Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Historic Infrastructure Investments in Quad Cities

MOLINE – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today joined local officials, transportation stakeholders and labor leaders to celebrate another historic round of investments in Quad Cities infrastructure. As part of $400 million specifically identified to support 223 projects overseen by counties, cities, townships, transit districts and other local agencies, Gov. Pritzker announced a $1 million investment to upgrade River Drive along the Mississippi River, improving mobility, safety and quality of life in downtown Moline. This investment is part of the largest infrastructure program in state history, totaling $50.6 billion over six years.

“Across the state, our Rebuild Illinois program is getting shovels in the ground and putting Illinoisans to work on projects that are vital to community interest,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These projects are the literal foundation of our communities, and our job in state government is to get Illinoisans to work and get projects online quickly and efficiently—and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Released earlier this month, IDOT’s Fiscal Year 2026-31 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program identifies a total investment of $32.5 billion in roads and bridges, with $5.5 billion for the current fiscal year. A total of $18.1 billion is programmed for other modes, which includes $13.8 billion for transit, $2.9 billion for freight and passenger rail, $1.2 billion for aviation and $200 million for ports and waterways.

“Under Gov. Pritzker, we are continuing to build new connections and create economic opportunity in cities, towns and rural areas throughout the state, including the Quad Cities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “At IDOT, we are especially proud to get our local partners more resources to help them achieve the safety and mobility goals for their communities.”

For IDOT’s district covering northwestern Illinois, $2.4 billion is planned just to improve roads and bridges. Among the projects advancing are $105.9 million to reconstruct, add lanes and improve Interstate 74 in Moline, $441.5 million for the I-80 bridge over the Mississippi River and $18.7 million to rebuild 2 miles of U.S. 30 in Morrison.

This year’s multi-year program also made $400 million available through special legislative appropriation to help further address local transportation needs, with consideration given to disadvantaged or economically distressed communities. Of the 223 awards, 177 are for roads, 34 for bike and pedestrian improvements, 10 for transit and two for ports. All projects required a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal to uplift small, local minority- and women-owned firms.

Moline’s River Drive improvements call for transforming a main thoroughfare by adding sidewalks, streetscape upgrades and other enhancements, including new pedestrian signals, warning lights and accommodations for people with disabilities. At a combined estimated cost of $4.8 million with other state and local contributions, the project is anticipated to attract more pedestrian and bike traffic to local businesses as well as improve connections to the new I-74 Mississippi River bridge and other amenities.

“I am proud to see state dollars being put to work on infrastructure that will build jobs, growth and opportunity in Western Illinois,” said State Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Repairing and maintaining solid infrastructure means more blue-collar jobs, improved logistics for business, and enhanced safety for everyone on the road. This investment shows we are committed to Western Illinois’ future and improving the daily lives of our residents.”

"Downtown Moline is thriving not by chance, but because local businesses, the City, and the State have made an effort to invest in it and make it a destination for the entire region" said State Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-East Moline). "The $1 million in infrastructure upgrades from Rebuild Illinois for River Drive is furthering that effort and will make walking downtown safer and more enjoyable."

“As an iron worker by trade, I take pride in knowing that the hands of union workers are shaping the future of the Quad Cities,” said Brian Atkins, Executive Director of the Quad City Building Trades. “Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s leadership and his commitment to Rebuild Illinois, we’re not just fixing roads — we’re building a stronger, safer, and more connected state.”

“Governor Pritzker’s investment in our roads and bridges isn’t just rebuilding infrastructure — it’s rebuilding opportunity,” said Cory Bergfeld, President of the Tri City Building Trades. “Here in the Quad Cities, union men and women are putting their skills to work, strengthening our communities, and proving that when you invest in labor, you invest in Illinois.”

Continuing an approach started under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT’s latest multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Projects are across state and local jurisdictions and in all 102 counties. The $50.6 billion eclipses the previous record of $41.4 billion set last year.

Passed in 2019, Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation. To date, IDOT has completed through Rebuild Illinois approximately $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety projects.

###