CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced Friday that $127.9 million has been awarded through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) to expand travel options and enhance quality of life in communities throughout the state. This year’s program is the largest ever due to Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois and dedicates resources to communities that exhibit the greatest need.

The 72 projects selected include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level. An all-time high of nearly $127.9 million was made available in this funding cycle, with more than 75% allocated to projects in communities that best demonstrated a financial need. 

Projects in our area receiving funding include $827,800 for the Piles Fork Greenway located from East Grand Avenue to East Walnut Street in Carbondale. Plans call for replacing the existing Piles Fork Greenway, an 8 foot wide asphalt path, with a 10 foot wide cement shared-use path. Eldorado will get $460,180 to construct a 5 foot wide sidewalk along U.S. 45. Marion will receive $2,668,750 to construct 1.4 miles of shared-use trail connecting the Rides Mass Transit Park and Ride facility to the Crab Orchard Greenway shared-use trail. Murphysboro will get $1,860,850 for Phase 1 of its Downtown Mobility Improvement and Streetscape Enhancement Program. This will include ADA compliant sidewalks, ADA ramps, crosswalks, street lighting and improved aesthetics and functionality on Walnut Street.

Click here for a complete list of recipients or visit https://idot.click/itep and click the “Awarded Projects” tab.

Made possible by federal and state funds administered by IDOT, ITEP awards are focused on improving bike and pedestrian travel, as well as making other surface transportation improvements that promote alternative options for getting around communities.  

Projects were awarded based on their readiness and ability to connect to transportation networks and other economic drivers, as well as secure public support and provide public benefits. Additional consideration was given to projects serving areas with higher needs, based on population totals, percentage below the poverty level and estimated median household income.

IDOT received 213 applications for projects worth an estimated $337 million for the current cycle. The next call for projects will come in late 2024, with a 2025 award announcement.   

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $33.2 billion into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.