Dixon celebrates Project ROCK construction, expansion of recreation and mobility options

DIXON – The Illinois Department of Transportation and the city of Dixon were joined today by local officials and community leaders to announce the start of Project ROCK – Revitalizing Opportunities for the Community and Kids. Led by Dixon with assistance from IDOT, the $14 million project will build a new bike and pedestrian bridge across the Rock River and offer connections to new paths and other improvements in Page Park, expanding recreation and mobility options for residents and visitors.

“The new path in Dixon is an investment that improves local quality of life and connects people to the meaningful destinations in their lives,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We are proud of the partnership with Dixon to see this project to fruition, which could not have happened without the support and leadership at the federal, state and local levels. It’s one more example of how we’re working with communities to get things done, every single day, up and down the state.”

Made possible by an $11.9 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant and more than $2 million from the city, with technical and financial oversight provided by IDOT, Project ROCK extends from Viaduct Point across a new bridge built over the Rock River on piers left from the old Illinois Central Railroad, connecting to a system of paths in Page Park.

Once it’s finished next year, the path will connect Dixon’s south side with the city’s riverfront as well as Dixon High School and the park district’s baseball diamonds and tennis courts. The project also includes repairs to Page Drive through the park.

“After more than 27 years of vision and anticipation, it is amazing to see Project Rock become a reality,” said Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes. “This is being accomplished due to a significant joint effort. It started with the U.S. DOT RAISE grant but has continued under the guidance of IDOT’s District 2 management and staff in addressing the challenges and nuances of this project. Through the help of park and school districts, as well as the consultant team, this project will provide a transformational community amenity.”

Project ROCK completes another phase of the Dixon Riverfront Masterplan, which launched more than 20 years ago with the development of Dixon’s Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza downtown.

The first phase of the path, Viaduct Point, was completed last year, thanks to a $3.4 million grant through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, a popular IDOT program designed to expand travel options and enhance quality of life in communities throughout the state. The program is providing more funding than ever thanks to Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital program in state history and first to touch all modes of transportation.

Viaduct Point also runs along the abandoned rail line, starting near IDOT’s District 2 headquarters on Depot Avenue and crossing high above city streets via three historic stone arch bridges crafted from Galena limestone quarried locally in Dixon. A wooden boardwalk connects the path with a spur into downtown Dixon.

“Investments in rebuilding and modernizing Illinois’ infrastructure are critical to improving residents’ quality of life,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). “Today’s groundbreaking for a pedestrian bridge over the Rock River will create a safer and more accessible experience for Dixon residents and visitors. I am proud to support this project and will continue advocating for federal investments to improve our state’s infrastructure.”

“Investing in our infrastructure is about more than just improving our roads and rail lines – it’s about making it faster, safer and more efficient for all of us to get around our communities,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois). “I’m proud to see this infusion of federal funding used to support this important project that will make it easier and safer for Dixon’s pedestrians and cyclists to access their community’s recreational facilities, riverfront and high school. I’ll continue working alongside Sen. Durbin, Secretary Biagi, Mayor Hughes and our local leaders to ensure our communities have the support they need to strengthen and improve our infrastructure for generations to come.”

“This generational project is the culmination of amazing state, federal and local government partnerships, as well as decades of planning and volunteer support from throughout the Dixon and Sauk Valley communities,” said state Sen. Li Arellano Jr. (R-Dixon). “Redeveloping Dixon’s riverfront dramatically improves quality of life and more deeply integrates the Rock River into daily public use and enjoyment. It is also an anchor project for public safety and economic development as downtown Dixon continues to grow and provide business opportunities, jobs, shopping and recreation.”

“I am very excited that this project is finally beginning,” said state Rep. Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon). “This has been a dream for our city for a long time. Looking forward for this new path to improve the quality of life in Dixon and to increase safety for students as they go to and from school.”