Rebuilding Springfield: Rest areas and resurfacing highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in Springfield, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Seven projects combined represent an investment of $82 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 seven major projects in Springfield, five are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining two anticipated to be completed in 2026.
- Rail Splitter rest areas on I-55 demolition and reconstruction – northbound at mile marker 102 and southbound at mile marker 104 began in summer 2024 and anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. Rest areas will be closed for the duration of this project.
- I-55 over the Sangamon River bridge widening to accommodate three lanes in each direction and deck replacement 2.2 miles south of the Sherman interchange began in 2025 and anticipated to be completed in 2026. Lane closures with two lanes open in each direction.
- Dirksen Parkway pavement reconstruction, resurfacing and ADA improvements just south of Peoria Road to north of Northfield Drive began in this spring and anticipated to be completed in the fall. Lane closures with one lane open in each direction south of Terminal Avenue and a single direction open north of Terminal Avenue.
- Fifth Street pavement reconstruction, ADA improvements and traffic signal replacement from Spruce Street to Ash Street began this spring and is expected to be completed this fall. Lane closures with at least one lane open to traffic at all times and side road closures.
- Veterans Parkway resurfacing between just north of Greenbriar Drive and south of Prairie Crossing Drive began this summer and is anticipated to be completed in the fall. Nighttime lane closures with one lane open in each direction and intermittent nighttime side road closures and turning restrictions.
- Wabash Avenue pavement preservation resurfacing from west of Robbins Road to west of MacArthur Boulevard begins later this summer and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Nighttime lane closures with one lane open in each direction.
- Ninth Street/Peoria Road resurfacing, ADA improvements and parking lane resurfacing from south of Sangamon Avenue to north of Madison Street begins this summer and anticipated to be completed in the fall . Lane closures with one lane open in each direction.
“The historic investments we’re making through Rebuild Illinois aren’t just about highways and bridges – they’re about creating good jobs and improving the quality of life for Central Illinois families,” said state Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “With several local construction projects set to wrap up this year, and a busy summer of travel ahead, the economic impact of easier commutes, safer travels and improved roads and highways will be felt for years to come.”
“These much-needed projects will make significant improvements for all of us who live and work in Central Illinois,” said state Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield). “I’m glad to see these repairs moving forward.”
“I'm proud to see our capital city continue to get the new infrastructure and upgrades we need to continue to be one of Central Illinois' most powerful economic engines,” said state Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “These improvements will bring critical good-paying jobs, faster travel times and more to our region.”
“Rebuild Illinois is delivering transformative infrastructure investments right here in Springfield, and our residents are seeing the benefits firsthand,” said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. “This includes safer roads and improved accessibility to new job opportunities. I’m grateful for the partnership with IDOT as we work together to modernize our city, support our local workforce lay a strong foundation for future growth.”
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 March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $14.8 billion of improvements statewide on 6,078 miles of highways, 629 bridges and 895 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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Joe Schatteman
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