North Cook News

State Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced May 24 the Waukegan community will receive $9.5 million to go toward road, sidewalk and bridge improvements throughout the next year and millions more will be allocated to fund projects in areas surround Waukegan. 

Several community upgrades can be expected, including a $2.8 million project on the 2.31-mile Genessee Steet, starting at Belvedere Road to Buckley Road in Waukegan and North Chicago. 

"For too long, our infrastructure has suffered from historic underinvestment, threatening the safety and security of our community. These funds will go toward revitalizing our roads, creating jobs and boosting growth in the area," Sen. Adriane Johnson wrote via a Facebook post.

Repaving won't be the only improvement, as residents will see the addition of safety features in street crossings to make it easier for those who are wheelchair-bound or who have limited mobility. 

IDOT also announced over $7.7 million for improvements in Vernon Hills and $2.8 million for Park City, including a $2.3 million bridge rehabilitation project on Washington Street.

The improvements stem from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the several-year plan that they established to maintain and expand Illinois' transportation sector. Another improvement the community can expect include bridge replacements on Belvidere Rd. and Greenwood Ave.

“Good infrastructure is key to easier commutes, more tourism opportunities and enhanced economic activity,” Johnson said. “I’m thrilled to see these construction projects begin soon.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation is the transportation industry for the state, focusing on improving the roads, bridges, sidewalks, airports, trains, etc. 

"Each day, IDOT strives to ensure that destinations are reached in the safest, quickest, easiest, and most comfortable and cost-effective manner," IDOT's website says. "It does not matter which mode or modes are used, as long as your destination is reached successfully. We plan, program, design, implement, construct, maintain, operate, respond, repair, rebuild and innovate - it is a cycle. None of this is new. Each day moving forward, we will continue to do each of these."