Project ROCK completed in Dixon

DIXON - The Illinois Department of Transportation and the city of Dixon were joined today by local officials and community leaders to celebrate the completion of Project ROCK - Revitalizing Opportunities for the Community and Kids. Led by Dixon, the $14 million project includes a bike and pedestrian bridge across the Rock River, new paths and improvements in Page Park as well as repairs and resurfacing of Chuck Vail Drive and Page Drive.

"This project is a testament to everyone working together to help achieve a vision for mobility and quality of life," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. "We are proud to partner with Dixon on Project ROCK, which is not only creating a real transportation option for residents, but a place where a community can come together in new and meaningful ways."

Made possible by an $11.9 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant, Project ROCK extends across the Rock River on a bridge built from old Illinois Central railroad's piers and into a system of paths in Page Park. Features of the bridge, called Petunia Crossing after an online community vote, include a central pagoda area with seating, two viewing platforms and lighting.

"Our beautiful Rock River is the heart of Dixon and the entire Sauk Valley. Project ROCK is a generational investment into building up infrastructure around the Rock River in a way that both improves quality of life both and economic potential," said state Sen. Li Arellano Jr. (R-Dixon). "I was honored to be part of a project that will bring joy and productivity to the entire region for generations to come."

The project is the final link to connect Dixon's south side with the city's riverfront as well as Dixon High School and the park district's baseball diamonds and tennis courts.

"Petunia Crossing is more than a bridge. It is a connection between our neighborhoods, our schools, our parks, our riverfront and the future we have been working toward for more than two decades," said Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes. "Project ROCK reflects what can happen when a strong local vision is matched with state and federal partnerships, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring this transformational project to life."

"The completion of Project ROCK is a milestone moment for Dixon," said City Manager Danny Langloss. "This project expands access to our riverfront, creates new opportunities for recreation and connection, and builds on the momentum happening throughout our community. Petunia Crossing will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations."

Project ROCK completes another phase of the Dixon Riverfront Masterplan, which had its conceptual beginnings more than 20 years ago with the development of Dixon's Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza downtown. Planning for the first phase, called Viaduct Point, began in 2016. After securing $3.4 million through IDOT's Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, the project was opened in 2024.

Viaduct Point starts at a rail line that begins at-grade at its south end near IDOT's District 2 headquarters on Depot Avenue but soon crosses high above city streets via three stone arch bridges crafted from Galena limestone quarried locally in Dixon. The arches - which run over First, Second and Third streets - are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were rehabilitated in 1999. A wooden boardwalk connects the path with a spur into downtown Dixon.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT's traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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