SPRINGFIELD - Major investments in IL-48, IL-29 and local roads in Christian County will be included in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s new five-year infrastructure plan, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced this week.

The Multi-Year Plan released by Governor JB Pritzker and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday designates $34 million for 15 road and bridge projects in Christian County, including $8.9 million for 15 miles of pavement rehabilitation of IL-48 between Taylorville and the Montgomery County line. The plan also includes $7.1 million for pavement rehabilitation on IL-29 over the 10-mile stretch between Velma Rd. just south of Taylorville to Magnolia St. in Pana.

Lincoln Trail in Taylorville will undergo a 2.5-mile pavement rehabilitation project between IL-48 and 1350 North Rd, while McAdam Dr. will see .57 miles of pavement rehabilitation between IL-48 and IL-29.

“Safe and reliable transportation is imperative to our economic viability and way of life in Central Illinois, especially in rural communities where ambulances, school buses, and commuting workers spend more time on the road,” Manar said. “These much-needed improvements will foster economic growth, create good-paying jobs, and make daily transportation safer for Montgomery County families. I’m thankful that IDOT is making these improvements a top priority and look forward to working with them to see these projects through.”

Manar led negotiation efforts on the statewide construction plan on behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus during the spring legislative session of the General Assembly.

The 15 projects in Christian County are among 110 separate projects in the Senate district Manar represents, totaling approximately $357 million. These projects include major bridge repairs and the resurfacing of 250 miles of state roads.

In total, IDOT’s statewide program will invest $23.5 billion in improving and expanding roads and bridges throughout Illinois, more than double the size of the previous year’s Multi-Year Plan. Projects outlined in the plan will cover 4,212 miles of roadway and 9.2 million square feet of bridge deck statewide between 2020 and 2025.

Click here for a complete list of projects in Christian County.