Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation have announced a $23.5 billion plan for road maintenance, preservation, and expansion projects across the state. Among the many projects slated to occur in the next five years is a new I-55 interchange at Airport Road/Lockport Street and IL 126 in Romeoville.

This new interchange represents a $181.4 million infrastructure investment.  The work, from engineering to land acquisition to construction, is scheduled to occur in fiscal years 2021-2025.

“We have been working on this project for a long time with Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Will County,” said Mayor John Noak. “This will greatly improve traffic flow for all of northwest Will County. We are very excited to see that this is part of IDOT’s five year plan.” 

It is anticipated that the Weber Road interchange project will be completed prior to construction starting on the Airport Road/Lockport Street interchange.

“This vital funding will go towards making much needed improvements to roads we rely on every day,” said State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “This plan will ensure our roads, highways and bridges are safe, reliable and help grow our economy for years to come.”

In addition to the new interchange, Romeoville will also see improvements to Route 53 including resurfacing and ADA improvements from Joliet Road to Belmont Drive, new shoulders from Murphy Drive south to Renwick Road, and land acquisition for a pedestrian crossing at Normantown Road and Route 53.

"This is what can happen when state and local government work together," said State Representative Natalie Manley. "The Will County legislators have been fighting for these projects, and finally we have a Governor that listened."

Mayor Noak thanks the State Legislators for the continued support for these much-needed improvements. For more information on other projects in the plan, head to the state’s official website, illinois.gov.