Illinois

Rebuilding Southern Illinois: Interstate, roundabout projects highlight another historic construction season

Published

6 months ago

May 21, 2024

Rebuilding Southern Illinois: Interstate, roundabout projects highlight another historic construction season

CARBONDALE – Entering one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that major projects in Southern Illinois are planned or underway, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Twelve major projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $545 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in Southern Illinois and throughout the state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life.”

Of the 12 major projects in Southern Illinois, one is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and the remaining 11 are anticipated to be completed from 2025 through 2028.

• Interstate 57, mileposts 66-75, expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over the Big Muddy River in Jackson County began in spring 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
• I-57, mileposts 75-85, expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over Marcum Branch and Gun Creek in Franklin County begins in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
• I-57, mileposts 85-92, expansion to six lanes and replacement of structures over Dodds Creek in Jefferson County begins in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
• I-57/64, Illinois 15 interchange reconstruction in Jefferson County is anticipated to begin in 2025. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
• I-24, milepost 27.5, bridge replacement in Massac County began in 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in 2024. Traffic will use a crossover configuration.
• I-24, mileposts 0-13, resurfacing and bridge repairs in Johnson and Williamson counties begins in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Lane closures are anticipated.
• I-24 bridge deck and bridge painting on the Ohio River Bridge in Massac County begins in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Traffic delays are expected.
• Illinois 146 in Vienna from U.S. 45 to east of I-24 in Johnson County includes pavement widening to accommodate a center turn lane, multiuse path extension and a roundabout at Illinois 146 and Red Bud Lane. The project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Daytime and nighttime lane closures with detours for the roundabout construction are expected.
• Illinois 149 at I-57 in Franklin County includes construction of roundabouts at I-57 ramp intersections, pavement reconstruction, bridge repairs, multiuse path and sidewalk. The project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Daytime and nighttime lane closures are expected.
• I-64 from Washington County Line to I-57 near Mt. Vernon in Jefferson County includes pavement reconstruction and bridge work. The project began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Crossovers with daytime and nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
• Illinois 14 in McLeansboro at the abandoned railroad underpass in Hamilton County includes old railroad bridge removal, elevation adjustment and construction of new pavement, curbs, gutters and storm sewers. The project is expected to begin in 2024 and completed in 2025. Road closure with detour is anticipated.
• Illinois 13 from Spillway Road to Shawnee Trail in Williamson County includes pavement widening, resurfacing, traffic signals, bridge replacement over Crab Orchard Lake and a multiuse path. The project is anticipated to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027. Daytime and nighttime lane closures are expected.

“Investing in the infrastructure of Southern Illinois not only creates new job opportunities but also demonstrates the state’s commitment to our region’s economic potential,” said state Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). “I’m excited to see these initiatives move forward, bringing much-needed upgrades and improvements and ensuring our infrastructure remains safe and resilient for the future.”

“I am excited by the state’s commitment to Southern Illinois and the improvement of the region’s infrastructure and economy,” said state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “With this significant investment, we can ensure that Southern Illinois continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.”

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.

“I want to thank the Illinois Department of Transportation leadership and Gov. Pritzker for their continued investments in our downstate infrastructure,” said Robert Spencer, mayor of Pinckneyville and president of the Southern Illinois Mayors Association. “These Rebuild Illinois capital projects are improving our transportation systems to make Southern Illinois safer and more modern, all while creating good-paying jobs for our residents.”

Accomplishments through March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $14.8 billion of improvements statewide on 6,078 miles of highways, 629 bridges and 895 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

“Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT continues to deliver projects in Southern Illinois that strengthen the state’s entire multimodal system of transportation,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this construction season, you will be traveling through work zones. Put down the devices. Follow the signs. And when you see orange, slow down and save lives.”

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Illinois

Park Ridge, Illinois house left uninhabitable after fire

Published

7 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

Park Ridge, Illinois house left uninhabitable after fire – CBS Chicago

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There were reports of victims trapped inside, but firefighters confirmed the home was empty when they arrived.

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Illinois

Previewing the Illinois high school football state championship games

Published

15 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

Previewing the Illinois high school football state championship games

Top-ranked Loyola’s offense has three primary plays: running with Drew MacPherson, passing to MacPherson and running with quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald.

The key blocker on most of those Fitzgerald runs? MacPherson.

“[MacPherson] has breakaway speed,” Ramblers coach Beau Desherow said. “He’s also a really good receiver. His ability to block isn’t talked about enough. He’s a devastating blocker. He is a totally selfless player that will do whatever it takes to win.”

MacPherson leads Loyola (11-2) in touchdowns (19), rushing yards (1,038) and receiver yards (678). The Iowa recruit will be a major focus of York’s defense in the Class 8A state championship game at ISU’s Hancock Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m.

On the other side, the key is Bruno Massel. The Dukes’ quarterback may be the fastest in the state. The senior qualified for the Class 3A state track finals last spring in the 100 meters and 4×100 relay, earning a medal in the latter.

