Rebuilding southern Cook County: Construction season brings another round of major improvements
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure, enhancing quality of life
CHICAGO – Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in southern Cook County, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic capital program, seven projects combined represent a total investment of $127.3 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 seven major projects in southern Cook County, two are scheduled to be completed in 2026, with the remaining five projects completed between 2027-2028.
- Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) at Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) signal modernization. Work began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in late fall. Lane closures are in place.
- 127th Street over Cal-Sag Channel bridge deck replacement. Work began in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in late fall. A full lane closure with detour is in place.
- Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94) from Martin Luther King Drive to 159th Street (U.S. 6) resurfacing, bridge repairs, 159th Street bridge rehabilitation and upgraded lighting. Work began in 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in late 2027. There is a southbound lane reduction in 2026 and a northbound lane reduction in 2027. Two lanes remain open during each closure.
- Oak Park Avenue over I-80 superstructure replacement, shoulder widening, trail addition. Work is anticipated to begin in 2027 and be completed in one construction season. A full lane closure with a detour will be in place.
- Main Street from Wheeler Drive to Illinois 171 reconstruction, resurfacing, storm sewers and culverts. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in fall 2028. A full lane closure with a posted detour will be in place.
- Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) from the Will County line to 123rd Street (McCarthy Road) resurfacing and ADA improvements. Work is anticipated to begin later this fall and be completed in summer 2027. Daily lane closures will be in place.
- Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) from 123rd Street (McCarthy Road) to Bell Road resurfacing and ADA improvements. Work began this summer and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2027. Daily lane closures will be in place.
“Rebuild Illinois remains committed to bringing efficiency and safety to the residents of the Chicagoland area,” said state Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Intersections and bridges are being fixed within the south suburbs to improve road conditions and ensure that our infrastructure benefits our residential and commercial needs.”
“The Chicagoland area is home to millions of hardworking families. They all deserve to live in a community that supports them,” said state Rep. Mary Gill, (D-Chicago). “With the major investments being made into our city and suburban infrastructure, we’re making life that much easier for every citizen. Including in my local community, where critical projects are being funded, like the bridge deck replacement on 127th Street in Alsip. These investments not only ensure our communities have the best possible infrastructure but also boost our economy and safeguard our neighborhoods.”
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 on 24,498 miles of highways, 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.
Southern Cook project map_2026.pdf
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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell
