Governor joins region leaders in the Metro East to mark history with celebrations

Photos by Melissa Crockett Meske/Illinois Business Journal

 

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal
[email protected]

On Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was downstate to deliver some big news — worthy of not one, but two celebrations.

First celebration stop: Fairmont City

His first stop was in Fairmont City, where he joined officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), local administrations, labor and transportation stakeholders to announce and celebrate another round of “historic” investments in infrastructure throughout the Metro East.

The governor announced a $670,000 funding commitment to Fairmont City to complete North 42^nd and 44^th Street corridor improvements – part of the $400 million specifically coming to support 223 projects locally across the Metro East region. This announced investment is part of the largest infrastructure program in state history, totaling $50.6 billion over six years.

With this funding support from the state, Fairmont City will be able to complete the modernization of its North 42^nd Street and North 44^th Street corridors. Improvements include reconstructing the road to include new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and other safety features to support pedestrian and bike traffic. This project was on hold due to lack of funding but is now expected to start within the year.

Other plans from this historic funding planned for IDOT’s district covering the Metro East and southwest Illinois include a commitment of $3.8 billion to improve roads and bridges. Among the projects advancing are:

• $116.5 million for new pavement, interchange reconstruction, added lanes, bridge replacement and other bridge work on Interstate 270 from Chain of Rocks Canal to St. Thomas Road in Granite City;
• $63.5 million for resurfacing, drainage upgrades, bridge repairs and ADA improvements on Illinois 4 from I-55 to Illinois 143; and,
• $106 million for the Illinois 3 Connector – 1.5 miles of new road and other improvements from Fairmont City Boulevard to Illinois 3/203.

“Governor Pritzker’s investment in Fairmont City through IDOT’s multi-year plan and the local road fund is a game changer for our community,” said Fairmont City Mayor Michael Suarez. “These improvements will make our roads safer, support local businesses, and create opportunities for families who live and work here. We’re grateful for the Governor’s continued commitment to communities like ours.”

“The continued investment through the Governor’s multi-year plan and the local road fund is making a real difference for the people of St. Clair County,” said St. Clair County Board Chair Mark Kern. “Better roads mean safer travel, stronger neighborhoods, and new opportunities for businesses and families. This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment that keeps our region moving forward.”

 

Released earlier this month, IDOT’s Fiscal Year 2026-31 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program identifies a total investment of $32.5 billion in roads and bridges, with $5.5 billion for the current fiscal year. A total of $18.1 billion is earmarked for other modes, which includes $13.8 billion for transit, $2.9 billion for freight and passenger rail, $1.2 billion for aviation and $200 million for ports and waterways.

This year’s multi-year program also made $400 million available through special legislative appropriation backed by Governor Pritzker to help further address local transportation needs, with consideration given to disadvantaged or economically distressed communities. Of the 223 awards, 177 are for roads, 34 for bike and pedestrian improvements, 10 for transit and two for ports.

“Across the state, our Rebuild Illinois program is getting shovels in the ground and putting Illinoisans to work on projects that are vital to community interest and helping grow the entire state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Starting with improvements to major streets and corridors in Fairview Heights, Granite City, Cahokia Heights, and Belleville, these projects are improving congestion and safety in the Metro East area—making people’s lives easier, enhancing productivity, and generating more economic activity. All the while, creating good, quality jobs for workers in this community.”

What was particularly unique about this visit and its “historic” announcement was that IDOT dollars are being specifically invested in local projects through this $400 million appropriation. Those Metro East local investments being made by the state include:

• America’s Central Port—Bissell Street Expansion
  • IDOT funding $700,000
  • Design and construct the reconfiguration of Bissell Street to improve freight movement to the Madison Harbor, meeting current and future demand for the mega-industrial site.
• Enhancing our Streets—East St. Louis
  • IDOT funding $5.8 million
  • Rebuild and improve key streets, focusing on resurfacing damaged roads, replacing curbs, adding drainage, and installing sidewalks.
  • Project will create safer, more reliable travel routes for all residents and improve access to jobs, schools, healthcare and public transit. It will also reduce vehicle damage, prevent injuries, and improve emergency response times.
• Five-lane Connector Road and Adjacent Improvements—Cahokia Heights
  • IDOT funding $9.6 million
  • Enhance roads and construct a new five-lane connector to improve traffic flow for a new high school. Project is in the pre-construction phase.
  • Improvements will ensure all modes of transportation are accommodated, allowing for safety with reduced traffic incidents, accessibility and inclusiveness for the entire area.
• Longacre Drive Improvements—Fairview Heights
  • IDOT funding $1 million
  • Pavement patches, asphalt resurfacing, and ADA-compliant curb ramps to improve road conditions and safety. It is the second phase of the overall improvement, with the first phase already funded.
• Madison Avenue Corridor Improvements—Granite City
  • IDOT funding $1.4 million
  • Reconstruction of Madison Avenue from 23rd Street to 27th Street to enhance safety, pedestrian accessibility, and overall corridor functionality.
• West Chain of Rocks Bridge Repairs—Madison
  • IDOT funding $3.8 million
  • Rehabilitate the Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge to restore access for emergency and maintenance vehicles up to 29 tons, ensuring the safe operation of critical infrastructure. This project will advance public safety and ecological restoration, with a focus on preserving the bridge’s historical significance.
• West Main Street 28th Street to 49th Street Road Diet—Belleville
  • IDOT funding $1 million
  • Improve pavement conditions on West Main Street by milling and resurfacing, adding bike lanes and enhancing pedestrian safety with new crosswalks and beacons.

