As we enter the fifth year of the Rebuild Illinois program, it's clear that the state is undergoing a transformative period in its infrastructure development. With a historic bipartisan capital program led by Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois is investing more than $128 million in central Cook County alone. For those in the commercial construction sector, this represents a plethora of opportunities for work, skill development, and contributing to community betterment.
Central Cook County: Ten Projects to Watch
LaGrange Road Overhaul
LaGrange Road (U.S. 12/20/45) over Santa Fe Drive, Sanitary & Ship Canal, I&M Canal & Canadian National Railroad in Countryside, Hodgkins, Justice and Willow Springs
- This ongoing project focuses on bridge repair, deck replacement, and lighting improvements. With construction slated for completion by spring 2024, it's a long-term commitment that promises to improve safety and mobility.
Pulaski Road Resurfacing
From Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) to Cermak Road in Chicago
- This project began in the summer and is expected to wrap up this fall. It involves resurfacing and will require daily lane closures but promises a smoother, safer driving experience upon completion.
East Avenue Reconstruction
East Avenue from Joliet Road to 55th Street in Countryside, Hodgkins and McCook
- Another project that began last spring, this one involves intersection reconstruction and resurfacing. It's expected to be completed by spring 2024.
Cicero Avenue Bridge Deck Resurfacing
Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) over Beltway Railway Company in Bedford Park and Chicago
- This project began in 2021 and aims to complete by the end of this year. It involves bridge deck resurfacing and repairs.
55th Street Widening
55th Street from Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) to west of Plainfield Road in Western Springs, Lyons Township, Countryside and LaGrange
This upcoming project includes intersection widening and resurfacing, with a completion date set for fall 2025.
Harlem Avenue Bridge Widening
Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20) in Oak Lawn
- This upcoming project includes bridge widening and resurfacing. It is anticipated to begin later this fall and completed in the fall of 2025.
East Avenue Traffic Signal Installation
East Avenue at 47th Street in McCook
- Consists of traffic signal installation and daily lane closures. This project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025 and completed in the fall of 2026.
LaGrange Road Bridge Replacement
(U.S. 12) at Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) and 79th Street in Willow Springs and Justice
- This upcoming project will include bridge replacement with at least one lane to remain open during construction. Work is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 and complete in the summer of 2025.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA?
79th Street Resurfacing
79th Street from Archer Avenue to Cicero Avenue in Justice and Burbank
- This upcoming resurfacing project will require daily lane closures and is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024 and completed by the spring of 2025.
Eisenhower Expressway Bridge Resurfacing
Eisenhower Expressway at Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Park
- This project includes upcoming bridge resurfacing and installation of retaining walls. Daily lane closures with some full bridge closures will be needed to complete the work. This project is anticipated to begin spring 2026 and complete fall 2027.
Northern Cook County: Eight Projects to Keep an Eye On
The following seven major projects represent a total investment of more than $40 million, improving safety, mobility and quality of life while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
Edens Expressway Lighting Replacement
Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) from Lincoln Avenue to Montrose Avenue in Chicago, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove and Skokie
- This ongoing project involves lighting replacement and new light pole installation, with an expected completion date of late summer 2024.
Edens Expressway Additional Lighting Replacement
Edens Expressway from Lake-Cook Road to Lincoln Avenue in Highland Park, Morton Grove, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie and Wilmette
- This ongoing project involves lighting replacement and new light pole installation, with an expected completion date of late summer 2024.
Edens Expressway Bridge Replacement
Edens Expressway at Oakton Avenue in Skokie
- This upcoming bridge replacement project will require land closures during construction. The project is anticipated to begin spring 2024 and completed by late fall of 2025.
Milwaukee Avenue Resurfacing
Milwaukee Avenue (Illinois 21) from Glenview Road to Kennicott Lane in Glenview
- This ongoing project includes resurfacing with ADA improvements. Daytime lane closures are needed to complete construction. Project began this spring and is estimated to be complete by late summer of 2024.
Golf Road Culvert Repair
Golf Road (Illinois 58) over Poplar Creek in Hoffman Estates
- This upcoming project involves culvert repair and shoulder closures will be required. Project is expected to be completed by late summer 2024.
Higgins Road Bridge Deck Resurfacing
Higgins Road (Illinois 72) over Willow Creek in Des Plaines and Rosemont
- This project includes bridge deck resurfacing, joint replacement, and repairs. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction. It's expected to begin in spring 2024 and completed by late fall of 2024.
Rand Road bridge replacement
Rand Road over the Des Plaines River in Des Plaines
- This upcoming bridge replacement project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 and to be completed late fall of 2025. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
Conclusion: A Career Opportunity
As we've outlined, the Rebuild Illinois initiative is more than just a series of construction projects; it's a blueprint for the state's future and a testament to the power of well-planned infrastructure. For construction professionals, these projects represent not just job opportunities, but a chance to be part of something bigger.
Call-to-Action: Keep an eye on the Rebuild Illinois program. With numerous projects in the pipeline, it's an exciting time to be in the commercial construction sector in Illinois.
