Illinois Department of Transportation

07/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2026 11:11

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

SPRINGFIELD - Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in the Springfield area, 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 combined represent a total investment of more than $192 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 the Springfield area, five are scheduled to be completed in 2026, three are anticipated to be completed from 2027 through 2028 and one is already completed. ​

  • Rail Splitter rest areas on Interstate 55 demolition and reconstruction - northbound at mile marker 102 and southbound at mile marker 104 began in summer 2024 and anticipated to be completed this summer. Rest areas will be closed for the duration of this project.
  • I-55 over the Sangamon River bridge widening to accommodate three lanes in each direction and deck replacement 2.2 miles south of the Sherman interchange began in 2025 and anticipated to be completed this summer. Bridge painting only in 2026. Two lanes open in each direction.
  • Dirksen Parkway from Stevenson Drive to Wide Track Drive resurfacing and ADA improvements. The project began this spring and anticipated to be completed in the fall. Nighttime lane closures with one lane open in each direction.
  • Illinois 54 from Bissell Road to east of Prairie School Road resurfacing along with new shoulders between Bissell Road and Main Street in Spaulding. The project began this spring and anticipated to be completed in the fall. Daytime lane closures with one lane open at all times.
  • Andrew Road between Illinois 29 and 124 resurfacing. The project began this spring and anticipated to be completed in the summer. Daytime lane closures with one lane open at all times.
  • Peoria Road (Business I-55) from Dirksen Parkway to north of Fancy Creek in Sherman resurfacing and traffic signal replacement. The project is anticipated to begin this summer and be completed in spring 2027. Lane closures with one lane open at all times with limited nighttime ramp closures.
  • Illinois 97 expressway from Veterans Parkway to Lincoln Trail/North Old Covered Bridge Lane new four-lane construction in each direction, replacement of Sangamon Valley Trail bridge and realignment of Moore Road to connect with a relocated, signalized Bradforton Road intersection. The project is anticipated to begin this fall and completed in fall 2028. Lane and short-term side road closures as well as overnight closures. The Sangamon Valley Trail will be closed for four months during the winter.
  • Sixth Street from I-72 to north of Stevenson Drive expansion to three lanes, traffic signal replacement, pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The project is anticipated to begin this fall and completed fall 2028. Two lanes open in each direction during peak hours, short-term closures of I-72 ramps as well as short-term closures of Sixth Street Frontage Road and St. Joseph Street.
  • I-55 CWLP railroad bridge just south of Stevenson Drive removal of bridge superstructure and pier. The project was completed this spring.

"The bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program has positively impacted the state, and these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time to help downstate transportation," said state Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Investing in Central Illinois' transportation is vital, as it will continue to create jobs, promote economic growth and keep residents safe when traveling."

"These projects represent more than road improvements - they are investments in Springfield's future. Modern, reliable infrastructure supports economic development, creates jobs, improves public safety and makes it easier for residents to travel throughout our community," said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. "We are grateful to Gov. Pritzker, Secretary Biagi and IDOT for their partnership and continued investment in our region."

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. ​ ​ ​

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Springfield 2026 RBI map.pdf
Illinois Department of Transportation published this content on July 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 15, 2026 at 17:11 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]