Major Rockford Street Reopens Monday After $10 Million Reconstruction

Rockford will celebrate the reopening of a major thoroughfare next week, following a two-year, $10 million road project that will enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the community.

Street Reopens After $10 Million Reconstruction

The City of Rockford announced that the long-awaited reopening of Whitman Street will take place this upcoming Monday (10/27), marking the completion of the city's largest project funded by the 1 percent Infrastructure Sales Tax.

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According to the press release, the reconstructed portion of the Whitman corridor now extends from Avon Street to Church Street and is expected to reopen to full traffic next week, with only minor finishing work remaining.

Major Safety and Accessibility Upgrades

The two-year, $10 million project included a full rebuild of one of Rockford's most deteriorated roadways.

Whitman Street was converted from four lanes to three to improve safety and traffic flow, and a separated 5-foot sidewalk was added on the north side to improve pedestrian access.

A new single-lane roundabout at Ridge Avenue will further enhance safety and access for drivers, according to the press release.

Connecting Rockford's Neighborhoods

The project also expanded the Mel B. Anderson Recreational Path from Talcott-Page Park to Church Street, with future plans to link it to the Rock River Recreational Path through the Activate Church & Main project.

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Upgrades also included new water and sewer lines, landscaping, and removal of blighted properties in the corridor.

Delivered On Time and On Budget

Managed in-house by city staff and completed with partners FRSA, the Rockford Park District, IMEG, Fehr Graham, and NTRAK, the project was finished on time and on budget, according to the press release.

Rockford city officials say the reconstruction not only revitalizes a key roadway but also strengthens neighborhood connections across Rockford.