Rebuilding Peoria: Construction season brings another round of major improvements to region

PEORIA - Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in the Peoria area, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic capital program, eleven projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $302.3 million, creating and maintaining good-paying jobs throughout the region. ​ ​

"The historic Rebuild Illinois program continues to transform our infrastructure and enhance key economic corridors across the state," said Gov. Pritzker. "Our ambitious capital program is putting Illinoisans to work as we improve regional transportation systems, encourage new economic activity, and build a better future for all of Illinois," said Gov. Pritzker. ​

Of the eleven major projects in the Peoria area, four are scheduled to be completed in 2026, with five anticipated to be completed in 2027 and two more going into 2028 and beyond.

"With huge improvements to Peoria's roads and bridges, we not only improve the look of our community, but we also provide a safer travel experience for ourselves and visitors," said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "The easier it is to access Peoria, the more we can see growth in tourism, jobs and reliability in getting from Point A to Point B."

"When it comes to Peoria infrastructure, 2026 is going to be a big year" said Assistant House Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). "Between the two bridges over the Illinois River and extensive resurfacing of Route 6, I am thrilled that Peoria is getting the investment it deserves."

"The northern end of Peoria is going to be seeing a lot of construction barrels along Route 6, but the traffic inconvenience is worth it for the upgraded infrastructure that we all depend on," said Deputy House Minority Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). "Route 6 is a key artery for my constituents, and this project will help businesses, workers, and families get where they need to go."

"Gov. Pritzker promises of improving infrastructure in the state of Illinois has been paying dividends," said Peoria County Chairman James "Jimmy" Dillion. "I know orange barrel season can be frustrating, but it is a sign that we are investing in our state and the countless head of household jobs that construction provides. The Peoria area appreciates the investment."

"I want to offer my sincere thanks to Rebuild Illinois for transforming roads and bridges around the Peoria area," said Peoria Mayor Rita Ali. "These investments not only provide safer routes of travel but create jobs and allow for economic opportunities throughout our region. ​ We look forward to a more efficient transportation network for everyone who lives, works, and travels in Peoria."

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. ​ ​ ​

"Thanks to Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois, we are continuing to deliver transformational projects up and down the state," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. "We look forward to another safe construction season that benefits the region for decades to come." ​

Accomplishments through March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $24 billion of improvements statewide on 23,081 miles of highways, 920 bridges and 1,393 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.