Rebuilding Southern Cook County: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
COOK COUNTY – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in southern Cook County, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Five projects combined represent a total investment of $215 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.”
All projects are scheduled to be completed between 2026 and 2027.
- Wood Street/Ashland Avenue reconstruction began in 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in late 2026. There is a northbound detour.
- Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) at Cicero Avenue traffic signal modernization began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026. Lane closures are in place.
- Southwest Highway (Illinois 7), from 131st to 135th streets, reconstruction and drainage improvements began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed in late 2026. Lane closures are in place.
- 127th Street over Cal-Sag Channel bridge deck replacement began in spring and is anticipated to be completed in 2026. Lane closures are 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 are anticipated to begin this fall and be completed in 2027. Two lanes are open in each direction.
“Investing in our state’s infrastructure uplifts our community and boosts our local economy,” said Senate Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Sen. Elgie Sims Jr. (D-Chicago). “The Rebuild Illinois capital program is proof that Illinois is prioritizing responsible budgeting. We are able to enhance our roads and bridges while also continuing to invest in education, health care and public safety. Together, these investments make Illinois a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
“These investments in our infrastructure are essential to keeping our communities connected, safe and moving forward,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). “By modernizing roads and bridges, we're supporting long-term growth and improving the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the area.”
“These latest improvements will make our communities safer and significantly easier to navigate, reducing congestion and improving travel times for commuters,” said state Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). “I am excited to see what this new chapter of Rebuild Illinois will bring to our neighborhoods.”
“In 2019, bridges across Illinois were in disrepair and roads were riddled with potholes,” said House Majority Officer and Sergeant at Arms Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the work we have done to modernize our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and make Illinois more accessible for everyone who calls it home.”
“Over the next few years, people in the south suburbs can look forward to important improvements in and around their communities,” said Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita (D-Blue Island). “Rebuild Illinois is transforming our state’s infrastructure while creating good jobs and safer highways, roads and bridges for the future.”
“We’re thrilled that the state of Illinois is continuing to prioritize transportation investment throughout the south suburbs,” said Lynwood Mayor Jada D. Curry, president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. “There remain unmet needs, but through the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, projects are now coming to fruition, bringing jobs and economic opportunity to local communities and the region.”
“Investing in our state’s infrastructure uplifts our community, ensures safety and strengthens our local economy,” said Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin. “The Rebuild Illinois capital program demonstrates that our state is committed to responsible budgeting. The village of Matteson was proud to use Rebuild Illinois funding to replace an essential bridge in our community, the 207th Street bridge over Butterfield Creek, a structure that was in desperate need of repair.”
“The Southwest Highway reconstruction and drainage project is an important investment in the long-term infrastructure of Orland Park,” said Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge. “By addressing critical drainage needs and modernizing this corridor, we are enhancing safety, reducing flooding risks and ensuring that this roadway can better serve our residents and businesses well into the future. We appreciate the state of Illinois’ commitment to strengthening the foundation of our community through projects such as this one.”
“The village of Alsip certainly wishes to thank Gov. Pritzker’s office and everyone at IDOT for recognizing and investing in local infrastructure within the village of Alsip, as the bridge over the Cal-Sag Channel is located near the Tri-State Tollway and 127th Street and Cicero Avenue intersection that facilitates over 140,000 vehicles daily, with access to Crestwood, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park and Lemont,” said Alsip Mayor John D. Ryan. “The Cal-Sag Bicycle Trail stretches over 15 miles from Alsip to Lemont, and bicyclists need to cross the bridge to access the trail system. This bridge hasn’t been addressed for strengthening since 1968. Rebuild Illinois funding is keeping everyone safe that travels across this bridge.”
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.
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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell
