Illinois passes state budget, road construction can resume

The Illinois House passed an override of a veto by Gov. Bruce Rauner late July 6 that puts into place the state’s first budget in two years. The state Senate had passed an override of Rauner’s budget veto earlier in the week.

The move now lifts a work stoppage the Illinois Department of Transportation placed on transportation projects that begin July 1. The shutdown affected 900 highway and bridge projects valued at $2.2 billion.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation recently advised that due to a lack of appropriated funding, work on all contracts was to cease by the close of business June 30, 2017,” the agency reported after the vote. “Legislation has passed providing the necessary appropriations. Work on contracts can now resume. The public is advised to be especially cautious traveling in and around work zones as lane closures are reestablished in some locations. Please be prepared to slow down for workers and equipment.”

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association had previously estimated that roughly $127 million in construction work would have been completed on projects this week (including July 7) had there been no shutdown.