$192 Million Planned for Springfield-Area Road Projects

Nine road and bridge projects in the Springfield area will receive a combined $192 million through the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program, a bipartisan infrastructure initiative supported by lawmakers from both parties, including State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, and State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield.

Turner announced the funding, which will support highway resurfacing, bridge replacements, road expansions, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Five projects are expected to be completed in 2026, three are scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2028, and one has already been completed.

"The bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program has positively impacted the state, and these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time to help downstate transportation," Turner said. "Investing in Central Illinois' transportation is vital, as it will continue to create jobs, promote economic growth and keep residents safe when traveling."

“These projects will help rebuild the network of roads and bridges that people rely on every day to get to work. It is this same transportation network that allows businesses to keep commerce flowing,” said Sen. Steve McClure. “This is what we can achieve when we come together in a bipartisan way to do what’s right for the people of this state.”

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said the projects will benefit the city's long-term transportation network and economy.

"These projects represent more than road improvements. They are investments in Springfield's future," Buscher said. "Modern, reliable infrastructure supports economic development, creates jobs, improves public safety and makes it easier for residents to travel throughout our community. We are grateful to Gov. Pritzker, Secretary Biagi and IDOT for their partnership and continued investment in our region."

The projects include:

• Demolition and reconstruction of the northbound and southbound Rail Splitter rest areas along Interstate 55 at mile markers 102 and 104.

• Widening the I-55 bridge over the Sangamon River to accommodate three lanes in each direction and replacing the bridge deck approximately 2.2 miles south of the Sherman interchange.

• Improvements to Dirksen Parkway from Stevenson Drive to Wide Track Drive.

• Resurfacing Illinois 54 from Bissell Road to east of Prairie School Road and adding new shoulders between Bissell Road and Main Street in Spaulding.

• Resurfacing Andrew Road between Illinois 29 and Illinois 124.

• Resurfacing Peoria Road, also known as Business I-55, from Dirksen Parkway to north of Fancy Creek in Sherman and replacing traffic signals.

• Constructing a new four-lane Illinois 97 expressway from Veterans Parkway to Lincoln Trail and North Old Covered Bridge Lane. The project also includes replacing the Sangamon Valley Trail bridge and realigning Moore Road to connect with a relocated, signalized Bradfordton Road intersection.

• Expanding Sixth Street from I-72 to north of Stevenson Drive to three lanes, replacing traffic signals, and adding pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

• Removing the superstructure and pier of the City Water, Light and Power railroad bridge over I-55 just south of Stevenson Drive.

  
  

Additional information about the projects is available through the Illinois Department of Transportation.