Politics & Government

Quinn Announces $1.5 Million for Romeoville Road Project

Funding is part of the state's "Illinois Jobs Now!" program.

A Romeoville-area road project is among Will and Kendall county road improvements that will receive funding through Gov. Pat Quinn's $31 million "Illinois Jobs Now!" capital construction project. 

The projects will be managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The funding will pay for upgrades to New Avenue stretching through Lockport, Romeoville and Lemont, Quinn announced Friday. The $1.5 million project will include rumble strips and guard rail replacements along a section of road from the Cook County line to Route 171 (Archer Avenue).

The project was awarded to low bidder K-Five Construction of Lemont, Quinn's office said in a press release Friday.

“Our investments will make it safer and more convenient for motorists traveling through Kendall and Will counties,” Quinn said. “The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will drive the local economy forward.” 

State Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport) said the New Avenue project is part of the state's efforts to update Will County infrastructure. 

“In addition to creating construction jobs, the projects in the region will help spur economic growth by further meeting the needs of local businesses," McAsey said.

"Investing in local infrastructure projects will help grow the local and state economy by employing thousands of people,” State Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) said in a statement. “Additionally, by demonstrating Illinois prioritizes maintenance of our roadways, the state will attract and retain employers who place a premium on extensive, high-quality transportation infrastructure.”  

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) also applauded the project, adding he was glad the bid went to a Lemont company.

“Rumble strips and new guard rails will warn motorist that they are getting close to the edge of the roadway which will improve safety along New Avenue,” Durkin said in a press release. “I am pleased that work on this project will soon get underway and that the contract went to a local construction firm.”

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Also included in the "Illinois Jobs Now!" funding:

  • $440,983 to replace an old water main with a new, 16-inch water main and six-inch force main at the intersection of Minooka Road and I-80 in Minooka. The project was awarded to low bidder D Construction of Coal City.
  • $82,253 to resurface State street from Steger Road to south of Berk Lane in Crete, along with adding new pavement sensor markings. The project was awarded to Iroquois Paving Corporation of Watseka.

“Gov. Quinn and IDOT understand the importance of transportation to Will County and with this investment for key road projects that improve safety and enhance access for industry, they have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to working with us to address local infrastructure needs,” Will County Executive Larry Walsh said Friday.


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