Gov. Pritzker announces the largest infrastructure program in Illinois history

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined state and local leaders, labor and transportation stakeholders to announce the largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history: $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility, and quality of life made possible by the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. 

The new program, which spans all modes of transportation and touches every Illinois county, also includes $400 million to support 223 local projects. These projects, ranging from street and transit upgrades to bike and pedestrian improvements, are based on priorities submitted by counties, cities, townships, transit districts and other local agencies. ​

 “Today, I’m proud to launch the latest roadmap – the largest in the history of the Illinois Department of Transportation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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. From Chicago and Rockford to Springfield and Decatur, to Carbondale and Metropolis, every corner of our great state will benefit.”

 Continuing an approach started under Governor Pritzker, IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Projects span state and local jurisdictions and all 102 counties. The $50.6 billion eclipses the previous record of $41.4 billion set last year.

 “Under Gov. Pritzker, our investments in transportation are doing more than ever to connect people to the meaningful destinations in their lives,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. ​ “This new multi-year construction program will not only create jobs and economic opportunity, but it will also improve quality of life in Illinois – making it easier to walk and bike, catch a bus, deliver goods, and get you safely from where you are to where you need to be.”

 The Fiscal Year 2026-31 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program will invest $32.5 billion in state and local roads and bridges, with $5.5 billion identified for the current fiscal year. A total of $18.1 billion is programmed for other modes, which includes $13.8 billion for transit, $2.9 billion for freight and passenger rail, $1.2 billion for aviation, and $200 million for ports and waterways.

 On the highways side, the program will build or improve 7,107 lane miles of roads and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck on the state system, with $6.8 billion identified for 1,654 lane miles and more than 1.3 million square feet of bridge deck overseen by local governments.

 “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,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

 “Illinois is continuing to invest in economic development and infrastructure projects, both small and large, in communities throughout our state,” said House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch (D-Hillside). “Each of these projects means jobs, new economic activity, and a higher quality of life for those communities. Whether helping people get where they’re going, investing in recreation, or revitalizing downtown areas, these projects are about building the brighter future we all want for Illinois.”

 “We want often overlooked communities to flourish,” said Leader Camille Lilly (D-Chicago). “Rebuild Illinois will be a key factor in accomplishing this mission by restoring our state’s structure, ultimately helping families save their well-earned money, while building equitable communities that will thrive for years to come.”

“I am excited for the Department of Transportation’s new Multi-Year Plan that prioritizes community quality of life, further continuing our efforts that people are able to go to school, their job or doctor’s appointments in a safe, reliable and accessible way,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this plan has, not only on our neighbors, but all Illinoisans.”

“The local projects funded in this MYP not only improve the quality of life in Illinois– they are also critically needed for the safety of our infrastructure,” said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “I am grateful that because of this Rebuild Illinois funding, the City of Elgin will be replacing the Kimball Street bridge, which is a vital artery in our downtown in need of improvement.”

New to this year’s multi-year program is $400 million, made available through a special legislative appropriation and signed by Governor Pritzker, to help further address local transportation needs, with consideration given to disadvantaged or economically distressed communities. 

Of the 223 awards, 177 are for roads, 34 for bike and pedestrian improvements, 10 for transit, and two for ports. All projects required a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal to uplift small, local minority- and women-owned firms.

“Governor Pritzker recognizes the critical need to modernize Illinois’ infrastructure, and we appreciate his steadfast leadership,” said James P. Connolly, Business Manager of the LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council. “Our members are ready to put this historic investment to work building a stronger economy and brighter future for communities across the state.”

“Today’s investment will build, improve, and maintain our state’s highways and multi-modal transportation systems for years to come,” said Tim Drea, IL AFL-CIO President. “These funds ensure that Illinois not only prioritizes necessary upgrades and maintenance to keep our communities safe, but also utilizes high-quality, union labor, creating good-paying jobs across the state. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for earmarking this $400 million investment in safe roads and a strong economy.”

“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 Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter.

“SMART-TD commends Governor Pritzker and IDOT for their aggressive multiyear plan that includes historic funding for both passenger and freight rail projects, allowing Illinois to continue to lead the Midwest in improving and expanding upon their successful intercity passenger rail program and creating and sustaining good middle-class jobs,” said Robert W. Guy, state director, SMART Transportation Division.