Construction will begin on a new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson Streets in Springfield. This is the latest milestone for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, made possible by the Governor's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. By separating railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic, the overpasses will reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times, and enhance local quality of life.
Madison and Jefferson Streets will be closed between 9th and 11th Streets for an estimated 14 months, weather permitting, with a detour posted. The project will consist of:
- Lowering Madison and Jefferson Streets
- Building new railroad bridges to create a set of double tracks for the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad, as well as the proposed Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak lines.
- Building underpasses
According to Illinois.gov, Madison and Jefferson Streets carry a combined 20,000 vehicles a day, serving as a critical link for police, firefighters, and two nearby hospitals. Funding for the improvements comes from:
- $13.5 million via the Federal Railroad Administration
- $30.9 million from the Illinois Commerce Commission
- $23.9 million from IDOT
- $7.4 million through Rebuild Illinois
The following projects are nearing completion:
- Improved crossings at Capitol Avenue and Washington Street
- Monroe Street's conversion to a pedestrian-only crossing
- Construction of the Norfolk Southern rail corridor
A cooperative venture of IDOT, Sangamon County, and the city of Springfield, the overall Springfield Rail Improvement Project consists of:
- Streamlining railroad operations to reduce the impact of train traffic on the surrounding community
- Relocating all passenger and freight traffic from the Third Street corridor to Tenth Street
- Constructing underpasses and one overpass at key crossings on the 10th and 19th Street corridors
Michael Mendenhall, Springfield Rail Improvements Project manager, stated that the project will be led by United Contractors Midwest of Springfield.
Underpasses were completed at Carpenter Street in 2016, Ash Street in 2019, and Laurel Street in 2021. Double-track rail bridges at Fifth and Sixth Streets, also knowns as Business Loop 55, opened in 2022, replacing single-track bridges with inadequate vertical clearance for vehicle traffic. Additionally, the state-of-the-art Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Hub is being constructed, with the Sangamon Mass Transit District bus transfer station partially completed and groundbreaking for a new Amtrak station to begin this year.
"Congestion in Downtown Springfield can be hectic, especially when the train crosses right through the town during peak traffic hours. Emergency vehicles have been delayed getting to and from the medical district, increasing the wait time when residents need medical assistance. This investment not only uplifts the city but also takes into account the safety, livability and development of Springfield for years to come."
State Senator | Doris Turner
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total $33.2 billion into the state's transportation system over six years. This will create jobs and promote economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first plan that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
