Rebuilding Grundy County: Construction season brings more major improvements to region
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure, enhancing quality of life
MORRIS – Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in Grundy County, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic capital program, 12 projects combined represent a total investment of $264 million, creating and maintaining good-paying jobs throughout the region.
“The historic Rebuild Illinois program continues to transform our infrastructure and enhance key economic corridors across the state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Our ambitious capital program is putting Illinoisans to work as we improve regional transportation systems, encourage new economic activity and build a better future for all of Illinois.”
Of the 12 major projects in the Grundy County area, five are scheduled to be completed in 2026, three are scheduled to begin in 2027 and the remaining project start dates are to be determined.
- Canadian National railroad over Interstate 80 bridge replacement. Work is expected to begin in spring 2027. Expect periodic lane closures.
- Wabena Avenue over I-80 bridge repairs. Work began this summer and is expected to be completed this fall. Wabena Avenue will be closed during the project.
- U.S. 6 from Illinois 47 to Nigas Road resurfacing. Work will begin this summer and will wrap up this fall. Expect daily lane closures and some night work near Illinois 47.
- Township Road 110 over I-55 bridge repairs. Work began and wrapped up this summer.
- Illinois 47 over Buchanan Street in Morris bridge repairs. Work is expected to begin in summer 2027. Expect lane closures.
- Illinois 47 over CSX railroad in Morris bridge repairs. Work is expected to begin in summer 2027. Expect lane closures.
- Brown Road over I-80 bridge replacement. Work is programmed for Fiscal Year 2027. Traffic impacts are still being determined.
- U.S. 6 over Aux Sable Creek bridge repairs. Work is expected to begin this fall. One lane will be closed at the work zone.
- I-80 from Seneca interchange to Illinois 47 reconstruction. Work and traffic impacts are still being determined.
- U.S. 6 from Ashton Road to Illinois 47 in Morris reconstruction. Work and traffic impacts are still being determined.
- Illinois 47 (north) and U.S. 6 (east) in Morris intersection reconstruction. Work and traffic impacts are still being determined.
- Illinois 53 from I-55 to the Will County line resurfacing. Work and traffic impacts are still being determined.
“Maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges is essential for the families, businesses, and communities that depend on them every day,” said Deputy Senate Republican Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris). “These projects represent important investments in Grundy County's transportation network, and I look forward to seeing them completed.”
“I am very excited about these infrastructure improvements,” said state Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac). “It is critical that Illinois continues to invest in our highways. I’m thankful that IDOT is driving these improvements and I look forward to seeing their results.”
“Rebuild Illinois has been tremendous in helping communities like Morris and the surrounding area make meaningful investments in infrastructure that improve quality of life for residents while supporting and strengthening the local economy,” said Morris Mayor Chris Brown. “Every dollar invested in Morris and Grundy County today creates greater opportunities for businesses, investors and families tomorrow. We appreciate the state of Illinois and the governor’s office for their continued investment in our communities.”
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.
“Thanks to Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois, we are continuing to deliver transformational projects up and down the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We look forward to another safe construction season that benefits the region for decades to come.”
Accomplishments through Year Seven of Rebuild Illinois include $25.6 billion of improvements statewide to 24,498 lane miles of highway, 959 bridges and 1,475 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.
GrundyCountyProjectMap_2026.pdf
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Paul Wappel
