July 9, 2023 – Illinois officials announced the state’s largest construction program in the state’s history with an updated multi-year plan, which includes $41 billion dollars for the state’s infrastructure.
The program looks to address railways, bridges, roadways, and other means of transportation. Run through the Department of Transportation, the program is part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2019 “Rebuild Illinois” plan.
Included in the $41 billion, $27.03 billion will be for roads and bridges. A total of $13.96 billion will go for other means of transportation, including $9.85 billion for transit, $2.67 billion for freight and passenger rail, $1.25 billion for aviation, and $190 million for ports and waterways.
Pritzker said this program will continue the efforts the state has already made in transportation improvements.
“Today, I could not be prouder to announce the IDOT’s MYP, multi-year program, our largest construction program in state history,” Pritzker said during a news conference in Springfield Friday. “Over the next six years, we’re investing over $40 billion to improve all modes of transportation across our great state. That means better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation, and expanded and faster passenger rail service. Rebuild Illinois has increased safety, efficiency and opportunities for residents all over the state, and over the next few years, we will keep building on that progress with all 102 counties of Illinois included in the multi-year program.”
“Our commitment to invest in our roads continues to better the lives of residents across the state,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Through the Multi-Year Highway Improvement Program, we are boosting our local economy, creating more jobs and ensuring our roads are safe and reliable.”
“A significant portion of our state’s economy depends on our highways and roads to make sure businesses can move the goods they produce and workers can get to where they need to be,” said State Representative Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “Improving our roadways will lead to gains in safety, travel time and a stronger Illinois for all.”
In total, the program will cover 3,006 miles of roads and just over 9.8 million square feet of bridge deck on the state system and seeks to bring 96% of the states interstates up to acceptable conditions and 94% of bridges up to acceptable conditions.
