A new path rises in Dixon

New life has come to the old Illinois Central Railroad line that once ran through the heart of Dixon in the form of a multiuse path connecting the city’s south side with its downtown. The project offers users a different way to view Dixon.

Westminster Drive bridge dedication pays tribute to military, veterans

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman was joined by state and local officials on July 15 to dedicate the new Westminster Drive bridge over Interstate 57 in Marion, a project that pays tribute to the armed forces and veterans while serving an important transportation role for the region.

The $7.3 million bridge opened last year, with the finishing touches completed this spring. In addition to replacing a structure that was past its useful life, the new bridge was raised approximately 2.5 feet over I-57, making it compliant with the latest and safety and design standards.

The new 200-foot-long overpass also includes a 10-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path that connects the Crab Orchard Greenway, a 20-mile regional multiuse trail that IDOT is helping to develop as a means to bolster recreation and transportation opportunities in Marion, Herrin, Carterville, Crainville and Carbondale as well as the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and John A. Logan College.

Located just west of the Marion VA Medical Center, the bridge’s most noticeable feature is the fencing protecting the trail, constructed to represent an iconic impression of the American flag. It is created out of multicolored perforated metal and illuminated at night with red, white and blue LED ropes. Emblems of the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were incorporated into the bike and pedestrian sidewalk barrier as well as featured at the four corners of the bridge.

Region 4, District 6: A $5.4 million improvement project is underway to resurface and replace pavement on Sixth Street in Springfield from Stanford Avenue to Ash Street. Other improvements include replacing the traffic signals at the intersection of Sixth Street and Ash Street and upgrading sidewalks.

Lane closures will be necessary for the completion of this project. Street parking will be limited and there will be times that access to business entrances and driveways will be restricted. Benefits from this project include improvements to the driving surface and accessible sidewalks. The project is expected to be completed by mid-December.

Region 5, District 8: The start of construction for the $19.9 million Air Mobility Drive extension project in St. Clair County was celebrated by Secretary Osman, state and local officials and community leaders on July 15 with an official groundbreaking ceremony. A project made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, the improvement will extend Air Mobility Drive by approximately a mile to connect Illinois 158/177 with Illinois 161, reducing congestion and increasing safety on surrounding roads as well as enhancing regional mobility.

The scope of work includes construction of a two-lane road with 10-foot shoulders and a bridge over the Loop Creek tributary, along with drainage ditches and culverts. Construction will take approximately two years to complete, with an opening expected in summer 2026. There will be no closures or detours and minimal public impacts during construction, though building the connections at Illinois 158/177 and Illinois 161 will require lane restrictions. Once completed, the new road will be marked Illinois 158.

Letting Update

Aug. 2 is the next letting for statewide construction projects that are scheduled in 2024. Here are some dates to note in advance of the letting.

July 26 at 4:30 p.m. Joint venture cutoff (three contractor limit. Date for these groups who want to bid can do so).
July 30 at 4:30 p.m. Request for authorization to bid cutoff (Final date for contractors who are authorized to bid on contracts).
Aug. 2 at noon Letting (Bids can be submitted until 11:59 a.m. on the day. Bids are shut down at noon).

If you are new to the IDOT bid letting process or need updated information, following are some helpful resources:

IDOT offers free subscription email services to anyone interested in finding out more about construction projects and work zones, IDOT initiatives, important safety messages and more.

Subscribe to IDOT in Motion or update your preferred email lists today.

Get Local Updates

idot.illi nois.gov