KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing funds from the Illinois Competitive Freight Program that will improve the movement of freight throughout the state, while creating jobs and economic opportunity, and enhancing safety and local quality of life. Amongst the projects is the reconstruction of the interchange at Interstate 57 and Illinois 17 in Kankakee.

“This has been a long time coming. State Representative Jackie Haas and I have been pushing to get this interchange rebuilt for quite some time,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s great to finally see a plan in place to tackle this area. This is great for better freight mobility, but it’s also a win for Kankakee’s local economy.”

Every year, 1.6 billion tons valued at $2.5 trillion of freight flows in and out of the state, making Illinois one of the top three states for freight activity. Nearly $200 million in funds among 22 projects that are high traffic areas for freight mobility were announced last week, including the reconstruction of the interchange in Kankakee.

The interchange reconstruction project is estimated to cost around $95 million and will take 2-3 years for completion, with construction starting around 2027. Through the Illinois Competitive Freight program, this project will receive $40 million to assist with costs.

“This is truly a big deal. We’re opening up the door for more efficient freight transportation, while expanding economic growth in the area,” said Joyce. “It is a much needed upgrade and it’s going to have a lot of positive impact on our state.”

For more information about the Illinois Competitive Freight Program and to see a complete list of projects and awards, click here.