Chicago Construction News staff writer
Nine major infrastructure projects valued at nearly $351.1 million are underway in the Peoria area this summer, marking one of the busiest construction seasons in recent memory, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced.
Funded through Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, the projects are part of a broader effort to modernize the state’s transportation network while creating jobs and improving safety across the region.
“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,” Pritzker said in a statement. “We are demonstrating what government is supposed to do—and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve.”
The nine projects are scheduled for phased completion between 2025 and 2027. Five are expected to wrap up next year, three in 2026, and one by 2027.
Highlights of key projects
Illinois 8/116 Cedar Street Bridge: Work began in spring 2024 on patching and resurfacing this Illinois River span. It’s the second phase of a three-part initiative, with completion set for late summer.
McClugage Bridge (U.S. 150) Eastbound Replacement: Construction began in 2019 and is expected to conclude this fall. Demolition of the old structure started earlier this year.
Airport Road Over I-474 Bridge: Replacement work, started in 2024, is progressing with a fall completion goal.
Illinois 17/91 Over Spoon River: Started in 2024, this bridge replacement is expected to finish in the fall.
I-474 Over Kickapoo Creek: Bridge replacement began in 2024 and will continue until fall 2026.
Illinois 78/97 Near Havana: Bridge deck overlay work is scheduled to finish by the end of summer.
Illinois 180 Through Williamsfield: Road widening, resurfacing, and drainage upgrades from Illinois 167 to U.S. 150 are slated for 2025-2026.
I-74 Over Spoon River: This two-phase bridge replacement and overlay project started in late 2024. Structural work is to finish by 2026, with paving completed in 2027.
U.S. 24 from Kingston Mines to Banner: Launched in June 2024, this resurfacing and drainage improvement project will continue through late summer 2025.
The $33.2-billion Rebuild Illinois initiative, passed in 2019, is the largest capital investment in Illinois history. The six-year plan is the first to address all modes of transportation—from highways and bridges to transit, aviation, rail, and pedestrian infrastructure.
