Gov. JB Pritzker, joined by local officials and community leaders, celebrated a significant movement forward in the $1.3 billion revamp of Interstate 80 with the completion of several crucial bridges, as noted by the State of Illinois. Touting the modernization as part of his bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, Pritzker was also on-site to announce a resource for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in Will County, geared towards aiding minority and female-owned businesses.
"By making smart investments in the bridges that working families and businesses depend on, we're building a better future for the entire region," Pritzker stated, highlighting the infrastructural and economic impact of these advancements. The projects tout not only an infrastructure improvement but also the opportunities afforded to businesses within these communities. Newly completed bridges over Hickory Creek, Richards Street, and Rowell Avenue/Canadian National Railroad represent a $96 million investment.
With a focus on safety and capacity enhancements, the I-80 overhaul promises to elevate the quality of life and job creation in a region pivotal to logistics and freight. This overhaul consists of widening a 16-mile corridor to accommodate increased traffic flow, with the recent bridge completions marking the beginning of extensive work that will ultimately lead to three lanes in each direction.
The inauguration of the new DBE Resource Center at 858 Center Court in Shorewood provides local small businesses with accessible one-on-one assistance for becoming certified DBEs and learning about contracting opportunities in the vicinity. "We are not just rebuilding one of the country's main corridors for travel, but growing small businesses and creating good-paying local jobs to drive the Illinois economy forward," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.
Rebuilding efforts have not just been limited to bridges; interchanges at Houbolt Road and U.S. 30 have seen reconstruction, while other mainline and interchange projects are slated throughout the region, added the state's information portal. Major infrastructure elements, such as new interchanges with I-55 and Larkin Avenue, are set to commence in the following year, showcasing the ongoing nature of this extensive project.
State Sen. Rachel Ventura praised the Rebuild Illinois program for its commitment to improving key transportation structures and creating opportunities for disenfranchised businesses. Ventura stated, "Not only will these investments improve major infrastructure, but also provide opportunities for minority- and female-owned firms to work on these projects." Will County's progress will continue as the project is on track to reach substantial completion by the end of 2028.
