Rebuilding Lake County: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
LAKE COUNTY – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in Lake County, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eight projects combined represent an investment of nearly $32.7 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 Lake County, five are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining three to be completed between 2026 and 2028.
- Illinois 173 from Brown Avenue to Hunt Club Road resurfacing and ADA improvements began in early 2025 and are anticipated to be completed in late summer. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Old Skokie Road from U.S. 41 to the Wisconsin state line resurfacing and ADA improvements began in 2025 and are anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- U.S. 45 from Illinois 173 to south of Kelly Road resurfacing and ADA improvements began in 2025 and are anticipated to be completed in late summer. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Sheridan Road over Two Creeks culvert repairs are anticipated to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028. A closure of Sheridan Road with a detour will be in place.
- U.S. 41 at Illinois 176 (Rockland Road) pump station, storm sewer and ADA improvements are anticipated to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027. Daily lane closures will be in place.
- U.S. 12 (Rand Road)/Illinois 59 from Illinois 120 to south of Old Rand Road and at Case Road, and Illinois 176 from west of Ivanhoe Road to west of Hawley Street channelization, new shoulders and rumble strip installation are anticipated to begin this summer and be completed in 2026. Daily lane closures will be in place.
- Illinois 59 from Illinois 173 to Highwood Road resurfacing and ADA improvements are anticipated to begin this summer and be completed this fall. Daily lane closures will be in place.
- Sheridan Road from east Sheridan Road to G Street resurfacing and ADA improvements are anticipated to begin this summer and be completed this fall. Daily lane closures will be in place.
“Lake County families deserve safe roads, strong infrastructure and sustainable economic opportunity – and that’s exactly what Rebuild Illinois continues to deliver,” said state Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “These projects not only modernize our transportation systems but also support working families by creating good-paying jobs right here in our communities. I’m proud to see this kind of investment taking root in our region.”
“The goal is for all residents in Lake County to thrive,” said state Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan). “Rebuild Illinois continues to play a key role in helping us achieve that goal by re-establishing Illinois infrastructure, which puts money back into families’ pockets and allows them to meet their basic needs, while also building a sustainable and just future for our community.”
“A transportation system is only as good as its connections, and state routes form the critical links that keep people, goods and services moving throughout Lake County,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “We thank Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation for investing through Rebuild Illinois to modernize these highly traveled corridors that are essential in supporting daily travel needs and a strong economy.”
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 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.
# # #
Maria Castaneda
Paul Wappel