Yesterday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, along with other state leaders, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced the investment of approximately $200 million in 22 projects to improve the movement of freight throughout the Prairie State. These projects aim to create economic opportunity while increasing safety and quality of life.
Administered by IDOT using federal funds, the Illinois Competitive Freight Program aims to implement the goals of the Illinois State Freight Plan.
"For the last four years, we've invested billions of dollars in communities across Illinois to restore and renew all modes of transportation throughout our state: roads, bridges, airports, and transit, as well as pedestrian and bike routes. And today, I'm proud to announce yet another leap forward — nearly $200 million for the freight routes that have defined Illinois for generations," said Governor JB Pritzker. "These funds will be used for 22 port, rail, and highway projects in Illinois to address bottlenecks, increase mobility, and improve the supply chain up and down the state."
According to the press release, the announcement was made in Decatur where a $10 million award was given which will help fund a $75 million project to build a Brush College Road overpass at Faries Parkway and the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
Other projects include:
- $40 million going to capacity improvements at the Illinois 17 interchange
- $4.3 million going to congestion and safety upgrades at the Kaskaskia Regional Port District
- $7.2 million going to expanding three interstate rest areas to add 122 parking spaces for commercial trucks
- $18.8 million going to a new Illinois 50 bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
"Freight drives the Illinois economy in our role as the transportation hub of North America," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is committed to improving freight movement locally, ultimately making Illinois more competitive in the global marketplace."
For a complete list of projects and their funding, click here.
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Source: Illinois.gov
