Skip to main content

SCAM ALERT: A current text message smishing scam claims recipients owe money associated with traffic tickets, tolls and other fines. These are not legitimate messages from the Illinois Department of Transportation. If you receive a message report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Illinois Department of Transportation

Kaskaskia Port project breaks ground with IDOT partnership

IDOT Update - 2026 – Thursday, August 20, 2026

A major investment in Southern Illinois freight transportation is taking shape at the Kaskaskia Regional Port District.

State and local leaders recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the KRPD #1 Rail Loop improvement project in New Athens. Supported by $10 million through IDOT’s Rebuild Illinois Port Facilities Capital Investment Grant Program, the $14 million project will add a new rail loop and outbound conveyor system at Terminal No. 1.

Once complete, the improvements will increase rail capacity, improve the transfer of goods between rail and river transportation, as well as help move agricultural products and other commodities more efficiently throughout the region. The project is also expected to strengthen supply chains and support long-term economic growth across Southern Illinois.

IDOT joined the Kaskaskia Regional Port District and community partners to celebrate the milestone, which highlights how the department’s investments extend beyond highways to strengthen Illinois’ multimodal transportation network.

Learn more:

Kaskaskia Regional Port District

IDOT’s Port Facilities Capital Investment Grant Program