Durbin Join Ribbon Cutting For Latest Completed Segment Of Springfield Rail Improvements Project
SPRINGFIELD – Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and local leaders for a ribbon cutting of the newly constructed underpasses at Madison and Jefferson streets, the latest milestone for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project (SRIP). In December 2021, Durbin announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation had awarded a $13.5 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to the City of Springfield for the project.
The multi-phased project is a large-scale effort supported by local, state, and federal funding designed to alleviate rail congestion in downtown Springfield by consolidating train traffic from Third Street to 10th Street and constructing a series of overpasses and underpasses along the corridor.
“Connecting communities is at the heart of transportation,” said Durbin. “The Springfield Rail Improvements Project is dramatically changing downtown Springfield by reducing rail congestion, creating jobs, and improving safety for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. I will continue advocating for strong investments in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure.”
“The new underpasses at Jefferson and Madison streets are another success story of Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The Illinois Department of Transportation is proud to have worked with the various stakeholders to deliver the critical funding that made this project possible and will benefit Springfield for generations to come through improved mobility, safety and quality of life.”
“This significant milestone in the Springfield Rail Improvements Project illustrates the power of collaboration and partnership,” said Springfield Mayor Buscher. "It showcases what we can achieve when working together towards a common goal.”
“The opening of the Madison and Jefferson underpasses culminates a 10-year milestone completing five new underpasses and reconstructing four others. This has greatly enhanced the connectivity of underserved areas in Springfield to the rest of the community,” said Founder and CEO of Hanson Professional Services Inc., Sergio “Satch” Pecori.
Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter added, “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in our community. It’s not just about improving transportation; it’s about connecting our neighborhoods, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for our residents.”
This year, Durbin urged Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to strongly consider the SRIP for federal rail grants. Since the project’s inception, Durbin has helped secure roughly $90 million in federal funding to expedite the SRIP, including the 2021 RAISE grant for the Madison and Jefferson underpasses project.
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