CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, alongside IDOT and local leaders, announced the largest multi-year infrastructure investment in Illinois history: $50.6 billion over six years. Building on the successes of Rebuild Illinois, the program will fund state and local projects across all 102 counties, including $400 million earmarked for 223 local initiatives in distressed and underrepresented communities.
“Today, I’m proud to launch the latest roadmap – the largest in the history of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Over the next six years, we’ll continue investing across the board in order to build the best infrastructure system in the nation – and create good jobs for Illinoisans in the process,” said Governor Pritzker.
The program emphasizes multimodal infrastructure, with $32.5 billion dedicated to roads and bridges, and $18.1 billion for other sectors: $13.8B for transit, $2.9B for freight and passenger rail, $1.2B for aviation, and $200M for ports and waterways. Highways projects alone will improve 7,107 lane miles of roads and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck, while local jurisdictions will manage 1,654 lane miles and 1.3 million square feet of bridges.
“Under Gov. Pritzker, our investments in transportation are doing more than ever to connect people to the meaningful destinations in their lives. This new multi-year construction program will not only create jobs and economic opportunity, but it will also improve quality of life in Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi.
Legislators highlighted the program’s impact on economic growth and equity. Senate President Don Harmon said, “Funding these projects is a valuable investment that 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.” House Speaker Chris Welch added, “Each project means jobs, new economic activity, and a higher quality of life for communities.”
Special attention is given to disadvantaged communities, with projects spanning roads, bike and pedestrian paths, transit, and ports. All projects include Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals to promote local minority- and women-owned firms.
Union leaders also praised the initiative. James P. Connolly of LIUNA stated, “Our members are ready to put this historic investment to work building a stronger economy and brighter future for communities across the state.” Tim Drea of IL AFL-CIO added, “These funds ensure Illinois prioritizes necessary upgrades and maintenance while creating high-quality, union jobs.”
The announcement was made at LIUNA’s Chicago training center, highlighting the skilled trades delivering the projects. Since 2019, Rebuild Illinois has completed $20.8B of improvements, including 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges, and 1,181 safety upgrades.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy. This investment will create good union jobs, improve Illinoisans’ quality of life, and solidify our place as a major economic engine,” said Bob Reiter of the Chicago Federation of Labor.
Governor Pritzker’s new multi-year program cements Illinois’ position as a national leader in transportation investment, focusing on roads, bridges, transit, rail, aviation, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian safety. The initiative promises broad economic, safety, and equity benefits for communities statewide.
Originally reported by Office of the Governor JB Prirzker.
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