding for this project: "I am grateful for the leaders that prioritized this funding and helped make this bridge a reality."

State Rep. Gregg Johnson highlighted regional connectivity: "This bridge is not just connecting two neighboring states; it is connecting one community split by a mighty river."

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms noted economic benefits: "I'm pleased that this project not only creates jobs and makes roadway safer but also helps our economy grow."

Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati from Moline appreciated state support: "Moline is thankful for each investment in its critical infrastructure as well as investments in our regional infrastructure."

Rebuild Illinois aims to invest $33.2 billion over six years across various modes of transportation statewide—creating jobs while promoting economic growth—and remains an extensive capital program touching all transport sectors.

For further information on ongoing projects under Rebuild Illinois throughout different regions within State boundaries visit [IDOT website link].