This year marks one of the busiest construction seasons in Rockford’s history, with up to $97 million in public infrastructure projects expected to be awarded by summer. Backed by a mix of federal, state, and local funds—including the city’s 1% infrastructure sales tax—this surge in work is creating job opportunities across all sectors of the construction field. From utility upgrades and full road reconstructions to resurfacing and bridge improvements, crews can expect a season filled with hands-on projects and steady work.
"Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Rockford area and throughout the state. 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."
Governor of Illinois | JB Pritzker
Major Projects Driving Job Site Activity
Whitman Street Reconstruction – $7.1 Million Deep Utility Overhaul
Already underway, the Whitman Street project involves pavement removal and replacement, new driveway approaches, sidewalk and curb reconstruction, storm sewer enhancements, water main and service replacements, sanitary sewer upgrades, and traffic signal updates. The job spans Whitman Street from Court Street to Horsman Street and includes the closure of Ridge Avenue south of North Avenue.
This multi-disciplinary project calls for concrete crews, pipefitters, electricians, traffic signal specialists, and skilled laborers with experience in street reconstruction.
Madison Street Corridor – Streetscape and Water Main Rebuild
Yahoo!News reports that from May 12 through October 31, Madison Street will undergo a full streetscape reconstruction, including water main upgrades. Though closed to through traffic, local businesses will remain accessible.
Crews will be engaged in demolition, utility replacement, and surface restoration. Ideal for laborers, plumbers, and crews accustomed to tight urban work zones with ongoing public access requirements.
11th Street Reconstruction – Full Utility and Rail Crossing Upgrade
Beginning April 7 and running through October, this project features a full reconstruction of the street, along with water and sanitary upgrades and railroad crossing improvements. The phased approach—two blocks at a time—will minimize disruption while keeping crews rotating through active stages.
Rail experience will be critical, along with utility installation and general roadway construction skills.
**Citywide Arterial Resurfacing Projects **
Scheduled between March 31 and July 31, multiple corridors will undergo resurfacing, including:
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Alpine Road (Highcrest to Brookview)
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N. Mulford Road (Fincham to Churchview)
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W. Riverside Blvd (Central to Latham)
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Spring Creek Road (Welsh to N. Mulford)
These projects involve milling, paving, striping, and traffic control—perfect for pavers, equipment operators, truck drivers, and flaggers seeking consistent seasonal work.
Auburn Street Reconstruction – $6 Million Realignment Project
Starting in late summer 2025 and extending into 2026, Auburn Street will be reconstructed between Springfield Avenue and the Main/Auburn roundabout. The final design will reduce the roadway to two lanes with a center turn lane.
Surveying, roadbed grading, lane reconfiguration, and asphalt installation will require a coordinated effort between engineers and experienced paving crews.
Davis Park Renovation – $12 Million Civic Improvement Project
Set to begin in June 2025 and wrap by spring 2026, Davis Park will be transformed with a new playground, skatepark, and small performance stage along the Rock River.
This project will offer a range of roles for landscapers, concrete finishers, carpenters, lighting technicians, and possibly those with experience in amphitheater or recreational design elements.
State and Regional Infrastructure Work Bolstering the Area
Additional projects contributing to the 2024 and 2025 workload include:
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Illinois 2 twin bridge replacement over the Rock River (completing in 2026)
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I-39/U.S. 20 interchange reconstruction and Mulford Road bridge replacement (completing 2024)
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I-39 at Harrison Avenue diverging-diamond interchange (finishing 2025)
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Resurfacing projects on Illinois 2, 70, 75, and 173 (underway now)
Future scheduled work for 2025 includes:
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I-39 bridge washing and expansion near Kishwaukee River
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U.S. 20 expansion from Mill Road to Kishwaukee River
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Springfield Avenue bridge replacement
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Kilburn Avenue resurfacing (Illinois 70)
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Baxter Road bridge deck overlay at I-39
Rebuild Illinois: Powering Progress Across the State
Many of Rockford’s key infrastructure improvements are made possible through Rebuild Illinois, the state’s $33.2 billion capital program launched in 2019. As of March 2024, the program has supported upgrades to more than 6,000 miles of highways, 629 bridges, and nearly 900 safety improvements statewide. The initiative continues to drive local job creation, infrastructure revitalization, and economic resilience.
Conclusion: Rockford’s Building Boom Means Opportunity for Workers
For laborers, machine operators, utility crews, and contractors alike, the city’s infrastructure investment is more than just busywork—it’s a chance to build lasting improvements and gain valuable hands-on experience on high-profile projects. Now is the time to step in, gear up, and help shape Rockford’s future—one road, one bridge, and one park at a time.
