Speaker Welch, State Officials Celebrate $305.5 Federal Investment for IDOT Projects
CHICAGO – Illinois Department of Transportation has been awarded a combined $305.5 in federal funding to invest in Interstate 290 as well as the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program’s 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project. Both projects will improve traffic throughout the region but will also help create jobs and quality of life for residents.
“I’m thrilled to see this continued investment in our infrastructure, especially in such important areas for our state,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Improving the I-290 corridor has been a passion project of mine for years because I know how important it is to the communities I have the pleasure to serve. I look forward to improving mobility in these areas and allowing for a better travel experience for our motorists and commuters.”
Made possible by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program, the funding is being awarded via competitive grants:
$209.9 million to rebuild track infrastructure, add tracks, fix or replace 14 aging bridges and viaducts as well as implement mobility improvements on local surface streets. The investment will help further one of the largest elements of the CREATE program, which includes Cook County, the city of Chicago and freight and passenger railroads as partners. The grant is the biggest in the history of the CREATE program.
$95.6 million to reconstruct portions of I-290, including upgrading the First Avenue interchange and adding signalized interchanges at Van Buren Street and Maybook Drive. Additional project elements include sanitary sewer upgrades along the expressway corridor.
“Building on our progress with Rebuild Illinois, we’re working tirelessly in Illinois to fight for every federal infrastructure dollar so we can better serve people in every corner of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These federal MEGA Grants for the Illinois Department of Transportation will no doubt advance our mission to restore aging infrastructure and improve rail safety and efficiency for all.”
“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, the congressional delegation and the hard work of multiple partners and community stakeholders, we are able to make a significant investment that strengthens the state’s status as the transportation hub of North America,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “These projects will not only have far-reaching impacts on our transportation system but deliver much-needed economic and community benefits in historically disadvantaged areas.”
“This funding is welcome news,” said Senate President Don Harmon. “These two announcements represent another step forward in what are transformative projects across the region that will continue to decrease commute times, reconnect communities and improve safety.”
“This investment will not only enhance the health and safety of our communities, but also create jobs and improve the overall quality of life for residents,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “It’s a testament to our commitment to modernizing transportation and ensuring a brighter, more efficient future for all."
The federal awards are on top of unprecedented investments in infrastructure due to Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois capital program. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a combined total of $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. The landmark capital program is not only the largest in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.