"Illinois has a world-class transportation system, and we are making
it even stronger by carrying out one of the largest spring
construction programs ever," Quinn said. "This bold investment will
help put thousands of people to work improving our roads and bridges
and laying the foundation for economic development for years to
come."
The governor and transportation secretary made the announcement
Monday on Chicago's South Side, where a $32 million investment will
rebuild the Stony Island Feeder to the Bishop Ford Freeway and
Interstate 94. The project at the interchange, which handles up to
64,000 vehicles per day, involves the repair, reconstruction,
removal and replacement of seven bridges. Scheduled for completion
in 2014, the project also involves resurfacing and replacing
pavement, and intersection improvements. Upgrades to the lighting
and signage will improve safety and make it easier for drivers to
navigate the interchange.
"IDOT is thrilled to be able to move forward with this important
project," said Schneider. "Thanks to Gov. Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now
capital program, Illinois has been able to make critical
improvements to our highways, railways and airports across the
state."
IDOT also announced additional Chicago-area transportation
investments, including a $19.4 million bridge replacement project at
Cumberland Avenue over the Kennedy Expressway, $3.5 million in
additional bridge repairs on the Kennedy, and $2.6 million on
resurfacing projects on Illinois Route 43 and Harlem Avenue at
Higgins Avenue in Chicago and on West 127th Street in Crestwood.
Many of the projects announced Monday are funded through
legislation the governor championed in his State of the State
address earlier this year. On those projects, IDOT is offering
contractors a reimbursement rate of $10 an hour for hiring graduates
of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT-sponsored
initiative to encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in
the transportation construction industry.
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In 2009 Quinn spearheaded Illinois Jobs Now, the state's first
capital construction program in a decade. The $31 billion capital
construction program is the largest in Illinois history, supporting
an estimated 439,000 construction jobs. The program includes $14
billion for transportation through 2015. Of the $14 billion in the
program dedicated for transportation needs, IDOT has awarded 5,336
projects worth $12.68 billion, creating and supporting 160,000 jobs.
These have included improvements to 6,809 miles of roadways and
1,113 bridges.
Combined with the Illinois Tollway's $12 billion capital program,
"Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future," the state
is carrying out one of the largest capital construction efforts in
the nation.
For a complete list of the work being carried out by IDOT this
spring, go to
http://www.dot.il.gov/
desenv/042613/042613letg.html.
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Project list
[Text from file received from the
Illinois
governor's office]
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