4 Illinois Road Projects That Will Cause Massive Headaches This Year

The start of every new year comes with new laws and new projects, and Rockford, Illinois is no exception, especially when it comes to road construction.

City of Rockford's Plans for 2024

Before I fill you in on some of the big plans Rockford has for 2024, I first must wish our fair city a very Happy Birthday! (can we use this as an excuse to eat some cake today?!?)

In early December 2023, the Rockford City Council unanimously approved a 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan worth $322 million that focuses heavily on repairs to streets and water treatment plants.

Improvements are always a good thing, but I must warn you, one article I read called 2024 "the largest single year of construction to date" in Rockford, so the road ahead may be a bit frustrating.

Major 2024 Road Construction Projects in Rockford

As Rockfordians, we have earned the right to make all the pothole and bad road jokes because we have lived with that reality for far too long, BUT that will all soon be changing.

According to the Rockford Register Star, Rockford's five-year Capital Improvement Plan features $54 million in road construction projects scheduled for 2024. Four of the biggest construction projects are:

1. Madison Street

Often thought of as the worst street in Rockford, a multi-year project on Madison Street will begin in 2024 which includes reconstructing pavement and burying utilities.

2. Whitman Street

Pavement reconstruction, sidewalk repairs, and realignment of a sharp curve will all get underway on Whitman Street from Underwood Street to the Rock River in 2024.

3. Lee Street

The nearly undriveable section of Lee Street between School Street and Fairview Court will be reconstructed.

4. 12th Street

The concrete paved section of 12th Street from 16th Avenue to Broadway will be repaired.

2024 will also see the widening of East State Street in Rockford and Phase 2 of Alpine Dam improvements focusing on drainage issues.

If any of these roadways are a part of your daily commute, prepare yourself now for frustrating driving conditions ahead, but always remember; these headaches will be well worth it in the end!