2024 was a big year for transportation in Illinois. The past year saw the continuation of significant progress under Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program efforts to update and enhance the statewide infrastructure. Since the program's inception, approximately $17.2 billion in improvements have been made, impacting highways, bridges, and safety features. These projects, aimed at creating safer and more reliable travel options, have covered 6,791 miles of highway, and 711 bridges, and brought forth 1,031 additional safety improvements, according to a statement obtained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Governor Pritzker announced, "Our state's infrastructure has been under a full-scale revitalization since I signed Rebuild Illinois into law." The $45 billion investment strategy not only intends to mend the state's aging infrastructure but also aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. To further address the need for continuous development, the largest multi-year construction program in state history was released last June, mapping out a $41.42 billion investment slated for the fiscal years 2025 to 2030, as Gov. Pritzker told IDOT.
Key projects included progress on the $1.3 billion Interstate 80 project in Will County, with several bridges now complete and others scheduled for construction in the upcoming years. The Kennedy Expressway has also received renovations, including LED lighting upgrades and structural repairs, while the final phase of the project is set to focus on the outbound lanes in 2025. Additionally, innovations are visible across the multimodal spectrum, such as the opening of the new eastbound McClugage Bridge, which showcases a striking 650-foot steel arch.
When it comes to rail, significant strides were made with the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, and anticipation is building for restarted passenger services between Rockford and Chicago. The Borealis service, operated by Amtrak from St. Paul, Minn., to Chicago, reached a landmark 100,000 customers in October. Such multilayered efforts are set to "make Illinois’ system of transportation more equitable and accessible," as was affirmed by the recent report from IDOT.
On the diversity front, 2024 saw IDOT surpassing its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal for the first time in 15 years. The department reached a 20.33% participation mark, reflecting the focus on diversifying contracting opportunities for local businesses. A DBE resource center was opened in Shorewood, echoing Gov. Pritzker's dedication to inclusivity in these expansive projects.
Illinois infrastructure furthermore benefited from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, adding nearly $291 million in grants for the historic Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program. On another green note, Gov. Pritzker announced a $25.3 million investment in charging stations, advancing his commitment to embrace electric vehicles state-wide.
In recognition of these substantial efforts, IDOT received a slew of accolades, including a record number of awards at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Committee on Transportation Communications event. The "Connecting Illinois via High-Speed Rail" project was a finalist for the annual America's Transportation Awards, marking the fifth national project of the year nomination for IDOT in the past seven years.
