St. Clair County officials gathered with Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman to kick off the construction of a new road project on Monday. Funded primarily through Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, the $19.9 million extension of Air Mobility Drive aims to alleviate traffic congestion and promote safer road conditions.
The long-awaited project, which was initially conceived in the 1970s, is set to extend Air Mobility Drive by about a mile, connecting the Illinois 158/177 to Illinois 161. "With the commencement of the Air Mobility Drive extension in St. Clair County, we're not just laying concrete—we're building Illinois' future," Gov. Pritzker said in a statement. He emphasized the project's role in transforming infrastructure and boosting regional mobility.
Alongside the extension, the construction entails building a new bridge over the Loop Creek tributary and the installation of proper drainage infrastructure. These additions are designed to create a roadway compatible with future traffic demands. Secretary Osman highlighted the project’s importance and stated, "Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, important projects like this one that had been on the drawing board for years are happening throughout the state." According to Osman, construction is expected to take around two years with a target completion date in summer 2026.
Officials affirmed there would be minimal interruptions to the public during construction phases, although certain connections at Illinois 158/177 and Illinois 161 will see lane restrictions. "We continue to see a need for the expansion of Air Mobility Drive as the region experiences an uptick in traffic," said state Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) in the statement. Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman mentioned the project’s significance for safety and economic development in the area.
The Rebuild Illinois program, which passed in 2019, signals an aggressive plan to improve the state's transportation, injecting a total of $33.2 billion over six years for enhancements across various modes of transport. This infusion of capital represents not just an unprecedented economic commitment, but the groundwork for a reimagined transportation landscape in Illinois.
For those interested in the specifics of ongoing and planned infrastructure projects under the IDOT banner, more information can be accessed by visiting GettingAroundIllinois.com or following updates on their social media platforms.
