Illinois lawmakers approved budget that could include $2.2 billion toward roadwork in the Southland

The state plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in coming years fixing roads and bridges throughout the south suburbs.

The plan includes dozens of other projects affecting the Southland. IDOT plans to spend $15 million within the next six years to resurface 8 miles of I-57 through Markham, Posen, Dixmoor, Riverdale, Blue Island and Calumet Park between the Tri-State Tollway and Halsted Street.

IDOT said it plans to spend $10.7 million in 2019 rehabbing the Western Avenue bridge over the Cal-Sag Channel in Blue Island.

Other projects in southern Cook County are bridge work on I-57 at Steger Road ($2.4 million), at Sauk Trail in Richton Park ($4.4 million), at 159th Street in Markham ($2.5 million), at 167th Street in Oak Forest ($4.5 million) and at 175th Street ($2.5 million) between Tinley Park and Country Club Hills…Please click here to read Ted Slowik’s story in the Tribune/Daily Southtown, or here for the FY 2019-2024 Proposed Highway Improvement Program plan.