Rebuilding Will County: Multiple projects highlight another historic construction season
Gov. Pritzker’s capital program modernizing infrastructure throughout region and Illinois
WILL COUNTY – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in Will County, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Nine projects combined represent an investment of nearly $117 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 Will County, three are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining six to be completed between 2026 and 2030.
- U.S. 6 (Scott Street) from Washington Street to Ruby Street resurfacing and ADA improvements began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- U.S. 30 (Cass Street) at Des Plaines River bridge superstructure replacement and ADA improvements began this spring and are anticipated to be completed this fall. A full closure is in place.
- Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) at Illinois 53 (Independence Boulevard) traffic signal, raised pavement markers and left-turn lane installation began this spring and are anticipated to be completed in late fall. Lane reductions are in place.
- U.S. 6 (Maple Road) from Henderson Avenue to Draper Avenue/Walnut Street bridge deck resurfacing, bridge joint replacement and repair, and ADA improvements began in 2024 and are anticipated to be completed this fall. A full closure is in place.
- Interstate 57 at Pauling Road (overhead) new bridge deck, shoulder repair, retaining wall installation, culvert extension and culvert repair are anticipated to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027. A full detour will be in place using Illinois 50, Monee Manhattan Road and South Harlem Avenue.
- U.S. 30 (Jefferson Street) at Des Plaines River new bridge deck and bridge repair are anticipated to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2028. A detour will be in place.
- Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) at Des Plaines River and Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal bridge replacement is anticipated to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2030. A full detour will be in place.
- Illinois 53 (Chicago Street) from U.S. 52 (Doris Avenue) to West Manhattan Road resurfacing will begin in 2029 and is anticipated to be completed that year. Daily lane closures will be in place.
- Jackson Street at Des Plaines River bridge superstructure rehabilitation will begin in 2027 and is anticipated to be completed in 2029. A detour will be in place.
“It’s exciting to see these much-needed projects come to fruition,” said state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The Rebuild Illinois capital plan has delivered vital infrastructure and road enhancements around the state, especially in Will County, and we are looking forward to seeing even more projects pop up in the coming years, further improving the region.”
“The projects through Rebuild Illinois are exactly what smart investment in our communities should look like – safer roads and intersections, more accessible sidewalks and easing traffic flow so families can get to school and work safely,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). “These much-needed improvements create good local jobs and make it easier for everyone to move through our community and stay connected.”
“This work through the governor’s Rebuild Illinois initiative lays the groundwork for a more connected, modern Illinois. This milestone demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together across the aisle, ensuring long-term benefits for the state through bipartisan efforts,” said state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr. (D-Elwood). “These projects create jobs and make our roads safer for everyone – drivers, pedestrians and emergency vehicles alike.”
“Rebuild Illinois has been transformational for our region,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Once completed, these projects will profoundly impact the quality of life within our communities by expanding access, strengthening the economy and making our roadways safer. I appreciate Gov. Pritzker and IDOT for prioritizing infrastructure investments in Will County.”
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 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