The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has launched a project website related to the Rebuild I-39 corridor reconstruction and capacity expansion efforts in Rockford and Cherry Valley. The $247.6 million project funded by Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program, aims to alleviate transportation issues faced by local communities.
The new website, rebuildi39.com features multiple resources to keep community members involved and informed, such as interactive maps, project timelines, illustrations, and a historical overview of prior studies.
Construction initially started in July, focusing on the $98.8 million I-39 and U.S. 20 interchange as reported by Illinois.gov. This phase includes a new Linden Road bridge, which spans the fresh I-39 southbound lanes. Projected to finish by this month, the entire interchange is slated for completion in 2024.
Within the Rebuild I-39 initiative’s soon-to-be projects, which strive to enhance interchanges, lessen congestion, and increase safety, is the $35 million I-39 at Harrison Avenue project. Scheduled to start in 2024, the plan includes the replacement of I-39 bridges and the expansion of Harrison Avenue from South Mall Drive to Mill Road, with the current cloverleaf interchange redesigned as a safer, modern diverging diamond. The project's completion is expected by the end of 2025.
In the pipeline after these developments is the $92.3 million I-39/Bypass U.S. 20 to Harrison Avenue project set to launch in 2025. This project will expand their route from four to six lanes, adding an auxiliary lane, with the work targeted to wrap up by the end of 2027. Additionally, the plan involves the $21.5 million Bypass U.S. 20 from Mill Road to the Kishwaukee River project to enhance the intersection with Mill Road and replace bridges over the Kishwaukee River, set to start in 2025 and end in 2026.
The Rebuild Illinois capital program has outlined an impressive $33.2 billion investment strategy over the next six years to enhance over 3,000 miles of highway and close to 10 million square feet of bridge deck. The program's fourth year has already resulted in nearly $12.1 billion of statewide improvements targeting 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges, and 762 additional safety initiatives.
For the most recent news on Rebuild I-39, follow @RebuildI39 on Twitter and IDOT's traveler information map for construction details in the District 2 area.
