Rebuilding Northern Cook County: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season

COOK COUNTY – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in northern Cook County, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Nine projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $239.2 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 nine major projects in northern Cook County, five are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining four to be completed in 2026 and 2027. ​ 

“Thanks to the Rebuild Illinois capital program, our region has seen continued infrastructure investments into our roads and other major projects,” said Majority Caucus Whip Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By improving the safety and mobility of our roads, we are investing in the future of our communities, ensuring everyone is able to get where they need to go in a safe, reliable and accessible way.”

“By addressing the need for improvements and restoration of our roadways, we are investing in a stronger economic future through Rebuild Illinois,” said state Sen. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Projects that improve our roads, update bridges and optimize traffic flow underscore the state’s commitment to the safety of residents and visitors.”

“The Rebuild Illinois capital program has been revitalizing our state's roads, bridges and transport infrastructure for six years, providing safer roads for everyone and thousands of good-paying jobs,” said state Rep. Mike Kelly (D-Chicago). “Our area is among those benefiting from this work, including at the Oakton Street bridge and the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Dempster Street. When we invest in the communities we serve, we keep Illinois moving forward together."

“City infrastructure is a too-often overlooked pillar of our everyday lives, but putting taxpayer dollars on these projects is a smart, fiscally responsible approach to promote safer streets,” said state Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights). “Every person in our community will get to take advantage of more rapid commutes, and the new good-paying jobs that road and bridge projects provide benefit our whole economy. This is a step towards a stronger future, and I will continue to support more like it.”

“The Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program is not only an investment in our infrastructure, it’s an investment in the lives of the community members who use our roads, bridges and pathways to get to and from school, work and home each and every day,” said Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes. “The village of Skokie is grateful for the state’s leadership in modernizing and improving critical infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of our community and the region.”

“On behalf of the city of Des Plaines, I thank Gov. Pritzker for this historic investment in infrastructure through the Rebuild Illinois program,” said Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski. “These upgrades to roads, bridges and transit are vital for Des Plaines and northern Cook County, improving commutes and connecting businesses to opportunities. The governor’s commitment strengthens our city and region, creating jobs and ensuring a brighter future for families in our community.”

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.