As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is rolling out a series of major infrastructure upgrades across Southern Illinois. Backed by Governor JB Pritzker’s historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, these 13 large-scale projects represent nearly $534 million in investment. The projects aim to improve safety and mobility while supporting and creating well-paying construction jobs throughout the region.
Overview of Key Projects
Five of the 13 major initiatives are scheduled for completion in 2024, while the remaining eight are expected to wrap up between 2026 and 2028. Highlights include:
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I-57 (mileposts 66-75, Jackson County)
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Expansion to six lanes
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Replacement of bridges over Big Muddy River
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Began: Spring 2022 | Completion: 2025
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Nighttime lane closures anticipated
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I-57 (mileposts 75-85, Franklin County)
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Six-lane expansion and bridge replacement over Marcum Branch and Gun Creek
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Began: 2025 | Completion: 2028
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I-57 (mileposts 85-92, Jefferson County)
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Six-lane expansion and structure replacement over Dodds Creek
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Began: 2024 | Completion: 2027
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I-57/64 and Illinois 15 Interchange (Jefferson County)
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Full reconstruction
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Began: 2025 | Completion: 2027
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I-57 (mileposts 45-53)
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Six-lane expansion
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Began: 2025 | Completion: 2026
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I-24 (mileposts 0-13, Johnson and Williamson counties)
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Resurfacing and bridge repairs
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Began: 2024 | Completion: 2025
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I-24 Bridge Work (Ohio River Bridge, Massac County)
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Deck and bridge painting
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Began: 2025 | Completion: 2027
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Illinois 146 in Vienna (Johnson County)
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Pavement widening for a center turn lane
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Multiuse path extension
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Roundabout construction at Red Bud Lane
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Began: 2024 | Completion: 2025
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Illinois 149 at I-57 (Franklin County)
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Roundabouts at I-57 ramps, bridge repairs, multiuse path and sidewalk
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Began: 2024 | Completion: 2025
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I-64 (Washington County Line to I-57, Jefferson County)
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Pavement reconstruction and bridge work
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Began: 2023 | Completion: 2026
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Illinois 14 in McLeansboro (Hamilton County)
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Railroad bridge removal, elevation adjustments, new curbs, gutters, and storm sewers
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Began: 2024 | Completion: 2025
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Illinois 37 (Wildcat Dr. to Illinois 148)
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Earthwork, drainage, resurfacing, shoulder widening, roundabout at Wildcat Dr.
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Began: 2025 | Completion: 2026
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Illinois 13 (Spillway Rd. to Shawnee Trail, Williamson County)
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Pavement widening, new bridge over Crab Orchard Lake, multiuse path
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Begins: 2025 | Completion: 2027
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Construction Trades and Workforce Impact
WSIU reports that these ambitious projects will engage a wide range of trades and professionals, including:
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Equipment operators (cranes, excavators, and drill rigs)
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Concrete and steel workers
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Paving and resurfacing crews
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Bridge specialists
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Electrical and signaling technicians
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Safety and traffic control teams
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Surveyors and civil engineers
Each project requires coordination across multiple disciplines to ensure safe, efficient, and timely delivery. Construction workers will play a critical role in executing design plans, maintaining traffic safety, and ensuring structural integrity.
Rebuild Illinois: Broader Impact
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is the largest capital investment in state history, totaling $33.2 billion over six years. The initiative covers:
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Roads and bridges
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Public transit
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Aviation
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Rail (freight and passenger)
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Waterways
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Bicycle and pedestrian facilities
As of March 31, 2024, the program has funded $14.8 billion in improvements covering:
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6,078 miles of highways
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629 bridges
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895 safety upgrades
Final Thoughts
As Southern Illinois moves into a new era of infrastructure development, the Rebuild Illinois program not only enhances mobility and safety but also fuels job creation and long-term economic growth. For construction workers and skilled tradespeople, this season marks a milestone of opportunity and transformation throughout the region.
