Illinois Department of Transportation

09/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2026 16:44

Rebuilding central Cook County: Construction season brings another round of major improvements

CHICAGO - Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in central Cook County, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic capital program, nine projects represent a total investment of almost $340 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 nine major projects in central Cook County, one is scheduled to be completed in 2026 with the remaining eight projects completed between 2027-2031.

  • Archer Avenue (Illinois 171) at 95 th Street intersection reconstruction. Work began in early spring and is anticipated to be completed in late fall. The intersection remains closed with a detour in place.
  • Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over 95th Street (U.S. 12/20) bridge widening and resurfacing. Work began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027. One lane of traffic remains open in each direction.
  • East Avenue at 47th Street and from 47th Street to 55th Street traffic signal installation, resurfacing and ADA improvements. Work began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027. Daytime lane closures and detour for northbound East Avenue are in place.
  • 55th Street from La Grange Road to East Avenue and La Grange Road from 57th Street to Plainfield Road intersection widening, resurfacing and ADA improvements. Work began earlier this year and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2027. One lane of traffic remains open during construction.
  • I-55 from County Line Road to Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) bridge deck overlays, bridge joint replacement/repair, patching/resurfacing and drainage improvements. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and be completed in fall 2031. Three lanes of traffic will remain open for the majority of the project length.
  • Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) over I-55 bridge replacement, reconstruction, intersection improvements and ADA improvements. Work is anticipated to begin in fall 2027 and be completed in fall 2029. Harlem Avenue will remain open over I-55, with one lane of traffic open in each direction.
  • Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) at the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal bridge superstructure rehabilitation and bridge repair.Work is anticipated to begin in fall 2027 and be completed in fall 2029. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
  • Archer Avenue from Illinois 171 to Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) and Harlem Avenue from Archer Avenue to 63rd Street traffic signal replacement, water main, drainage and ADA improvements. Work is anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and completed in fall 2028. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
  • Pump station replacement at U.S. 12/20 (95th Street) Illinois 43 (Harlem Avenue) north of the Tri-State Tollway. The work is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and be completed in fall 2029. Daily lane closures will be in place during construction.

"Whether it is installing new traffic signals or making roadway repairs, these projects through the Illinois Department of Transportation's Rebuild Illinois capital program are making commonsense changes that will keep commutes for residents in the 11th District safe and easy," said state Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank).

"Securing this $350 million means we will rebuild bridges that have been rated deficient for years, fix the drainage that floods our streets and basements too often when it storms and bring our crosswalks and sidewalks up to federal accessibility standards. Cook County residents have paid for delayed repairs in car damage, flooded homes and lost business, said state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Berwyn). "Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy. When people can count on the roads and bridges around them, families are safer, businesses grow and neighborhoods thrive."

"I am pleased to see these projects get underway as they create jobs, modernize our infrastructure and make life easier for everyone traveling throughout our state," said Assistant House Majority Leader Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park). "Rebuilding Illinois is a multiyear commitment. These projects are the latest investments in that plan." ​

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. ​ ​ ​

9.22.26 RBI Central Cook County.docx

# # # ​

Illinois Department of Transportation published this content on September 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 22, 2026 at 22:44 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]