Rebuilding Central Cook County: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
COOK COUNTY – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in central Cook County, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Ten projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $227.2 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,” said Gov. Pritzker. “This construction season, IDOT will continue to build on years of progress by undertaking construction projects that will create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs across the state. Through these projects, we are demonstrating what government is supposed to do and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve.”
Of the 10 major projects in central Cook County, two are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining eight to be completed between 2026 and 2030.
- 55th Street east of Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) to west of Plainfield Road, intersection widening and resurfacing began in 2023 and are anticipated to be completed this fall. One lane is open in each direction.
- Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20), bridge widening and resurfacing began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed in 2026. One lane is open in each direction.
- East Avenue at 47th Street and from 47th Street to 55th Street, traffic signal installation, resurfacing and ADA improvements began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed in 2026. Daytime lane closures and detour for northbound East Avenue are in place.
- 79th Street from westbound Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) to Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) resurfacing began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Daytime lane closures are in place.
- I-290 at Ridgeland Avenue bridge replacement and retaining wall installation are anticipated to begin in 2028 and be completed in 2029. Full bridge closures with detour and daytime lane closures will be in place.
- I-55 from Wolf Road to Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50), bridge deck resurfacing, bridge joint replacement and repair, patching and drainage improvements are anticipated to begin in 2028 and be completed in 2030. Three lanes will be open in each direction.
- I-55 at Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) bridge replacement, reconstruction, intersection upgrades and ADA improvements will begin in 2027 and are anticipated to be complete in 2029. One lane open in each direction.
- Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) at Sanitary and Ship Canal, bridge superstructure rehabilitation and bridge repair will begin in 2027 and are anticipated to be complete in 2029. One lane open in each direction.
- Archer Avenue from Illinois 171 to Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) and Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) from Archer Avenue to 63rd Street traffic signal replacement, water main and drainage upgrades, and ADA improvements will begin 2027 and are anticipated to be complete in 2028. One lane of traffic open in each direction.
- Pump Station at U.S. 12/20 (95th Street) and Illinois 43 (Harlem Avenue), north of I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), replacing existing Pump Station No. 25 will begin in 2027 and is anticipated to be complete in 2028. Daily lane closures will be in place.
“Following weeks where our residents faced historic flooding, we are grateful to have our drainage systems improved with these new investments,” said state Sen. Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, we will not only see our infrastructure greatly improved, we will also see many good-paying jobs coming to the district.”
“The projects initiated by Rebuild Illinois will uplift communities across the state by improving safety, reducing travel time and connecting people to the places they care about and need access to,” said state Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Chicago). “Through these steps, we are upholding our responsibility to maintain safe and convenient routes for commuters, while expanding job opportunities for Illinoisans.”
“Making sure my neighbors can get to work and through their day on quality roads, bridges and railways is my top priority,” said state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago). “Through use and weather, these arteries of our economy are worse for wear, threatening the economic progress we've made in the past few years. However, the continued infrastructure investments from Rebuild Illinois are moving us in the right direction. The hundreds of millions earmarked for central Cook County communities will ensure that economic growth and development remains at the forefront of our state's priorities.”
“Quality infrastructure keeps the Illinois economy, and Illinoisans, on the move, so investing in needed, cost-effective improvements in that infrastructure is paramount,” said Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero). “Rebuild Illinois has been critical in expanding quality trades and construction jobs, improving pedestrian and motorist safety and ensuring our economic future continues to be built on the work ethic and ingenuity of Illinoisans.”
“Rebuild Illinois is more than an infrastructure program, it’s an investment in our community’s future. The improvements coming to East Avenue and 47th Street will make daily life safer and more accessible for our residents, while also strengthening connections with our neighboring communities,” said Brookfield Mayor Michael J. Garvey. “These projects reflect a shared commitment to the well-being of our families, local businesses and everyone who calls Brookfield home.”
“The I-290 bridge replacement at Ridgeland Avenue is a vital investment for Oak Park and surrounding communities,” said Oak Park Mayor Vicki Scaman. “Through Rebuild Illinois, this project will improve safety, accessibility and mobility for our residents, commuters and businesses alike. While we know that construction will bring necessary closures and detours, we look forward to working in collaboration with IDOT to keep our vibrant community connected and to deliver an updated bridge that will serve our future generations well.”
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
“Rebuild Illinois continues to reshape transportation, creating economic opportunity, improving mobility and enhancing quality of life in every corner of the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Remember: If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this construction season, you will be traveling through work zones. When you see orange, slow down and save lives.”
Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.
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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell
