South Cook News

On July 17, Illinois State Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) shared information on the six year plan to improve infrastructure in his district. $1.4 billion dollars has been allocated for improvements to roads and bridges in the 40th District.

"Over the next six years, the 40th District will see over $1.4 billion in roadway and bridge improvements," Joyce wrote in a July 17 Twitter post. 

According to a press release, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that more than $1.4 billion will be spent on improving state and local highway roads. Sen. Joyce represents the 40th District which will see 90 infrastructure projects receive funding over the next six years. Some crucial local projects include more than $50.5 million in miscellaneous improvements along IL 53, preservation of pavements in Chicago Heights at US 30 and 14th Street, and interchange reconstruction and bridge replacement on I 57 at US 45/52 in Kankakee.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years, according to the press release. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“I want to ensure our district stays connected, and there’s no better way for that to happen than significant improvements in infrastructure,” said Joyce, according to the press release. “Not only are safer roads underway, but so are more job opportunities and increased economic development.” 

Joyce feels like this is a project very much needed in order for his district to keep up with the future. Joyce stated, “to meet the demands of the present and the future, it is important we are maintaining our roads and bridges. The 40th District will see much needed roadway improvements in the coming years that will be a win-win for everyone.”