IDOT Investing $108.8 Million in 6 Road Projects

The Illinois Department of Transportation is investing more than $108.8 million in six major road and infrastructure projects across Lake County as part of the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program.

The work includes interchange reconstruction, drainage and storm sewer improvements, culvert replacements, new shoulders, roadway channelization, ADA improvements and other transportation upgrades.

Two of the six projects are scheduled for completion this year, while the remaining projects will continue through 2027, 2028 and as late as 2031.

Patch reports that several of the projects are concentrated along U.S. 41 and Illinois 176, making that corridor a significant area of construction activity over the next several years.

U.S. 41 at Illinois 176

Construction is already underway at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Illinois 176, also known as Rockland Road.

The project includes:

• Pump station improvements
• Storm sewer construction
• Americans with Disabilities Act improvements

Work is expected to continue through 2027.

Daily lane closures are in place during construction, and motorists should expect changing traffic conditions as the improvements progress.

U.S. 12/Illinois 59 and Illinois 176 Improvements

Another major project involves improvements along U.S. 12/Rand Road, Illinois 59 and Illinois 176.

The construction includes channelization, new roadway shoulders and rumble strips.

Work is taking place along U.S. 12/Rand Road and Illinois 59 from Illinois 120 to south of Old Rand Road and at Case Road. Improvements are also underway along Illinois 176 from west of Ivanhoe Road to west of Hawley Street.

Construction began in 2025 and is expected to be completed this fall.

Daily lane closures will continue while crews finish the project.

Sheridan Road Culvert Replacement

A major culvert replacement project is planned for Sheridan Road over Two Creeks.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue through 2028.

Unlike several of the other projects where traffic will be maintained during construction, Sheridan Road will be completely closed while the culvert work is performed.

IDOT plans to establish a detour for motorists during the closure.

The project could involve excavation, removal of the existing culverts, installation of new drainage structures, roadway reconstruction and restoration work.

New U.S. 41 Box Culvert

IDOT is also preparing to install a new box culvert along U.S. 41 between north of Illinois 176 and north of the Canadian National railroad.

Construction is expected to begin later this summer and be completed this fall.

Temporary lane reductions and shifting traffic patterns will be required while crews perform the work.

Box culvert construction typically requires significant excavation and drainage coordination before roadway pavement can be restored over and around the completed structure.

U.S. 41 Drainage and Storm Sewer Improvements

Additional drainage and storm sewer improvements are planned along U.S. 41 north of Illinois 176.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 and continue into the following summer.

IDOT expects all traffic lanes to remain open during the project, although contractors will be working alongside an active roadway.

The drainage improvements represent another significant component of the state's investment in the U.S. 41 corridor.

U.S. 41/Illinois 176 Interchange Reconstruction

The largest and longest-term project included in the Lake County program will be a major reconstruction of the U.S. 41/Illinois 176 interchange.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028 and continue through 2031.

The project will require temporary lane reductions and traffic shifts on both U.S. 41 and Illinois 176.

Temporary closures and detours will also be necessary at the Washington Avenue intersections with Shagbark Road and Skokie Valley Road.

With construction expected to span approximately four years, the interchange reconstruction will create a significant pipeline of heavy highway and infrastructure work.

Construction Trades Involved

The six Lake County projects cover a broad range of roadway, drainage and infrastructure construction. Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers that could be involved include:

• General highway contractors
• Excavation and earthwork contractors
• Roadway paving contractors
• Asphalt suppliers and installers
• Concrete contractors
• Box culvert contractors
• Culvert replacement contractors
• Storm sewer contractors
• Underground utility contractors
• Drainage contractors
• Pump station contractors
• Roadway shoulder contractors
• Grading contractors
• Aggregate and stone suppliers
• Pavement marking contractors
• Traffic signal and electrical contractors
• Highway lighting contractors
• Traffic control contractors
• Guardrail and roadway safety contractors
• ADA sidewalk and curb ramp contractors
• Curb and gutter contractors
• Signage contractors
• Landscaping and restoration contractors

The work should also create opportunities for suppliers of precast concrete structures, drainage pipe, aggregate, asphalt, concrete, traffic-control equipment and other heavy civil construction materials.

Rebuild Illinois Continues Lake County Investment

The six projects are part of the larger Rebuild Illinois capital program, which continues to fund highway, bridge and safety improvements throughout the state.

Through the program's seventh year, IDOT reports $25.6 billion in statewide improvements covering 24,498 miles of highways, 959 bridges and 1,475 additional safety improvements.

For Lake County contractors and suppliers, the $108.8 million investment represents both near-term and longer-range construction opportunities.

Together, the six projects will keep road, drainage and infrastructure construction active across several heavily traveled Lake County corridors for years to come.