Governor Quinn Announces $5.5 Million for Construction Project Near Maquon

MAQUON – Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investment of more than $5.5 million for a bridge replacement project near Maquon, part of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. The project is part of Governor Quinn’s commitment to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“Our investment will make travel along Route 97 safer and more efficient,” Governor Quinn said. “The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”

The bridge carrying Illinois Route 97 over the Spoon River about one mile southeast of Maquon will be replaced for $5,507,164 by Midwest Bridge and Crane, Inc. of Good Hope, the lowest of five bidders. The project will be overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Illinois Route 97 is a major artery for traffic and commerce throughout the Knox County region,” State Senator Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) said. “I am pleased that this long-overdue bridge upgrade is occurring and look forward to its completion.”

"I want to commend Governor Quinn for the release of the funds to upgrade this bridge. It is because of Governor Quinn's leadership that we were able to get the capital bill that provides funding for this bridge,” State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) said. “This project continues in our efforts to make Illinois a safer place to live and travel. Repair of this bridge shows the importance of having a capital bill for Illinois. It also shows why we will need additional capital building programs in the future as there are even more bridges in need of repair.”

The project is 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.