Rebuilding Decatur: Bridge improvements, resurfacings highlight historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
DECATUR – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in Decatur, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eight projects combined represent a total investment of over $150 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 summer, 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 Decatur, two are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining six anticipated to be completed in 2026.
- U.S. 51 resurfacing and ADA improvements from north of Forsyth to Interstate 72 began in 2024 and anticipated to be completed this summer. The work zone has one lane open in each direction.
- U.S. 36 and West Eldorado Street resurfacing, ADA improvements with sidewalk ramps, traffic signal modernization and replacement, bridge joint replacement began in 2024 and anticipated to be completed in August. The work zone has one lane open in each direction.
- Brush College Road and Faries Parkway grade separation at the intersection, including over two railroad tracks, began in 2023 and anticipated to be completed next summer. The south leg of Brush College Road is closed. Other lane closures will be occurring around the area. Detour utilizes North 22nd Street. A project led by the city with significant state contributions.
- Removal and replacement of two bridges carrying Reas Bridge Road over Lake Decatur began in 2023 and anticipated to be completed next summer. Reas Bridge Road traffic will be down to one lane through the different stages of the construction. Signals will be used to direct traffic through the work zone. A project led by Macon County with significant state contributions.
- U.S. 36 bridge replacement over Lake Shore Drive begins in September and is expected to be completed in late 2026. One lane open in each direction.
- Illinois 48 bridge replacement at Mosquito Creek, 1.5 miles northeast of Blue Mound begins in September and anticipated to be completed in late 2026. One lane open in each direction.
- I-72 at U.S. 36 exit to Harristown Boulevard; U.S. 36 from I-72 to a mile west of Harristown Boulevard; and U.S. 51 from I-72 to Cantrell Road west of Decatur lighting replacement begins this summer and anticipated to be completed next spring. One lane open in each direction.
- I-72 over Illinois 121 and Canadian National railroad northwest of Decatur begins in September and anticipated to be completed in late 2026. One lane open in each direction.
“I am pleased to see Decatur receive these critical upgrades to our infrastructure,” said state Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “These changes will improve commute times, create good-paying jobs, and increase safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.”
“Infrastructure is the very foundation for economic development, and Decatur and Macon County are paving the way to success,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois program is investing heavily in our roads and bridges, giving us the financial backing to make these projects a reality. Our coalition of business, labor and local government has been able to demonstrate how critical these investments are to our future, and the governor has delivered!”
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 summer, you will be traveling through work zones. When you see orange, slow down and save lives.”
Accomplishments through March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $14.8 billion of improvements statewide on 6,078 miles of highways, 629 bridges and 895 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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DecaturProjectMap_2025_Final_070825.pdf
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Joe Schatteman
Paul Wappel