Chicago Construction News staff writer
Chicago’s 2025 construction season officially started this weed with infrastructure and capital improvement projects funded by the city’s General Obligation Capital Improvement Bond program. As part of the Build Better Together initiative, the city is ramping up spending for transportation, water management, public buildings and neighborhood development.
Key projects planned for 2025:
- Resurfacing more than 175 miles of residential and arterial streets
- Installing 70 new Green Alleys to improve stormwater drainage and reduce flooding
- Upgrading 400 intersections with pedestrian safety enhancements, especially near schools and parks
- Replacing 12 miles of water main and 9 miles of sewer main
- Lining 5,000 sewer structures and replacing 10,000 sewer restrictions
- Expanding lead service line replacement to 8,000 locations
- Investing $300 million in water treatment plant and pumping station improvements
- Breaking ground on Midway Runway 13C/31C, a $57 million repaving and safety enhancement project
- Expanding Concourse L at O’Hare, adding three new gates to increase capacity and improve passenger flow
Signage bearing the Build Better Together logo will be posted at project sites across the city, helping residents connect the visible work with the city’s broader investment strategy.
“This is more than just another construction season—it’s a coordinated citywide effort to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods,” said Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure and Services Lori Lypson. “Our teams work around the clock to meet the needs of Chicagoans, from emergency repairs to long-term improvements.”
Leaders from key departments shared how their teams are contributing to the initiative:
- Department of Transportation is leading efforts to repair roads, bridges, and lighting infrastructure to improve safety and mobility.
- Department of Water Management is focused on legacy system upgrades, including expanded lead service line replacements and a pilot water storage system aimed at reducing flooding in vulnerable areas.
- Department of Fleet and Facility Management is investing in sustainable operations and workforce development, including partnerships with local colleges and an expanded electric vehicle fleet.
The CTA continues work on the Red Line Extension, station accessibility improvements, and the Red-Purple Modernization project, connecting more residents to transit and opportunity.
“The Department of Water Management is looking forward to addressing our legacy infrastructure issues with transformative infrastructure solutions as part of Build Better Together,” said Randy Conner, Department of Water Management Commissioner.“We are proud of our work to expand our lead service line replacement to the block level and design an innovative pilot water storage system to reduce flooding in vulnerable communities.
“In addition to our Capital Improvement Projects, we will continue coordinating with our sister agencies to ensure our critical water infrastructure operates reliably and sustainably for generations of Chicagoans while minimizing neighborhood disruption.”
The Department of Procurement Services is expanding access to city contracts for small and minority-owned businesses.
The Department of Buildings is supporting more sustainable, accessible construction across all neighborhoods.
City officials emphasized that this interdepartmental collaboration will not only modernize infrastructure but also support local economies, protect public health, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
“This is what coordinated government looks like,” said Lypson. “It’s about showing up where we’re needed most and building a stronger Chicago together.”
