Illinois has officially announced the largest multi-year infrastructure program in state history. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), joined by state leaders, labor representatives, and transportation stakeholders, unveiled the $50.6 billion six-year plan that will reshape how Illinois builds and maintains its roads, bridges, transit, airports, ports, and pedestrian networks. For construction professionals, this program represents not only unprecedented investment but also long-term job security, new opportunities, and a transformative impact on the state’s infrastructure.
Unlike traditional road-focused programs, this multi-year plan is truly multimodal. IDOT’s proposal spreads investments across state and local jurisdictions, benefiting all 102 Illinois counties. The distribution includes:
$32.5 billion for state and local roads and bridges
$13.8 billion for transit systems
$2.9 billion for freight and passenger rail
$1.2 billion for aviation
$200 million for ports and waterways
Roads & Bridges reports that this balanced investment demonstrates Illinois’ commitment to modernizing transportation across every mode, from cross-county trucking routes to urban transit systems and regional airports.
The scope of work is massive, encompassing thousands of projects across the state:
7,107 lane miles of state roads to be built or improved
8.4 million square feet of bridge deck to be constructed or repaired
1,654 lane miles of local roads and 1.3 million square feet of bridge deck managed by local governments
New facilities for the Chicago Transit Authority, including a modernized training and control center
Rail improvements to connect Chicago and the Quad Cities via passenger rail
Airport projects in the Metro East, Lansing, Rockford, Whiteside County, and Peoria
For construction crews, this translates into diverse types of work: heavy highway, structural steel, concrete, transit station upgrades, airport paving, rail bed and track improvements, and even specialized port enhancements.
A new addition to this year’s program is $400 million earmarked for 223 local projects, including:
177 road projects
34 bike and pedestrian upgrades
10 transit improvements
2 port developments
These projects were prioritized based on submissions from municipalities and agencies, with particular attention to disadvantaged and economically distressed communities. All projects are required to meet Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals, ensuring opportunities for small, minority-owned, and women-owned firms. This provides subcontractors and tradespeople in underrepresented communities greater access to contracts and job opportunities.
For construction workers, this program represents steady, long-term employment across multiple trades. IDOT projects will generate thousands of direct jobs for laborers, operators, ironworkers, carpenters, electricians, and other skilled professionals. Beyond direct employment, the investment fuels supplier demand—cement, asphalt, steel, heavy machinery, and precast elements—bolstering manufacturing and logistics sectors across Illinois.
“Today, I’m proud to launch the latest roadmap – the largest in the history of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Over the next six years, we’ll continue investing across the board in order to build the best infrastructure system in the nation – and create good jobs for Illinoisans in the process. From Chicago and Rockford to Springfield and Decatur, to Carbondale and Metropolis, every corner of our great state will benefit.”
Governor of Illinois | JB Pritzker
The foundation for this massive investment is Rebuild Illinois, the bipartisan capital program passed in 2019. Since its launch, Rebuild Illinois has already funded $20.8 billion in statewide improvements, including 21,309 highway miles, 815 bridges, and over 1,181 safety upgrades. The new $50.6 billion commitment builds upon this momentum, marking Illinois as a national leader in comprehensive infrastructure investment.
The program’s magnitude ensures ongoing demand for labor and construction expertise. Workers can expect:
Expanded opportunities in highway and bridge construction, transit facility upgrades, and airport expansion
Specialized projects such as bicycle/pedestrian path installation, rail track rehabilitation, and advanced lighting and signaling systems
Job security through multi-year phasing that guarantees work continuity across six years
Training and advancement opportunities as new technologies and sustainable practices are introduced
With Illinois committing to environmentally responsible design and multimodal connectivity, construction teams will also gain exposure to innovative practices such as green infrastructure, sustainable materials, and integrated mobility design.
The $50.6 billion IDOT multi-year program is not just an investment in concrete, steel, and asphalt—it is an investment in Illinois workers and communities. From small-town road repairs to major metropolitan transit hubs, this initiative will provide steady work for thousands, support local contractors, and improve everyday life for millions of residents. For those in the construction field, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of Illinois infrastructure.