Southern Illinois News

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) views the state’s infrastructure plans as a win-win proposition.

“By investing in Illinois infrastructure we are investing in jobs,” Fowler said at a recent news conference calling attention to Interstate 57 expansion plans. “We're investing in our local economy, which will continue to put Southern Illinois on the map for many years to come.”

Fowler made it a point to praise Gov. J.B. Pritzker for thinking of “God’s country” as part of his overall plan.

“Thank you for your support of infrastructure and economic development right here in Southern Illinois, also known as God’s country,” he said. "Today, we celebrate a long-standing continuing vision to improve and revitalize Illinois roadways. As a member of the state Senate and Senate Transportation Committee, I am honored to stand before you as we pave the way for better and safer roads like right here on Interstate 57.”

Fowler said the upgrades along I-57 are much needed to improve safety.

“Too many times on this stretch of roadway people have died or have been seriously injured in multiple crashes,” he said. "We have a responsibility to recognize these highly congested areas that pose serious risk to those on our roadways to not only make sure that travelers make it home to their families this holiday season but in all walks of life as well. We're investing in our local economy, which will continue to put Southern Illinois on the map for many years to come.”

Pritzker has recently been on the move across the state in selling his infrastructure plan, including making a recent stop in Benton, where he stressed that the goal remains improving safety and mobility across the region.

“Today I’m proud to announce the most significant investment in I-57 since its original development,” he told WSILTV.com. “This major upgrade comes after we’ve already completed a successful, six-lane expansion along the Johnson City stretch of I-57 in 2020 and launched the ongoing West Frankfort renovations. Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, we’re unlocking the federal funding necessary to take this from a four to a six-lane highway – enhancing safety, creating jobs, improving the reliability of the freight network, and supporting the economic development potential of the region.”

With the part of I-57 stretching across the Southern Illinois area being part of the National Highway Freight Network that carries upwards of 40,000 vehicles a day, 14,000 of which are trucks, the $67.6 million project slated to start soon after the new year will expand nine miles of I-57 to six lanes, installing a median barrier, resurfacing the existing lanes, updating deficient guardrails, and adding rumble strips.

During construction, two lanes will remain open as much as possible, with overnight lane closures until the project wraps up in 2025. In future years, the Rebuild Illinois plan will also complete the expansion of I-57 to Mt. Vernon as well as replace bridges over Marcum Branch, Gun Creek, Dodds Creek and reconstructing the I-57/64 interchange with Illinois 15.