Pritzker announces $50.6 billion infrastructure plan, largest in Illinois history
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CHICAGO, Ill., (KBSI) — Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on Wednesday announced the largest multi-year infrastructure program in state history — a $50.6 billion, six-year plan to repair and build roads, bridges, and transportation systems statewide.
The program, made possible through the governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital initiative, continues record investment in safety, mobility, and quality of life across all 102 Illinois counties. It includes $400 million to support 223 local projects, such as road, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements identified by local governments and agencies.
“Today, I’m proud to launch the largest roadmap in IDOT’s history,” Pritzker said.
“Over the next six years, we’ll continue investing across the board to build the best infrastructure system in the nation — and create good jobs for Illinoisans. From Chicago and Rockford to Springfield, Decatur, Carbondale, and Metropolis, every corner of our great state will benefit.”
The comprehensive and multimodal plan invests $32.5 billion in state and local roads and bridges and $18.1 billion in other transportation modes, including:
- $13.8 billion for transit
- $2.9 billion for freight and passenger rail
- $1.2 billion for aviation
- $200 million for ports and waterways
Projects under the plan will build or improve 7,107 lane miles of road and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck across the state, with local governments overseeing a portion of those projects.
“Under Gov. Pritzker, our transportation investments are doing more than ever to connect people to the meaningful destinations in their lives,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “This program will create jobs and economic opportunity while improving quality of life by making it easier and safer to walk, bike, drive, and deliver goods across Illinois.”
Legislative leaders praised the plan as a catalyst for economic growth.
“Funding these projects will create jobs, make it easier for Illinoisans to get where they need to go, and further cement our status as the transportation center of the country,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) added, “Each of these projects means new economic activity and a higher quality of life for communities statewide. These investments are about building the brighter future we all want for Illinois.”
New this year is the $400 million local transportation fund, created through legislative appropriation and designed to support projects in disadvantaged or economically distressed areas. Of the 223 awards, 177 are for road improvements, 34 for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, 10 for transit, and two for port projects.
Labor and industry leaders joined Pritzker at the Laborers International Union of North America Training Center in Chicago to celebrate the program’s release.
“Governor Pritzker recognizes the critical need to modernize Illinois’ infrastructure,” said James P. Connolly, business manager of the LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council. “Our members are ready to put this historic investment to work building a stronger economy and brighter future for communities across the state.”
Since its passage in 2019, the Rebuild Illinois program has invested $20.8 billion in completed improvements across 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges, and 1,181 additional safety upgrades.
Rebuild Illinois is the largest capital program in state history — and the first to include every mode of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, aviation, waterways, freight and passenger rail, and bicycle and pedestrian networks.
