ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to report that the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that I-39 resurfacing and two other major projects that will enhance safety while helping to grow the regional economy are wrapping up.

The projects represent a total investment of more than $55 million in the region.

“These projects helped create jobs and set the Rockford region up for economic opportunity for years to come,” Stadelman said. “Maintaining our roads and bridges is vitally important.”

Projects near completion include:

• Interstate 39 resurfacing – The $20 million project installed new guardrail and resurfaced I-39 from Baxter Road to Harris Avenue, along with U.S. 20 from just west of Alpine Road to I-39.

• U.S. 20-Illinois 2 interchange – The $24 million project reconfigured the cloverleaf interchange at U.S. 20 and Illinois 2 to a signalized diamond interchange. The project also rebuilt the dual structure bridge that carries U.S. 20 over Illinois 2.

• Illinois 251 rehabilitation – The $11.8 million project patched and resurfaced I251, from Forrest Hills Road, in Machesney Park, to the Wisconsin state line. 

“Not only do these projects benefit the Rockford area today, but for years to come,” Stadelman said.

Although construction is substantially complete, some additional work remains, including landscaping. Daily lane closures will be required through early November to complete the work.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,300 miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program championed by Stadelman.