Rebuilding Bloomington-Normal: Construction season brings another round of major improvements to region

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL - Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in Bloomington-Normal, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic capital program, seven projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $123 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 seven major projects in Bloomington-Normal, three are scheduled to be completed in 2026, three expected to be completed in 2027 and the remaining one in 2028.

"These investments into our communities' heavily traveled roads represent progress in safety, economic growth and ease of travel for those of us heading to work, picking up our kids and anything in between," said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "With nearly $123 million coming to Bloomington-Normal area projects, we're continuing to build infrastructure that will serve our communities for decades to come."

"Route 9 is the heart of Bloomington and thousands of central Illinoisans depend on it every day," said state Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). "I'd like to thank IDOT for investing nearly $70 million dollars in making a key artery in our community smoother and safer for drivers and pedestrians alike."

"Illinois interstates connect our rural communities. I am glad to hear that I-74 south of Bloomington is getting some much-needed attention," said state Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur). "I'd like to thank IDOT for the $20 million investment in our community."

"We thank the state for its partnership and investment in these road improvements," said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. "These efforts will improve safety, mobility and access throughout our community while providing long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike."

"Bloomington continues to grow, and our infrastructure has to grow with it," said Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady. "In 2019, as then state representative, I voted in favor of Rebuild Illinois. We're grateful to the state of Illinois for making these significant investments in Bloomington and the surrounding area."

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. ​ ​