Rebuilding Chicago: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
CHICAGO – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in Chicago, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eight projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $435.8 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 eight major projects in Chicago, one is scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining five to be completed between 2026 and 2031.
- Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94); I-94 Edens Expressway to Hubbard’s Cave, bridge rehabilitation, reversible lanes rehabilitation began in 2023 and are anticipated to be completed this fall. Two lanes open in each direction.
- Ashland Avenue over the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) bridge deck replacement, resurfacing, lighting installation began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed next summer. One lane open in each direction.
- Ohio Street at North Branch of the Chicago River, Kingsbury Street bridge repairs began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed next spring. One lane open in each direction.
- Foster Avenue over Kennedy Expressway, bridge replacement, new lighting, traffic signal modernization, drainage improvements and ADA-compliant sidewalk installation began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed in 2026. A closure of Sheridan Road with a detour in place.
- I-290 at Independence Boulevard bridge replacement is anticipated to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2031. Northbound and southbound Independence Boulevard will be detoured, with intermittent I-290 lane and shoulder closures.
- U.S. 12 (95th Street) at Stony Island Avenue bridge replacement, railroad separation replacement, intersection reconstruction, pump station and lighting are anticipated to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028. One lane will be open in each direction.
- I-55 at Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) bridge replacement is anticipated to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028.
- I-55, Cicero Avenue to Chinatown Feeder Ramps (westbound and eastbound) bridge deck resurfacing, bridge joint repairs, patching and drainage are anticipated to begin in 2028 and be completed in 2030.
“These essential upgrades are an investment in our future – creating safer, more efficient roadways for all travelers,” said state Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With key parts of the Kennedy and Eisenhower expressways undergoing improvement, the Fifth District will benefit from smoother commutes, stronger local economies and safer travel. These projects reflect the progress we are making through investments into Rebuild Illinois that continue delivering results for communities here at home and across our state."
“Investing in improving vital infrastructure like the Kennedy Expressway is one of the best uses of our state’s resources,” said state Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). “Revitalized roadways support commerce and ensure the safety of every driver traveling in and around Chicago. These investments uplift our communities by maintaining and improving the roads and bridges that people use every day.”
“The 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital program continues to be a remarkable and historic investment in communities like mine, who fight against roads, rail and passenger ways that need safety and efficiency improvements,” said state Rep. Jaime Andrade Jr. (D-Chicago). “These investments will ensure that our work to keep people safe and drive our economy forward will be because of our infrastructure, not in spite of it. My work in the legislature has reflected this focus, and I am thankful to Gov. Pritzker, our dedicated construction workers and all those who have put these taxpayer dollars back into our communities.”
“The millions of Chicagoans who use city infrastructure to commute to work, take their kids to school and spend time enjoying this wonderful city deserve roads and bridges that are safe and fast,” said House Majority Conference Chairperson Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago). “Rebuild Illinois will continue to provide these much-needed improvements for countless Chicagoans while creating economic benefits in the form of good-paying jobs in this city's construction industry. I'm happy to see such vital progress."
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
