Dixon celebrates the start of Project ROCK

IDOT, the city of Dixon and community members celebrated the start of Project ROCK (Revitalizing Opportunities for the Community and Kids) on April 8 in the city’s Page Park. The $14 million project, led by Dixon with assistance from IDOT, is the next phase of pedestrian paths through this city of more than 15,000, expanding recreation and mobility options for residents and visitors alike.

“The new path in Dixon is an investment that improves local quality of life and connects people to the meaningful destinations in their lives,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We are proud of the partnership with Dixon to see this project to fruition, which could not have happened without the support and leadership at the federal, state and local levels. It’s one more example of how we’re working with communities to get things done, every single day, up and down the state.”

Project ROCK is made possible by an $11.9 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, with technical and financial oversight provided by IDOT. It is an extension of Viaduct Point, the first phase of the path that was completed last year, thanks to a $3.4 million grant through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, a popular IDOT program designed to expand travel options and enhance quality of life in communities throughout the state. The program is providing more funding than ever thanks to Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital program in state history and first to touch all modes of transportation.

Viaduct Point also runs along the abandoned Illinois Central Railroad line, starting near IDOT’s District 2 headquarters on Depot Avenue and crossing high above city streets via three historic stone arch bridges crafted from Galena limestone quarried locally in Dixon. A wooden boardwalk connects the path with a spur into downtown Dixon. Project ROCK extends from Viaduct Point across a new bridge built over the Rock River on piers left from the old railroad, connecting to a system of paths in Page Park. The project also includes repairs to Page Drive through the park.

Project ROCK and Viaduct Point completes another phase of the Dixon Riverfront Masterplan, which launched more than 20 years ago with the development of Dixon’s Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza downtown. Both segments will connect Dixon’s south side with the city’s riverfront as well as Dixon High School and the park district’s baseball diamonds and tennis courts. Future plans call for the path to extend west to Sauk Valley College and Sterling and farther south to Dixon’s gateway development.

The event drew dozens of people to the Page Park’s bandshell, which is steps away from the bridge construction. Several people spoke of the vision and the work it took to reach this point.

“After more than 27 years of vision and anticipation, it is amazing to see Project Rock become a reality,” said Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes. “This is being accomplished due to a significant joint effort. It started with the RAISE grant but has continued under the guidance of IDOT’s District 2 management and staff in addressing the challenges and nuances of this project. Through the help of park and school districts, as well as the consultant team, this project will provide a transformational community amenity.”

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., a former Dixon mayor who initiated the funding for Viaduct Point and Project ROCK, said this generational project is the culmination of amazing state, federal and local government partnerships, as well as decades of planning and volunteer support from throughout the Dixon and Sauk Valley communities.

“Redeveloping Dixon’s riverfront dramatically improves quality of life and more deeply integrates the Rock River into daily public use and enjoyment. It is also an anchor project for public safety and economic development as downtown Dixon continues to grow and provide business opportunities, jobs, shopping and recreation.”

District 2 Local Roads Engineer Shawn Ortgiesen said the event was a celebration of a lot of blood, sweat and tears. “Days like this happen because of perseverance, faith, and heart,” he added.

Ortgiesen spoke of the late Larry Reed, a former District 2 Program Development Engineer for IDOT who led this effort for more than 20 years as the Riverfront Commission chairman. He said Reed never gave up on the dream of this project and endured through its many challenges and disappointments.

Reed’s perseverance lasted when he became ill and through his death in 2024. Ortgiesen said Reed’s last request before entering a healthcare facility was to be driven to the Viaduct Point site.

“Some of you will remember the banners from 20 years ago that hung on the streetlights and in the downtown businesses that said `Embrace the Vision’,” Ortgiesen told the crowd. “Guess what Larry was doing that day? Embracing the Vision. He knew that this vision was truly going to become a reality.

“Over the next year, as we watch this project being built by the talented construction staff, engineers, and various members of our community, let’s `Embrace the Vision” as the vision turns into a reality.”