Massel vs. Loyola’s stout run defense is the matchup that could decide the game. Mount Carmel and Lincoln-Way East, programs that pride themselves on consistent running attacks, didn’t even attempt to succeed on the ground against the Ramblers this season.

The Griffins called just four rushing plays in the semifinals against Loyola and the Caravan ran nine rushing plays in a Week 9 loss to Loyola.

“We take away the run pretty early,” Desherow said. “Our defensive line has done an amazing job and our linebackers have stepped up. They are players. Max Mendoza had an amazing game [vs. Lincoln-Way East].”

This is the first title game appearance for York (11-2) The Ramblers, Mount Carmel in 7A and Nazareth in 5A are attempting to three-peat and all are favorites.

Batavia’s Nathan Whitwell (28) carries the ball against St. Charles North.

Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

Class 7A: Batavia (12-1) vs. Mount Carmel (10-3), 4 p.m. Sat.

This is a rivalry, but one-sided. Mount Carmel has ended Batavia’s last four seasons.

“The first time was a war,” Bulldogs coach Dennis Piron said. “The last three we had things happen in the first quarter and it got out of hand.”

The Caravan is young overall but has solid veteran leaders on both sides, including quarterback Jack Elliott and linebacker Matt Mucha.

“I’m the head coach but it is Jack Elliott’s team,” Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch said “It is not what I’m comfortable with it is what the kids see and what the kids trust. He comes with his own game plan on what we should run.”

Mucha has led the Caravan in tackles the last two seasons.

“Our defense is peaking at the right time,” Lynch said. “Mucha is the best linebacker in the state and will be one of the best players on the field Saturday.”

Batavia’s top weapon is senior running back Nathan Whitewell, who has rushed for 1,669 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Caravan is allowing 22 points a game this season and the Bulldogs’ best chance at an upset may be to get in a high-scoring shootout.

Geneva's Taylin Taylor (1) catches a pass and turns up field as the Vikings play Batavia. — Geneva’s Taylin Taylor (1) catches a pass and turns up field as the Vikings play Batavia.

Class 6A: Geneva (12-1) vs. East St. Louis (12-1), 1 p.m. Sat.

The Flyers dominated Loyola in Week 1 and their only loss was 14-13 to IMG Academy, a prep school powerhouse from Florida. East St. Louis is the best team in the state.

Flyers’ quarterback Kendrick Lyons has thrown for 2,402 yards and 31 touchdowns. Keandre McClendon leads the team with 12 sacks.

Geneva counters with perhaps the most talented player in the state, Georgia recruit Talyn Taylor. The senior wide receiver has scored 27 touchdowns.

Joliet Catholic’s Larry Stringham (24) carries the ball against Mount Carmel.

Class 5A: Nazareth (11-2) vs. Joliet Catholic (10-3), 10 a.m. Sat.

This could be the best game of the weekend. Nazareth is loaded with stars including quarterback Logan Malachuk and linebacker Gabe Kaminski. The Roadrunners have a special group of receivers in Garrett Reese, Jake Cestone, Trenton Walker and James Penley.

“Kaminski is a four-year starter and an awfully fun kid to watch,” Nazareth coach Tim Racki said. “He plays football the way it is meant to be played.”

The Hilltoppers don’t have a major star, just a lot of experience. It’s a testament to the strength of the program, which is tied with Mount Carmel for the most state titles, that it has advanced to another title game.

“This is probably the toughest schedule that I’ve been around as a coach or when I played here,” Joliet Catholic coach Jake Jaworski said. “We have definitely learned from those three losses.”

Running backs Larry Stringham (14 TDs) and Nate Magrini (13 TDs) lead the Hilltoppers’ attack.

DePaul's Juju Rodriguez (2) looks to pass during the Rams' 21-14 semifinal win against Coal City. — DePaul’s Juju Rodriguez (2) looks to pass during the Rams’ 21-14 semifinal win against Coal City.

Class 4A: DePaul Prep (10-3) vs. Mt. Zion (10-3), 7 p.m. Fri.

The Rams’ Cinderella run to state is the best story of the playoffs. DePaul Prep has a daring offense, led by daring quarterback Juju Rodriguez, running back Nick Martinez and receiver Braden Peevy.

Mt. Zion is a regular playoff contender but this is its first title game as well.

Montini’s Louis Corpora (38) carries the ball against North Lawndale’s Trevion Anderson (21).

Class 3A: Montini (11-2) vs. Monticello (11-2), 4 p.m. Fri.

Montini’s losses this season are to larger Catholic League powers Marist and Fenwick. The Broncos, led by quarterback Israel Abrams (1,778 passing yards, 24 TDs) are heavy favorites.

Class 2A: Chicago Christian (12-1) vs. Maroa-Forsyth (12-1), 1 p.m. Fri.

The school from Palos Heights led by first-year coach CJ Cesario could have its hands full with the Maroa-Forsyth, one of the state’s traditional small school powers. The Knights’ offense is well-balanced with Christian Flutman throwing for 23 TDs and Kenny Jager rushing for 27.

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