Rebuilding the Peoria area: Interstate and bridge projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure in Illinois' District 4 and throughout the state
PEORIA – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in the Peoria area, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Nine major projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $351.1 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 nine major projects in the Peoria area, five are scheduled to be completed in 2025, three are anticipated to be completed in 2026 and the remaining one should be completed in 2027.
- Illinois 8/116 Cedar Street bridge over the Illinois River and extension rehabilitation, patching and resurfacing is the second of three related projects that began this spring and is estimated to wrap up in late summer. One lane will remain open in both directions.
- Eastbound McClugage Bridge (U.S. 150) over the Illinois River replacement began in 2019 and is anticipated to be completed later this fall. Demolition of the old eastbound bridge began this year and should wrap up this summer. Adams Street (Illinois 29) is one lane from Lorentz Avenue to Eureka Avenue.
- Airport Road over I-474 bridge replacement began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Intermittent lane closures in both directions expected.
- Illinois 17/91 over Spoon River bridge replacement began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Expect single lane traffic across the bridge operated by signals.
- I-474 over Kickapoo Creek bridge replacement began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2026. Reduced lanes with traffic using crossovers.
- Illinois 78/97 near Havana bridge deck overlays along Illinois 78/97 began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed this summer. Expect single lane traffic across the bridge, controlled by temporary signals.
- Illinois 180 through Williamsfield widening, resurfacing, drainage and guardrail improvements from Illinois 167 to U.S. 150 started in 2025 and are anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2026. Reduced lanes with traffic controlled by flaggers.
- I-74 over the Spoon River bridge replacement and deck overlay started in the fall of 2024, with anticipated completion of the replacement structures in 2026 and paving in 2027. Expect crossover traffic and various staging elements throughout the project.
- U.S. 24 from Kingston Mines to Banner resurfacing with drainage and guardrail improvements started in June and is anticipated to be completed late next summer. Expect single lane traffic in each direction with flaggers.
“The continued investment in Peoria’s infrastructure through Rebuild Illinois will improve daily life for local families,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader David Koehler (D-Peoria Heights). “Safer roads, modernized bridges and reliable transportation networks not only provide reliable methods to get to and from work or school but also make certain the 46th District will continue to evolve with the economic growth in our region.”
“Investments in infrastructure allow us to meet the challenges of today and prepare us for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). “These are critical projects for our region that will make roads safer, support jobs and continue to transform our community. I’m excited to see another busy construction season.”
“From construction workers to commuters, the Rebuild Illinois program is helping to uplift both the local economy and our community through these nine major construction projects. We've already made great progress on these projects, with five scheduled to be completed this year,” said state Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). "Upgrading this vital infrastructure means continuing to invest in the hardworking people of our community and the infrastructure they rely on every day.”
“These projects reflect what’s possible when state and local leaders work together to deliver real results,” said Peoria Mayor Rita Ali. “Rebuild Illinois is more than an infrastructure program. It’s a long-term investment in our residents, our economy, and the daily lives of families across Peoria. We’re proud to see progress taking shape all around us and thank Gov. Pritzker and our state partners.”
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, 2025 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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PeoriaMap_2025_Final_071825.pdf
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Kimberly Hoskins
Paul Wappel