Illinois Department of Transportation, Federal, State and Local Leaders Celebrate Completion of Sunnyland Portion of Illinois Route 8

Groundbreaking Ceremony Kick Starts East Peoria Portion of Reconstruction Project

EAST PEORIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined federal, state, and local leaders to announce the completion of the Sunnyland portion of the IL 8 reconstruction project. A groundbreaking ceremony also took place to initiate reconstruction on the East Peoria portion of the IL 8, Summit Street Expansion and the last segment in the town of Washington. The overall positive impact of all four segments of the IL 8 reconstruction project will be a nearly $46 million impact in this region that will include economic benefits, public safety improvements and a foundation for long-term sustainable growth.

“Across the nation, the Obama Administration is making needed investments in our infrastructure that are putting people back to work and getting our economy moving again,” said Secretary LaHood. “Projects like this one in East Peoria are making a measurable and meaningful difference – not just in bringing the economy back from the brink, but also in laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth and prosperity.”

“We are proud to celebrate the progress and infrastructure investment on Illinois Highways through Illinois Jobs Now! Projects like the new segments of IL Route 8 to improve safety for the motoring public and to employ the good citizens of Illinois,” said Governor Quinn.

“Under the direction of Governor Quinn and his Illinois Jobs Now! plan, projects like these are providing economic benefits, safety improvements and sustainable growth for the region and for residents across the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “We are extremely gratified to unite with federal, state and local officials to announce the completion of the Sunnyland project and, at the same time, break ground on new segments along the route.”

The cities of East Peoria, Sunnyland and Washington will experience new safety features, additional lanes and aesthetics in their communities. The Sunnyland Business Association recognized local leaders for their investment and efforts to secure IL Route 8, provide improvements and enhance the quality of business opportunities in Tazewell County.

On July 13, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law bills that created the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan, to help revive the state’s economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. The Illinois Jobs Now! plan is the first statewide capital construction effort to become law in over a decade.

To view the interactive Proposed Highway Improvement Program including Illinois Jobs Now! Projects, go to http://www.dot.state.il.us/hip1015/hwyimprov.html. To access other construction projects taking place within the Peoria region, please visit http://www.dot.state.il.us/projects.html#District_3.