The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is a  $1.2 trillion infrastructure program that will repair and rebuild roads, bridges, rails, airports, water and power grids throughout the nation. IIJA was signed into law in November 2021 under U.S. President Joe Biden, with bipartisan support .

Illinois has received $4.4 billion, to-date, to help rebuild its roads and bridges. An additional $6.9 billion is expected to come for bridge and road repairs over the next five years.  This will be the single largest dedicated bridge investment in Illinois since the construction of the interstate highway system. There are 2,374 bridges and more than 6,218 miles of highway throughout the state that are currently in poor condition.

Several municipalities, as well as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have selected projects and begun the bidding process for work to be done with IIJA funding. The City of Chicago’s massive Reconstruction of the four Calumet River Bridges is one. Others include the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) Central Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

The Central Avenue Bridge spans over the Sanitary Ship Canal near the western border of Chicago and travels through the Villages of Stickney and Forest View.

With four-lanes, the 0.71 mile-long bridge serves many neighboring industrial sites and provides a vital connection to Interstate 55 and Midway Airport. Improvements from the project will bring the bridge to a state of good repair and support continued serviceability to freight movement in the region.

Bids proposals have been submitted with a final award still pending. The goal for minority business participation is set at 24 percent, and 10 percent for participation by women’s business enterprises.

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