Gov. Pritzker Announces $305.5 Million Federal Investment for IDOT Projects

CHICAGO- ​ Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation has been awarded a combined $305.5 million in federal funding to invest in Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway) as well as the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program’s 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project. Both projects will improve health, safety and quality of life for residents while creating jobs, enhancing mobility and modernizing the flow of goods, services and people throughout the region.

“Building on our progress with Rebuild Illinois, we’re working tirelessly in Illinois to fight for every federal infrastructure dollar so we can better serve people in every corner of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These federal MEGA Grants for the Illinois Department of Transportation will no doubt advance our mission to restore aging infrastructure and improve rail safety and efficiency for all.”

Made possible by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program, the funding is being awarded via competitive grants:

“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, the congressional delegation and the hard work of multiple partners and community stakeholders, we are able to make a significant investment that strengthens the state’s status as the transportation hub of North America,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “These projects will not only have far-reaching impacts on our transportation system but deliver much-needed economic and community benefits in historically disadvantaged areas.”

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is about more than just improving our roads, bridges and rail lines, it’s about growing our economy and making getting to work, school and everywhere else in our communities faster, safer and more efficient,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “I’m proud to see this federal funding coming to our state today for two critically important projects Senator Durbin, members of the Illinois Delegation and I have been championing for years, and I look forward to the improvements and good-paying jobs these investments will bring to the Chicagoland region.”

“Today’s funding is a major investment in the future of our transportation infrastructure. ​ Chicagoans will be better connected because of these two infrastructure projects, which will improve the safety and quality of our rail system and roadways,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “Senator Duckworth, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and I have long supported these investments, and I’m glad to see these federal dollars go toward improving safety and alleviating congestion in a region that desperately needs it.”

“I’m thrilled to see this continued investment in our infrastructure, especially in such important areas for our state,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Improving the I-290 corridor has been a passion project of mine for years because I know how important it is to the communities I have the pleasure to serve. I look forward to improving mobility in these areas, and allowing for a better travel experience for our motorists and commuters.”

“This funding is welcome news,” said Senate President Don Harmon. “These two announcements represent another step forward in what are transformative projects across the region that will continue to decrease commute times, reconnect communities and improve safety.”

“This investment will not only enhance the health and safety of our communities, but also create jobs and improve the overall quality of life for residents,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “It’s a testament to our commitment to modernizing transportation and ensuring a brighter, more efficient future for all."

"This announcement of significant federal funding for the 75th Street CIP underscores the international importance of these projects as well as the momentum behind the CREATE Program," said Tim Butler, President of the Illinois Railroad Association. ​ "Our continent's rail system comes together in the Chicago region, but often bottlenecks here as well. ​ Completion of the 75th Street projects will make our communities safer, ease congestion for commuters, and move freight rail through the area expeditiously. ​ The members of the Illinois Railroad Association applaud Governor Pritzker and all the leaders who have invested in our state's infrastructure and made this project a reality."

“The $300+ million investment to fix our aging infrastructure is a significant and much needed investment in Illinois,” said IL AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “This will create good, union jobs and ensures that our roads, bridges, viaducts, streets, and highways have the highest safety and construction standards. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for putting workers first and ensuring that Illinois is investing in quality infrastructure that supports our thriving economy.”

“We are thrilled to receive this critical funding to rebuild our aging roads and railways. Investment in our infrastructure is investment in our future, and solidifying Chicago as an economic powerhouse while creating good union jobs is a win for our entire region. Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker and all the CREATE partners who fight for our region’s rail capacity needs,” Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter said.

"We are grateful to our allies in Washington and the leadership of Governor Pritzker for delivering much needed improvements that will benefit building trades members and their families," said Mike Macellaio, President, Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council.

“Illinois, once again, proves its importance in transportation and infrastructure investment with the recent award of nearly $300M in investment in critical infrastructure projects like the I-290 corridor and CREATE rail program. Under the stewardship of Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois continues to seize the moment for federal investment opportunities that create not just jobs, but careers in the Union construction industry” said James M. Sweeney, President-Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150.

“These grants are great news. They will create hundreds of jobs and opportunities and provide much needed infrastructure improvements. LIUNA thanks the Biden-Harris Administration and Governor Pritzker for their strong leadership and focus on much needed infrastructure repairs and upgrades,” said James P. Connolly, Business Manager of the Chicago Laborers’ District Council.

"With Chicago serving as the primary freight rail hub of North America, it's critical that we have programs like CREATE to replace aging infrastructure and sustain economic growth," said Kevin McLaughlin, Executive-Secretary Treasurer of the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. "We appreciate the leadership of Senators Durbin and Duckworth, the Illinois Delegation, and Gov. Pritzker for securing federal grant money that will improve the quality of life for Chicagoland residents and create good-paying jobs."

Jim Gardiner, President of the Ironworkers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity said: "This investment allows our state to continue upgrading essential infrastructure like our aging bridges and interchanges. These funds will directly create jobs for a diverse group of middle-class Illinois ironworkers. We're eager to collaborate with Governor Pritzker’s Administration in the near future to complete these projects.”

“SMART-TD and our essential members are proud to continue to advocate for strong and sustainable investments in infrastructure that helps improve and expand both freight and passenger rail throughout Illinois and the Midwest," said Bob Guy, State Director, SMART Transportation Division.

"Illinois is the transportation hub of the country. The state's continued investment in rail infrastructure will create jobs today and provide opportunity and growth for generations to come. Our commuter rail systems make sure every Illinoisan has the opportunity to live and work in any community they choose," said Brian Shanahan, IAM Railroad Coordinator.

“This funding announcement is critical to helping CREATE in their mission to improve rail operations in Chicago for both passengers and freight. ​ As the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I have an in-depth understanding of the needs facing our freight, commuter, and intercity passenger rail,” said U.S. Representative Mike Quigley. “Luckily, the CREATE Program has stepped up to the task and broken ground on numerous rail improvement projects throughout the region. In May, I visited their Forest Hill Flyover site, where I witnessed firsthand the efficiency and safety improvements CREATE is making. From adjacent neighborhoods to the nation's supply chain, I know that the benefits of this funding will extend far beyond Chicago’s city limits.”

The federal awards are on top of unprecedented investments in infrastructure due to Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a combined total of $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. The landmark capital program is not only the largest in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

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