The state of Illinois is about to embark on one of the largest early-season construction programs in its history.
Governor Pat Quinn calls the nearly $500 million in road and bridge projects part of his agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward. Quinn says there are many advantages for Illinois to create a top notch transportation system.
The projects include additional lanes to Interstate 57 in Williamson County as well as Route 13 just west of Carterville. There is also funding for bridge replacements over Ewing Creek near Thompsonville and over the Kaskaskia River in Randolph County. The letting for the projects is scheduled for next month. The funding comes from a capital construction program and a supplemental appropriation lawmakers approved earlier this year.