US 20/Illinois 84 work in Galena complete
$31.5 million Rebuild Illinois project improves safety and mobility
GALENA – The Illinois Department of Transportation was joined today by local officials and community leaders to announce the completion of U.S. 20/Illinois 84 (Spring Street) in Galena, a $31.5 million investment made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The project reconstructed U.S. 20/Illinois 84 between Main Street and Gear Street over three construction seasons, modernizing Galena’s main thoroughfare with special touches that acknowledge its historic past.
“The completion of Spring Street in Galena is a testament to Rebuild Illinois’ statewide transformative impact,” said Gov. Pritzker. “This project not only modernized the road for improved traffic flow and safety, but it also brought a much-needed storm sewer system and better-connected businesses to the city. This is more than an upgrade – it’s an investment in Galena’s future, strengthening the local economy and paving the way for continued success.”
The project consisted of removing the old road and installing new pavement with left turn lanes at various side streets throughout the corridor, improving traffic flow and safety. Curbs and gutters, storm sewers, retaining walls as well as relocated water sanitary facilities also were included. A new path for people who walk, bike and roll was added, connecting downtown Galena with businesses to the north.
“Projects like these improve safety and mobility, but they are more than just an investment in transportation,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “By improving Spring Street in Galena, we are tuning up one of the state’s economic engines and making the entire region poised for greater success in the future.”
U.S. 20/Illinois 84 carries an average of 10,300 vehicles a day, with truck traffic accounting for more than 11%. Prior to the improvements, the road lacked a storm sewer system, resulting in flooding during heavy rains.
The new-and-improved U.S. 20/Illinois 84 is expected to strengthen the local economy and position the city for even greater success. With its 19th century charm and architecture, Galena is one of the state’s top tourist destinations, drawing well over a million visitors a year, supporting nearly 1,600 jobs and generating $1.8 million for the region.
“Improving infrastructure in Northwest Illinois is vital to helping our communities and region thrive,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. “This project addresses critical infrastructure and safety concerns, enhancing the quality of life for residents and supporting local businesses, which will drive further economic growth.”
The project overcame several challenges working within the Galena National Register Historic District. More than 50 buildings in the district are in the project’s work zone. Working with the city of Galena and the State Historic Preservation Office, IDOT reconstructed retaining walls with aesthetic treatments to give the appearance of stone and dyed the pavement to match the city’s legendary brick and stone features.
During construction, a special detour was established that used Gear Street, a city street that IDOT rebuilt in 2019, to carry eastbound traffic. Westbound traffic remained on U.S. 20/Illinois 84.
“The project was extremely challenging given the heavy traffic, narrow highway right-of-way, and design requirements within the national historic district. With the opening of the new highway, Galena and its many visitors have a much safer and visually appealing corridor,” said Galena Mayor Terry Renner. “The community is so appreciative of this enormous state of Illinois investment that has added value, enhanced safety and made Galena even more attractive as a destination.”
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $33.2 billion 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 one that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois. Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.
For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
Kristophere’ Owens
Paul Wappel