Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined local officials, transportation stakeholders, and labor leaders in Moline have announced a new round of infrastructure investments in the Quad Cities region.
As part of $400 million designated for 223 locally managed projects across Illinois, a $1 million investment will support upgrades to River Drive along the Mississippi River in downtown Moline. The project will enhance safety, mobility, and accessibility while improving connections to the new I-74 Mississippi River bridge and nearby amenities.
The River Drive improvements include new sidewalks, streetscape upgrades, pedestrian signals, and accessibility features. With a total estimated cost of $4.8 million, supported by state and local contributions, the project is expected to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic, attract more visitors to local businesses, and continue the revitalization of Moline’s downtown riverfront.
“As an iron worker by trade, I take pride in knowing that the hands of union workers are shaping the future of the Quad Cities,” said Brian Atkins, Executive Director of the Quad City Building Trades. “Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s leadership and his commitment to Rebuild Illinois, we’re not just fixing roads — we’re building a stronger, safer, and more connected state.”
Funding is part of Rebuild Illinois, the state’s six-year, $50.6 billion infrastructure program — the largest in Illinois history. Released earlier this month, IDOT’s Fiscal Year 2026–31 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program identifies $32.5 billion in investments for roads and bridges, with $5.5 billion planned for the current fiscal year. An additional $18.1 billion is allocated for transit, rail, aviation, and port improvements.
In northwestern Illinois, $2.4 billion has been programmed for road and bridge upgrades. Key projects include $105.9 million to reconstruct and expand Interstate 74 in Moline, $441.5 million to replace the I-80 bridge over the Mississippi River, and $18.7 million to rebuild two miles of U.S. 30 in Morrison.
This year’s $400 million local transportation allocation was made through a special legislative appropriation to help address infrastructure needs — particularly in disadvantaged or economically distressed communities. Of the 223 awards, 177 are for road improvements, 34 for bike and pedestrian projects, 10 for transit, and two for ports. Each includes participation goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), supporting small, minority- and women-owned firms.
“Governor Pritzker’s investment in our roads and bridges isn’t just rebuilding infrastructure — it’s rebuilding opportunity,” added Cory Bergfeld, President of the Tri City Building Trades. “Here in the Quad Cities, union men and women are putting their skills to work, strengthening our communities, and proving that when you invest in labor, you invest in Illinois.”
