Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said his state was poised to being the largest multi-year program in the state’s history to fix and repair its infrastructure.
The $40.99 billion “Rebuild Illinois” capital program will cover six years and invest in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.
“Over the next six years, we’re investing over $40 billion to improve all modes of transportation across our great state. That means better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation, and expanded and faster passenger rail service,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Rebuild Illinois has increased safety, efficiency, and opportunities for residents all over the state — and over the next few years, we will keep building on that progress, with all 102 counties of Illinois included in the multi-year program.”
The Fiscal Year 2024-2029 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program will invest more than $27 billion in roads and bridges, $4.6 billion of which is allocated for the current fiscal year. Officials said the program aims to improve 3,006 miles of roads and just over 9.8 million square feet of bridge deck on the state system, with funding anticipated to cover maintenance costs for 738 miles of roads and 1.1. million square feet of bridge deck overseen by local governments. The new program will increase the state’s road and bridges investment by $2.43 billion over six years.
“Our commitment to invest in our roads continues to better the lives of residents across the state,” State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said. “Through the Multi-Year Highway Improvement Program, we are boosting our local economy, creating more jobs and ensuring our roads are safe and reliable.”
Another $13.96 billion is programmed for other modes including: $9.85 billion for transit, $2.67 billion for freight and passenger rail, $1.25 billion for aviation and $190 million for ports and waterways. The projects will be located throughout the state, touching each of the state’s 102 counties.