Governor Pritzker’s historic capital program improving infrastructure throughout Illinois

ROCKFORD – Entering Year Four of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced on June 16th, that multiple projects in the Rockford area are underway or planned, highlighting an ongoing commitment made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan capital program. Six major projects represent a total investment of $31.4 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, we are restoring and transforming Illinois’ aging infrastructure,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois is not only about investing in infrastructure but about investing in people and communities as well. In the coming months, IDOT will undertake projects that will ultimately create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs in the Rockford area and across the entire state.”

All six projects in the Rockford area are scheduled to be completed in 2022.

• West State Street (Business U.S. 20) construction began in March from Day Avenue to Independence Avenue. Work consists of constructing West State Street from two to four lanes with new storm sewers, signals, sidewalks and a bicycle and pedestrian path. A detour will direct motorists to Pierpont Avenue, Preston Street and Central Avenue. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of September.

• East State Street (Business U.S. 20) construction resumed in March between Mill Road and Buckley Drive and includes the intersection with Perryville Road. Work includes resurfacing, installing new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, signal modifications, and a bicycle and pedestrian path with lighting. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of June.

• U.S. 20 construction from Falconer Road to Simpson Road resumed in April. This is the final year of a two-year project to resurface 6.5 miles, including the exit and entrance ramps at Montague and Meridian roads. The project is expected to be completed in November.

• Illinois 251 construction on the bridge crossing the Soo Line Railroad in Davis Junction began in March. The bridge will be closed during the project, which includes replacing the bridge deck and other repairs. A detour utilizes Illinois 64, Interstate 39 and Illinois 72. The project is expected to be completed by October.

• A retaining wall repair on Illinois 251 (Second Street) will begin in May. Construction will be in the southbound lanes between Forest Hills Road and Spring Creek Road/Auburn Street, closing the outside lane. The project is expected to be completed in September.

• Interstate 39/U.S. 51 work on the bridges crossing the Kishwaukee River will begin in July. The project will install a deck overlay on the two spans. Crossovers will be utilized to maintain traffic. One southbound lane and one northbound lane will be maintained on the bridge. The project is expected to be completed in August.

“These projects represent another year that IDOT will be making transformational investments in the Rockford area and all across the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Please, pardon our dust while we Rebuild Illinois. When approaching and driving through any work zone, expect the unexpected and give workers a brake. Stay patient, put down the devices and slow down.”

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Rebuild Illinois accomplishments through March include approximately $7.3 billion of improvements statewide on almost 3,800 miles of highway, more than 370 bridges and nearly 550 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

“High-quality infrastructure is critical to strong communities. We need reliable infrastructure to connect supply chains and efficiently move goods and services throughout our region, as well as connect our residents and visitors to our community’s greatest assets,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “We’re grateful to Gov. Pritzker for his ongoing commitment to projects that improve Rockford.

For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.