Carbondale Reporter

Worked toward additional lanes and replacing bridge structures on Interstate-57 has entered its next phase, and state Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) was there to mark the occasion as the project gets underway in his hometown.

The expansion efforts are a part of "Rebuild Illinois" which passed in the state legislature two years ago. 

"Serving as a State Representative is a FULL-TIME job that means being responsive to the many diverse needs of your district and showing up for the people you represent," Severin said in his Dec. 12 edition of "Severin Says."

Severin was joined Omer Osman, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) secretary to mark the occasion. 

"This week, I was proud to join IDOT officials in my hometown of Benton for the next phase of the I-57 expansion," Severin said in his weekly update.

More than four miles of the Interstate have already been expanded to six lanes when the phase of the project between mileposts 58.6-63 was completed last year, according to graphics in Severin's announcement.  Construction on another three miles is already underway, with another eight miles slated to begin in 2022. The structure over the Big Muddy River will also be replaced. This phase is expected to cost around $67.6 million with an estimated completion date of 2025. 

"This is what investing in hard infrastructure truly looks like," Severin said in his announcement. 

According to the Journal Courier, the Rebuild Illinois bill also included funding for airports in the state. The paper reported that $150 million in state bonds is allocated for the airports in the Prairie State. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation noted that Rebuild Illinois included $25.4 billion for the state's roads and bridges, $1.4 billion for railroad projects, $150 million for improvements to aeronautic facilities, and $150 million for port improvements.