Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction has started at the intersection of Illinois 50 and Armour Road, a $13.8 million project to reduce congestion and enhance safety.
“Revitalizing communities, redesigning transit systems — these are the kinds of changes that I’m proud to support — here and all across the state. And it’s the kind of change that sits at the heart and soul of what Rebuild Illinois is all about,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This project has a ripple effect that spreads throughout the county, meeting community needs on many levels. It makes Bradley-Bourbonnais a more welcoming place for Kankakee’s largest manufacturing employer, while also creating new construction jobs and investing money back into local business.”
Work includes widening and resurfacing the intersection of Illinois 50 and Armour Road and adding dedicated turn lanes. Improvements also include new storm sewers, an updated biking and walking path, sidewalks, new curbs and gutters, improved lighting, modernized traffic signals, and landscaping. The project is expected to access from Armour Road to Pharmaceutical Drive/Arthur Burch Drive, an access point for the CSL Behring factory on the intersection’s southwest corner.
“These intersection improvements once again show how Rebuild Illinois is addressing transportation needs at the local level and helping communities grow and succeed,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The new, improved Illinois 50 and Armour Road is an investment in safety and quality of life. It also is part of an ongoing commitment by IDOT under Gov. Pritzker to rebuild our infrastructure as a means to attract and retain jobs.”
Road and bridge projects underway in the area include the $5.9 million replacement of the Armour Road bridge over the Canadian National Railroad in Bourbonnais, the $11.3 million replacement of the Maple Street/Waldron Road bridge over Interstate 57, and the $23.5 million replacement of the I-57 bridges over Grinnell Road and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Upcoming work includes several rebuilt I-57 interchanges: a $95 million investment at Illinois 17, a $40 million project at U.S. 45/52 and $25 million for improvements at County Highway 9 in Manteno.
“This project shows major collaboration from government officials, business leaders and community members who all recognize the importance of investing in our infrastructure,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “By adjoining this project on Route 50 to another just to the south with Bradley’s Main Street initiative, we are opening up new opportunities for growth and development. I want to thank Governor Pritzker for supporting this investment in the region and for allocating additional funds when bids came in higher than anticipated due to post-pandemic price increases.”