Local mayors expressed their gratefulness for Governor Pritzker’s commitment to infrastructure improvements across the state and for IDOT’s investments here locally.

“I want to sincerely thank Governor Pritzker for his continued commitment to the people of East St. Louis. This investment in rebuilding and improving our streets will make a real difference in the daily lives of our residents—providing safer roads, better drainage, and improved access to homes, schools, and businesses,” said East St. Louis Mayor Charles Powell III. “For too long, our infrastructure has suffered from flooding and neglect, but with the Governor’s support, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a stronger, safer, and more connected East St. Louis.”

“The City of Fairview Heights appreciates the work that all of our legislators do to provide the funding for projects in our local communities,” said Fairview Heights Mayor Mark Kupsky. “The City of Fairview Heights, we received $1m in funding for improvements for Longacre Drive, as the Mayor and City Council we appreciate the work that the Governor, IDOT and everyone throughout the state do, to help our local cities with projects such as this to improve our roads, an important infrastructure.”

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his continued investment in communities like Belleville. The improvements along West Main Street will make a tremendous difference for our residents—creating safer streets for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike,” said Belleville Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer. “This project will enhance access to schools, parks, and local businesses while improving safety at one of our city’s busiest intersections. With the Governor’s support, we’re building a more connected, accessible, and vibrant Belleville for everyone.”

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his continued investment in communities like Cahokia Heights. This funding for the five-lane connector and roadway improvements is a game changer for our city—helping us create safer roads, better access to our new high school, and stronger connections for our residents,” said Cahokia Heights Mayor Curtis McCall. “Thanks to the Governor’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding Illinois, we’re laying the groundwork for future growth and opportunity right here in Cahokia Heights.” ​

Several state legislators were also on hand to deliver remarks and join in the celebration.

“We’re delivering millions in new investment for the Metro East, supporting jobs and helping us build a safer, more robust transportation network that can meet the economic demands of today and tomorrow,” said State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). “I appreciate the advocacy and support from local and state officials who are turning these proposed improvements into reality.”

“For a community to thrive, it needs to have the infrastructure to support itself, and that’s why I’ve always been committed to supporting projects that strengthen our transportation systems and public spaces,” said State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). “These new investments are going to support jobs, encourage development and further improve vital travel corridors that residents depend on every day.”

“We are seeing a historic investment into Metro East infrastructure through IDOT’s Multi-Year Improvement Program,” said state Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “The program ensures that existing infrastructure is preserved, while also planning out new projects to keep the Metro East running smooth for many years to come.”

Southwestern Illinois Building Trades Secretary-Treasurer Eric Oller also shared remarks during the event. ““Governor Pritzker’s multi-year plan and the local road fund are smart, long-term investments in both our infrastructure and our workforce,” he noted. “Here in southwestern Illinois, these programs mean steady work for union men and women, safer roads for families, and stronger local economies across the Metro East. When we invest in labor, we invest in the future of Illinois.”

Next celebration stop: Collinsville

Later in the afternoon, Governor Pritzker, along with several state and Metro East leaders, again gathered in Collinsville for another celebration. This time, it was to honor the day as Glyn Ramage Day, as declared by the Governor’s proclamation.

The Downstate Illinois Laborers’ District Council dedicated its new facility at 19 Gateway Drive in Collinsville, christening it with the name of their recently retired business manager, Glyn Ramage, who had served for over 25 years and was leaving a legacy behind that extended far beyond the walls of the new structure.

This LiUNA! organization represents 10,000 employees in the construction industry and the public employee sector. Glyn’s son, Dustin Ramage, has taken over the reins as its business manager now and recognizes the need to protect Glyn’s legacy and keep his work moving forward.

During this celebration, Gov. Pritzker remarked: “Today, I’m honored to be here in Collinsville with the great Glyn Ramage, a champion of the working people. His legacy will forever be enshrined here at the new Downstate Laborers’ District Council Building. And I’m proud to recognize October 20, 2025, as Glyn Ramage Day.” The governor had also signed a proclamation drafted to honor Ramage.

For more information about the new building, Ramage’s recognition, or the Downstate Illinois Laborers’ District Council in general, visit online at https://downstatelaborers.org/ or call Business Manager Dustin Ramage at (618) 234-2704.