Governor Quinn Announces $6 Million for Construction Projects in Will and South Cook Counties

JOLIET – Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of more than $6 million for construction projects in Will and south Cook Counties, part of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. The projects are part of Governor Quinn’s commitment to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“This work will improve a major road, a community college and several key bridges,” Governor Quinn said. “The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”

A new alignment for Exchange Street near Crete will be constructed from just west of Crete Road to South Country Lane. The work will include storm sewer and box culvert installation, new pavement, curb and gutter, and water main replacement. Gallagher Asphalt Corporation of Thornton was the lowest of five bidders at $5,178,888. The Illinois Department of Transportation will manage the project.

The exterior stairs at Joliet Junior College will be replaced with enclosed exit stairs. The general construction will be performed by Path Construction Company, Inc. of Arlington Heights, the lowest of six bidders at $507,500. The associated electrical work will be done for $72,698 by J.B. Contracting Corporation of LaSalle, the lowest of three bidders. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Erosion and soil stabilization improvements will be made to eight bridges in Will and south Cook Counties. D Construction, Inc. of Coal City was the lower of two bidders for the work at $288,266. The Illinois Department of Transportation will manage the project. The bridges are:

• U.S. Route 52 over the DuPage River in Shorewood
• Illinois Route 59 over Clow Creek in Naperville
• Illinois Route 53 over Sugar Creek in Joliet
• Interstate 55 southbound ramp from Illinois Route 113 over Clay Pool Creek in Braidwood
• Interstate 57 over Rock Creek in Peotone
• Vincennes Road over Thorn Creek in Glenwood
• Illinois Route 83 (47th Street) over the Little Calumet River in Harvey
• Governor’s Highway over Butterfield Creek in Matteson

“Safe roads and bridges and continuous improvements at the nation’s oldest public community college mean jobs and progress,” State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill) said. “Governor Quinn is laying the groundwork for our area to thrive for years to come.”

“Projects like these in Will County will help spur local job creation and improve our region’s quality of life,” State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr. (D-Elwood) said. “Infrastructure improvements to Joliet Junior College and upgrades to Route 53 will help make our roads safer and keep the college competitive for area students.”

“These projects will help make needed improvements to our local transportation system,” State Representative Thaddeus Jones (D-Calumet City) said. “They will also help create jobs and spur economic activity in our area.”

These projects are part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.