Entering its fifth year, Rebuild Illinois continues to be a testament to progress, innovation, and economic growth. Today, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced a series of new projects in the Rockford area that align with Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan capital program.
With eight major projects totaling more than $266.5 million, the region is set to witness significant improvements in safety, mobility, and job creation.
"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 | Governor Pritzker
Illinois.gov states that four projects are scheduled for completion in 2023, while the remaining four are set to be finalized between 2024 and 2027. These projects represent a diverse array of construction tasks, including resurfacing, bridge replacements, interchange reconstructions, and more.
From resurfacing to lighting updates, the U.S. 20 project is expected to be finished by late November. The project also consists of:
- Guardrail improvements
- Traffic rerouting
- Staged closures to enhance both safety and mobility
A bridge replacement started this spring as part of advance work leading to the $247.6 million, multiyear project to improve I-39 between the Bypass U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange and Blackhawk Road. The bridge is closed. Motorists should also expect occasional lane closures and shifts on I-39 during construction, which is expected to be finished by Dec. 1.
Reconstruction began in July with the closure of Linden Road to build a bridge that will cross the new southbound lanes of I-39. This project is expected to be completed by the end of November, weather permitting. Construction of the interchange continues through 2024 with the replacement of the Mulford Road bridge and construction of the new northbound and southbound I-39 lanes and reconstruction of Bypass U.S. 20.
Completed in mid-June, the Alpine Road resurfacing from Harrison Avenue to Charles Street is already enhancing the area’s driving experience.
The expansion and overlay of this bridge were finalized in mid-July, signaling another success in the area’s infrastructure improvement.
These 3 projects are on the horizon:
- I-39 at Harrison Avenue
Conversion of interchange from a cloverleaf to a modern, safer diverging-diamond design. Other improvements include replacing the I-39 bridges and expanding Harrison Avenue from South Mall Drive to Mill Road. Work is anticipated to begin in 2024 and wrap up by the end of 2025.
- I-39 Bypass U.S. 20 to Harrison Avenue
Expand the road from four to six lanes with an accessory lane. The project also will replace several bridges. Anticipated to begin in 2025 and wrap up by the end of 2027.
- Bypass U.S. 20 from Mill Road to the Kishwaukee River
Work includes expanding from four to six lanes, improving the intersection with Mill Road and replacing the bridges crossing the Kishwaukee River. Work is expected to begin in 2025 and conclude in 2026.
"Residents of the Rockford and Belvidere areas rely on our infrastructure to commute, visit loved ones and travel around the state. Investing in road and bridge upgrades not only keeps us connected to each other and eases leisure and business travel, but also provides jobs and strengthens the local economy."
State Senator D-Rockford | Steve Stadelman
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois stands as the state's largest capital program. Investing $33.2 billion over six years, it rejuvenates the aging transportation system, supports diverse modes of transportation, and spurs economic growth.
With an investment of approximately $12.1 billion on over 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges, and 762 additional safety improvements, Rebuild Illinois has made an indelible mark on the state's transportation landscape.
Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman emphasized how these investments would strengthen the state's multimodal transportation system. The Rockford projects are not just regional achievements but significant steps towards a connected, safer, and more efficient Illinois.