Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a significant increase in construction activity in the Quad Cities, driven by Governor JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The program encompasses twelve major projects, totaling nearly $44 million, aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and job creation in the region.
“Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Quad Cities and throughout the state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will deliver improvements to create a more resilient, accessible, and equitable transportation system for future generations, while also creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life.”
Four projects were completed this spring:
- U.S. 67 (Centennial Bridge) over the Mississippi River structure cleaning in April.
- U.S. 67 and Airport Road in Milan pavement patching in April.
- Airport Road from 52nd and 64th streets in Moline pavement patching in April.
- I-80 over Mississippi River deck patching in May.
Six are scheduled for completion by the end of the year:
- 31st Avenue from the Centennial Expressway (Illinois 92) to 11th Street (U.S 67) in Rock Island patching and resurfacing started in April, with daily lane closures managed by flaggers. All ramps on Illinois 92 will stay open during the project, which should be completed in September.
- I-74 from the Big X Interchange to Illinois 81 pavement patching will begin in July and finish in August, with lane closures.
- Illinois 92 from 115th Street W to Centennial Expressway resurfacing starts in July, with daily lane closures, expected to conclude in September.
- Illinois 92, 94, and 192 in Rock Island County shoulder repairs begin in June, with completion scheduled for August. Expect daytime lane closures.
- Third Street/104th Street from U.S. 150 in Coal Valley to the Mercer County line patching, widening, and resurfacing starts this summer, ending in October with daily lane closures controlled by flaggers.
- Illinois 82 from Illinois 81 in Cambridge to North 700th Avenue patching and resurfacing starts this summer, with daily lane closures managed by flaggers, ending this fall.
Two projects are anticipated to begin in 2025 and 2026:
- I-80 from the Rock River to U.S. 6 in Henry County, involving patching, resurfacing, and bridge repairs, is set to start in 2025, with expected lane closures.
- Illinois 84 in Colona from the Rock River to just north of U.S. 6 reconstruction and intersection improvements at Cleveland Road, anticipated to begin in 2026.
“We’re seeing our tax dollars come back to western Illinois through the ongoing road and bridge work,” said state Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We have seen significant progress upgrading our infrastructure through the Rebuild Illinois program. I appreciate the efforts of IDOT and Gov. Pritzker for ensuring our region isn’t left out.”
“Investments in our community’s infrastructure will bolster long-term economic growth, ease long-distance travel, and proactively address public safety concerns,” said state Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-Rock Island). “Improving our roads and bridges is a critical step in accident prevention.”
“We are grateful for the investment in Rock Island roadways by the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program,” said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms. “Resurfacing and repairs to Illinois 92 and 31st Avenue will not only enhance road safety but also create local jobs and stimulate our economy.”
Launched in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is a $33.2 billion initiative over six years to modernize the state’s transportation system, create jobs, and promote economic growth. It is the largest capital program in state history and the first to encompass all transportation modes: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
