Chicago Construction News staff writer
Highlighting one of the busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced major projects in central Cook County, funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program.
Ten projects combined represent $220 million in spending, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
“Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in Cook County and throughout the state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life.”
Major projects in central Cook County are scheduled to be completed from 2025 through 2030.
- 55th Street from Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) to west of Plainfield Road includes intersection widening and resurfacing. Construction began in 2023 and is estimated to be complete in late summer 2025.
- Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20) includes bridge widening and repair. This project is anticipated to begin in spring and be completed by fall 2025.
- LaGrange Road (U.S. 12) at Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) and 79th Street bridge replacement started in the spring and will be completed in summer 2025.
- East Avenue at 47th Street and from 47th Street to 55th Street includes traffic signal installation, resurfacing and ADA improvements. The project is expected to begin late summer 2024 and be completed fall 2026.
- 79th Street from Archer Avenue to Cicero Avenue includes resurfacing and is anticipated to begin late summer 2024 and be completed fall 2025.
- I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) at Ridgeland Avenue includes resurfacing and installation of retaining walls to begin summer 2027 and estimated to be complete fall 2028.
- I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) from Wolf Road to Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) includes bridge deck resurfacing, bridge joint replacement and repair, patching and drainage improvements to begin spring 2028 and estimated to be complete fall 2030.
- I-55 at Harlem Avenue includes bridge replacement, reconstruction, intersection improvements and ADA upgrades beginning in fall 2027 and wrapping up by the end of 2029.
- Harlem Avenue at Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal includes bridge superstructure rehabilitation and bridge repair to begin in fall 2027 and be completed in fall 2029.
- Archer Avenue from Illinois 171 to Harlem Avenue and Harlem Avenue from Archer Avenue to 63rd Street includes traffic signal replacement, water main and drainage improvements, and ADA upgrades starting spring 2027 and to be completed by fall 2028.
“It’s critical that we continue to invest in our transportation networks that residents depend on every day while also looking ahead,” said state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford. “These projects are a great opportunity to prioritize our communities, support local jobs and encourage greater economic investment long term.
