Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), local officials, and community leaders, marked the completion of a new $18.3 million pump station and safety upgrades at Deerpath Road and Skokie Highway in Lake Forest. The project was funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program to address flooding issues and improve infrastructure resilience.

"When I took office almost five years ago, it was time to put the past behind us and modernize the basic foundations of our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to a more than $18 million investment made possible by Rebuild Illinois, we have entirely relocated and reconstructed the existing pump station, built two new detention ponds to handle any excess flow from the pump station, in addition to making multiple safety improvements that alleviate flooding and guarantee access to this major roadway."

The project involved constructing a new pump station with increased capacity at Deerpath Road and Ahwahnee Lane's southwest corner. It includes multiple pumps and a backup generator system for power failures or servicing needs. Two detention ponds were also constructed, along with storm sewers. After completion, ownership and maintenance were transferred from IDOT to Lake Forest.

Previously, frequent flooding led to closures at U.S. 41 and Deerpath Road due to an outdated pump station. "Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is smartly investing in existing infrastructure to make sure it is sustainable and reliable for the long term," stated Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.

State Senator Julie Morrison highlighted the project's significance: "This project is critical to flood control in Lake Forest and has been planned for many years." She noted its benefits for future generations due to state-local government cooperation.

Additional improvements included resurfacing Deerpath Road between Skokie Highway and Golf Lane, widening it with dedicated turn lanes at Skokie Highway, and installing ADA-compliant sidewalks.

Rebuild Illinois is a historic initiative investing $33.2 billion over six years into transportation infrastructure across all modes: roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation, bicycles, and pedestrian pathways. In its fourth year, Rebuild Illinois has achieved approximately $12.1 billion in statewide improvements on highways and bridges.

For more information on Rebuild Illinois projects statewide visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois.