North Cook News

The 28th Senate District is about to see improvements to roads and bridges throughout after the Illinois Department of Transportation announced $181.8 million for those projects in the 28th District. Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced the funding in a July 24 news release. 

“Roadwork projects are not only about connecting places, they are about connecting people to opportunities. By investing in these projects, we are investing in our workforce, our businesses, and the prosperity of our community," said Murphy.

Murphy was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2015. A Democrat, their legislative experience includes serving on the Appropriations II and Committee of the Whole. Murphy is a state senator who resides in Des Plaines, according to the Illinois Senate.

“Our state’s continued commitment to improving our infrastructure shows our dedication to the safety of everyone who uses our roadways. By building better roads and bridges we are also building a stronger, more prosperous future," Murphy said in a July 24 news release.

The list of projects is available here. These include initial pavement and reconstruction of pavement in Chicago and Rosemont; pavement preservation and rehabilitation in Des Plaines; and shoulder repair, signage and pavement marking on Illinois 53 and I 290. 

That particular project will happen in multiple communities, including Forest Park, Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Berkeley, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, and Palatine, among others. 

Many of these projects are scheduled for 2025-2029, like the bridge deck overlay and bridge joint replacement/repair in Des Plaines on Oakton Street at Des Plaines River.

These projects are part of a set of improvements that Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on July 7, which is the largest construction program in the history of the state. "Over the next six years, we're investing over $40 billion to improve all modes of transportation across our great state. That means better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation, and expanded and faster passenger rail service. Rebuild Illinois has increased safety, efficiency, and opportunities for residents all over the state — and over the next few years, we will keep building on that progress, with all 102 counties of Illinois included in the multi-year program,” said Pritzker in the July 7 news release.

The summary from IDOT provides more information for Illinois residents who are curious about the totality of the project. The plan took into account the 9.07 million licensed drivers in the state, 11.11 million registered vehicles, annual miles traveled, and other aspects of travel, including air, waterways, rail, and facilities that exist for all of those things. The summary is available here.