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

KANKAKEE - Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in the Kankakee area, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker's historic capital program, 10 projects combined represent a total investment of more than $350 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 10 major projects in the Kankakee area, one is scheduled to be completed in 2026, one is scheduled to begin in 2027, and the remaining projects have construction timelines to be determined. ​

"The Rebuild Illinois capital program continues to bring great projects to the greater Kankakee area," said state Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). "These are wise investments in our everyday infrastructure that will keep our roads in good shape for many years to come."

"Investing in our infrastructure is an investment in our communities, our economy and our future. These Rebuild Illinois projects will strengthen transportation throughout the Kankakee region, improve safety for motorists and support economic growth by creating jobs and enhancing critical roadways," said House Majority Office and Sergeant at Arms Rep. Nicholas K. Smith (D-Chicago). "I appreciate Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation for their continued commitment to modernizing our transportation network and ensuring our communities have the infrastructure needed to thrive for generations to come."

"The Rebuild Illinois capital program is providing strategic infrastructure investments for the city of Kankakee's future. These road improvements along our main arterial corridors and highway interchanges are positioning our community to continue its economic growth and additionally providing safe transportation corridors to our residents, businesses and visitors," said Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis. "We appreciate Gov. Pritzker and IDOT for their partnership and commitment to ensuring that our region remains a great place to live, work and do business."

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 to 24,498 lane miles of highway, 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.