Illinois Department of Transportation

09/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2026 09:05

Rebuilding Chicago: Construction season brings another round of major improvements

CHICAGO - Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in Chicago, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic capital program, 10 projects combined represent a total investment of $350.6 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." ​ ​

Of the 10 major projects in Chicago, two are scheduled to be completed in 2026, with the remaining eight projects completed between 2027-2031.

  • Foster Avenue over the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90) bridge superstructure replacement, new lighting, traffic signal modernization, drainage improvements and ADA-compliant sidewalks. Work began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed later this fall. A full closure with a posted detour is in place.
  • Chicago Avenue over the Kennedy (I-90/94) bridge deck overlay. Work began this summer and is expected to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
  • 103rd Street detention basin construction, box culvert construction, patching and resurfacing. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in fall 2028. Daily lane closures will be in place.
  • U.S. 12/20 (95th Street) at Stony Island Avenue bridge replacement, railroad grade separation replacement, intersection reconstruction, traffic signal modernization, drainage and lighting improvements. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and be completed in fall 2031. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
  • I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) at Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) bridge replacement, pavement reconstruction, traffic signal modernization, lighting and Intelligent Traffic System improvements, pavement widening and resurfacing, slope wall modifications, and ADA improvements. Work is anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and be completed in fall 2031. One lane of traffic will remain open on Cicero Avenue and three lanes will remain open on I-55.
  • I-55, Cicero Avenue to Chinatown feeder ramps (westbound and eastbound) bridge deck resurfacing, bridge joint replacement, repair and patching, sign structure work, lighting and drainage. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and be completed in fall 2031. Three lanes of traffic will remain open on I-55 with additional overnight closures.
  • 55th Street (Garfield Boulevard) over the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) bridge deck overlay. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in one construction season. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
  • 39th Street (Pershing Road) over the Dan Ryan (I-90/94) bridge deck overlay and joint repairs. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in one construction season. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
  • 79th Street over the Dan Ryan (I-90/94) bridge deck overlay and joint repairs. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in one construction season. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
  • Milwaukee Avenue over the Kennedy (90/94) bridge deck overlay and joint repairs. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in one construction season. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.

"The Rebuild Illinois capital plan continues to bring much-needed improvements and investments to communities across the state," said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). "Chicago welcomes thousands of daily travelers. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands or exploring our great city, improved infrastructure ensures you do so safely."

"Upgrading our region's highways and bridges is vital for public safety and growing our economy," said state Sen. Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago). "Our Rebuild Illinois investments continue to tackle the state's aging infrastructure head-on, ensuring residents have secure, well-maintained and reliable public roads for years to come."

"As a member of the House Transportation Regulation, Roads and Bridges Committee, I want to thank Gov. JB Pritzker for his leadership and focus on improving Illinois' roads and highways," said Assistant House Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans Jr. (D-Chicago) "Illinois is the crossroads of America. Maintaining our roads is critical not just for our state but for the entire nation. ​ ​

"Specific to my South Side community, I'm excited to see the 95th Street and Stony Island Avenue intersection upgrade as it serves as a vital gateway to key South Side landmarks, including Chicago State University and the Obama Presidential Center. While construction will cause temporary delays, the payoff includes safer streets, jobs, smoother commutes and stronger economic growth for Illinois residents and visitors." ​

"The Rebuild Illinois project on I-55 is a much-needed improvement and will have a large impact on the residents of the 24th District," said House Majority Conference Chairperson Theresa Mah (D-Chicago). "This project will bring improved safety and conditions to a vital roadway." ​

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 Year Seven of Rebuild Illinois include $25.6 billion of improvements statewide on 24,498 miles of highways, 959 bridges and 1,475 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state. ​ ​ ​ ​

Chicago project map_2026.pdf

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Illinois Department of Transportation published this content on September 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 25, 2026 at 15:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]