Plans to upgrade Moline’s River Drive not only got a $1 million boost from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new infrastructure improvement plan, the governor and his transportation secretary came to town recently to celebrate the investment.
Mr. Pritzker was joined on Moline’s riverfront Friday, Oct. 17, by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gia Biagi to announce the upgrade to the drive along the Mississippi River and popular Ben Butterworth Parkway.
The Rebuild Illinois project is designed to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in downtown Moline.
“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,” Mr. Pritzker said in an event news release. “These projects are the literal foundation of our communities, and our job in state government is to get Illinoisans to work and get projects online quickly and efficiently – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Ms. Biagi added “Under Governor Pritzker, we are continuing to build new connections and create economic opportunity in cities, towns and rural areas throughout the state, including the Quad Cities. At IDOT, we are especially proud to get our local partners more resources to help them achieve the safety and mobility goals for their communities.”
QC gets $105.9M boost
For example, the release said, among the other projects the proposed funding in the Northwestern IDOT District includes in the Illinois Quad Cities are $105.9 million to reconstruct, add lanes and improve Interstate 74 in Moline; $441.5 million for the new Interstate 80 Mississippi River bridge crossing; and $309 million to replace the U.S. 67 bridge over the Mississippi River.
An additional $400 million was made available through special legislative appropriation to help further address local transportation needs, with consideration given to disadvantaged or economically distressed communities, the governor’s office said.
The state’s $1 million investment in the overall $4.8 million Moline project, which will come from those special funds, will help finance these additions to River Drive:
- Sidewalks, streetscape upgrades.
- Other enhancements include new pedestrian signals, warning lights.
- Accommodations for people with disabilities.
The remaining funds for the Moline upgrades will come from other state and local contributions, the release said. The project is expected to pay dividends, IDOT predicts. That includes attracting more pedestrian and bike traffic to local businesses and improving connections to the new Interstate 74 Mississippi River bridge and other amenities.
Leaders laud investment
Mr. Pritzker’s visit was crowded with Quad Cities local, state and federal leaders.
“I am proud to see state dollars being put to work on infrastructure that will build jobs, growth and opportunity in Western Illinois,” State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, said at the Oct. 17 press conference. “Repairing and maintaining solid infrastructure means more blue-collar jobs, improved logistics for business, and enhanced safety for everyone on the road. This investment shows we are committed to Western Illinois’ future and improving the daily lives of our residents,” he added.
State Rep. Gregg Johnson said “Downtown Moline is thriving not by chance, but because local businesses, the city, and the state have made an effort to invest in it and make it a destination for the entire region. “
The East Moline Democrat added “The $1 million in infrastructure upgrades from Rebuild Illinois for River Drive is furthering that effort and will make walking downtown safer and more enjoyable.”
