Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the completion of a new bridge on Interstate 55 over Lemont Road. This project is part of Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure across the state. The $17 million bridge is expected to enhance safety and traffic flow as part of a broader $254 million investment in this vital travel and freight corridor.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the significance of these projects, stating, "Rebuild Illinois projects are transforming our state's transportation system and today's announcement builds on that progress." He noted that the new bridge would reduce congestion for local residents and facilitate safer freight travel throughout the region.

The rebuilt bridge includes reconstructed ramps with I-55, improved traffic operations, new lighting, and storm sewers. Additional work such as landscaping will commence in spring with minimal impact on traffic.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman highlighted the importance of the I-55 corridor: "Stretching from Chicago to St. Louis, the I-55 corridor is one of the pillars of our interstate system and connects towns and communities up and down the state." He added that improvements fueled by Rebuild Illinois would enhance quality of life while bolstering Illinois' position as a national transportation hub.

Other ongoing projects under Rebuild Illinois include:

- A $18 million project replacing existing bridges over Illinois 53 and Joliet Road with wider structures.

- An $80 million conversion at I-55 and Illinois 59 into a diverging-diamond interchange design to improve safety.

Completed projects include:

- A $75.7 million conversion at Weber Road into a diverging diamond design.

- A $48 million patching and resurfacing from I-80 to Weber Road.

- A $5 million repair project on U.S. 52 over I-55.

Future plans involve significant investments such as $200.9 million for a new interchange at Airport Road/Lockport Road in Romeoville, among others.

Rebuild Illinois represents an unprecedented investment in state infrastructure totaling $33.2 billion over six years. It covers all modes of transportation including roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, railways, aviation facilities, bicycle paths, and pedestrian accommodations.

By 2023's end, approximately $13.6 billion had been spent statewide on various improvements covering thousands of miles of highways and hundreds of bridges. More information about ongoing projects can be found at https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois.