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Press Release - Monday, May 13, 2024
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Rebuilding Springfield: Rails and rest stops highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker's capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Entering one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that major projects in the Springfield area are planned or underway, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Six major projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $103 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
"Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Springfield area and throughout the state," said Gov. Pritzker. "Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life."
In the Springfield area, the following projects are anticipated to be completed within the next two years:
- 10th Street railroad tracks at Madison and Jefferson streets underpasses and double tracking began last year, with a scheduled completion date this summer. Madison and Jefferson streets will remain closed for the duration of the project. A detour is posted directing traffic to Carpenter Street.
- East Lake Shore Drive over the Illinois Central Railroad and Lake Springfield slough about a half mile east of I-55 includes new bridge deck overlays. The project began this spring and is anticipated to be completed in the fall. Lane closures will be required, with at least one lane of traffic in each direction open at all times.
- The Rail Splitter rest areas on both directions of I-55 will be replaced. The demolition of the current buildings begins this summer. The new buildings are expected to be completed in 2026. Rest areas will be open for parking until the demolition begins, when the rest areas will be closed until the new buildings are completed.
- I-55 Business/6th Street from north of Stanford Avenue to Myrtle Street includes resurfacing and patching. The project begins in June and is anticipated to be completed in November. Lane closures will be required, with at least one lane of traffic in each direction open at all times.
- I-55 over the Sangamon River 2.2 miles south of the Sherman interchange includes bridge deck overlay and patching with shoulder reconstruction both southbound and northbound bridges. The project begins in the summer and is anticipated to be completed in the fall. Lane closures will be required, with at least one lane of traffic in each direction open at all times. The project is a precursor for the widening of the bridges, part of proposed widening of I-55 through Springfield. The widening of the bridges is scheduled to begin in 2025.
- 11th Street Over I-55/72 includes bridge deck repairs. The project is anticipated to begin in June and completed in September. Lane closures will be required, with at least one lane of traffic in each direction open at all times.
"Rebuild Illinois has had a tremendous impact on Springfield, bringing good-paying jobs and boosting our local economy," said state Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Key investments in downstate transportation continue to help our communities grow and increase accessibility for residents."
"From the state capitol to renowned historical sites, a world-class medical district and a vibrant, growing economy, Springfield has so much to offer - and these critical investments are paving the way to a bright future," said state Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). "These road and rail improvements are just part of our effort to reinvest in Central Illinois, prioritize improvements that will help welcome visitors, help residents get around and help businesses succeed."
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.
Accomplishments through March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $14.8 billion of improvements statewide on 6,078 miles of highways, 629 bridges and 895 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.
"Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT continues to deliver projects in the Springfield area that strengthen the state's entire multimodal system of transportation," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this construction season, you will be traveling through work zones. Put down the devices. Follow the signs. And when you see orange, slow down and save lives."