The Downtown Construction Project at IL Route 171 (State Street) and Route 7 (9th Street), overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), is intended to alleviate traffic congestion through downtown and heading toward and over the IL 7 (9th Street) high level-bridge. IDOT reports that segments of IL Route 7 and both sides of IL Route 171 have pressing safety improvement needs. As part of this project, the City is replacing water mains and water service laterals and installing new streetscaping. 

Project Improvements

• Traffic signal replacement
• Adding left turn lanes on IL 171 (State Street)
• Reconstructing on-street parking
• Providing new ADA compliant sidewalks and crossings within the project area
• Utility relocations, water main replacement, and all water service lateral replacement between our main and plumbed into the buildings (water main replacement and water service lateral replacement are funded by the City)
• Filling the old coal vaults that currently reside under the sidewalks as a safety measure for both pedestrians and building owners
• Installing new streetscaping

Timeline 

IDOT completed pre-construction items in fall 2017. Pre-staging was completed in early 2018.
The project is currently in Stage 1 Construction. Below is a current schedule of project activity. 

Latest Updates

May 7, 2018 - D Construction has completed water main installation on the west side of State Street between 10th and 8th Street. After the main is properly tested, D Construction will begin installation of water services, gravity walls, and water meters.