Rebuilding Rockford: Construction season brings another round of major improvements to region
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure, enhancing quality of life
ROCKFORD – Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in the Rockford area, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic capital program, nine projects combined represent a total investment of more than $208 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 nine major projects in the Rockford area, six are scheduled to be completed in 2026 and the remaining three are anticipated to be completed from 2027 through 2028.
- Business U.S. 20 (East State Street) from Fairview Avenue to Rockford University Entrance Drive pavement patching and resurfacing. Other work includes sidewalk updates and signal improvements. The project began this spring and will wrap up this summer. Expect nightly lane closures.
- Interstate 39 and Illinois 38 interchange reconstruction and bridge repairs. Work began in summer 2025 and is expected to be completed in summer 2027. One lane in each direction on Illinois 38 will be maintained.
- I-39 in Lee County pavement patching and resurfacing. Work began this spring and will wrap up this fall. One lane in each direction will be open.
- I-39 from Mulford Road to Harrison Avenue reconstruction and additional lanes. Work began this spring and is scheduled to end in fall 2028. Expect lane closures and shifts.
- U.S. 20 From Mill Road to the Kishwaukee River intersection reconstruction and bridge replacement. Work began this spring and is scheduled to end in summer 2028. Expect lane closures and traffic shifts.
- Baxter Road over I-39 bridge repairs. The project was completed this summer.
- Illinois 70 from Safford Road to Glenwood Avenue pavement patching and resurfacing. Work includes traffic signal improvements and was completed this summer.
- Springfield Avenue and Safford Road and Illinois 75 and Rock City Road stop sign installation. Work was completed this spring.
- Business U.S. 20 and Logan Avenue resurfacing. Work was completed this spring.
“Prosperous cities and states don't have crumbling infrastructure, and it's only through careful planning and strong fiscal management that we're able to rebuild our roads and expand rail and air travel in Illinois,” said state Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This historic level of investment will grow the economy in the Rockford region, bring good jobs and improve the quality of life.”
“These necessary and important improvements to the economic corridors of Rockford and Belvidere are something I am very proud of,” said state Rep. Dave Vella (D-Loves Park). “This is an example of tax dollars going where they are most needed and will do the most good.”
“These investments make a real difference for the people of Winnebago County,” said Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph V. Chiarelli. “The improvements along the I-39 corridor, including the Baxter Road bridge work, are especially important for our county's future. This is exactly the kind of infrastructure that supports new industrial investment and keeps our region competitive. I want to thank Gov. Pritzker and Secretary Biagi for delivering projects that will pay off for Winnebago County for years to come.”
“These investments are critical to Rockford's continued growth. Modern infrastructure improves safety for residents, supports local businesses, strengthens our transportation network and helps attract new economic development,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “Rebuild Illinois is making meaningful investments in our community that will create jobs and ensure we remain a competitive and connected city for years to come."
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.
RockfordProjectMap_2026_Final_081026.pdf
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Kristophere’ Owens
Paul Wappel
