Illinois Governor Announces $8 Million Investment for a Rockford Bridge

A bridge that carries approximately 8,000 motorists across Interstate 39 and US 20/51 needs a replacement, and today (Tuesday 4/4) Governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker has announced the funding to make it happen.

Illinois Governor in Rockford to Announce Perryville Road bridge project

According to a press release from the Governor's office, an $8-million investment to rebuild the Perryville Road bridge in Rockford is only the first step in the $300-million project that will "rebuild and modernize I-39 between Harrison Avenue and Blackhawk Road."

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Upon completion, a third lane will be added to this portion of I-39 as well as auxiliary lanes on both sides of the interstate.

With construction well underway, the new Perryville Bridge will be safer and more efficient for Illinois motorists and pedestrians traveling along this corridor. Since I signed the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan into law, more than $150 million is already at work supporting transportation needs in the greater Rockford area, with another $525 million to continue the revitalization of regional mobility over the next few years. -J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

According to the press release, the Perryville Road bridge is outdated having been built in the 1960s, and because of the low clearance, there are many commercial vehicles that have hit the bridge.

How will construction on the Perryville Road bridge affect Rockford traffic?

Beginning this week (4/3) the Perryville Road bridge will be closed to traffic and construction to replace it will happen  "over the upcoming season."

The bridge will be replaced with "a longer structure to accommodate the I-39 expansion that starts later this year."