Governor Quinn Announces $6 Million for Construction Projects in Springfield-Decatur Area

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $6 million for construction projects in Christian, Macon, Menard, Shelby and Sangamon Counties. The projects include road and bridge maintenance and repair, rehabilitation of a highway maintenance facility and more. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's commitment to creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"These projects will make sure our roads and bridges in central Illinois are well-maintained to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help drive local economies forward."

The projects will be managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation except where noted.

Christian County

A bridge over Brush Creek one mile west of Bethany will be replaced for $282,261 by Schmidt Construction, Inc. of Mt. Zion, the lower of two bidders.

Macon County

The Interstate 72 eastbound and westbound rest areas northeast of Argenta will receive resurfacing and pavement marking work for $1,226,522 by Otto Baum Company, Inc. of Morton, the lowest of five bidders.

Menard County

The Athens Blacktop will be improved from A. Kent Road to just northwest of Athens, a distance of 1.2 miles, for $1,586,277 by P.H. Broughton & Sons, Inc. of Springfield, the lowest of four bidders. The work includes widening, resurfacing, shoulder work and sloping improvements.

Sangamon County

An eight-building highway maintenance facility in Springfield operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation will be rehabilitated for $2.2 million. The work will involve the District 6 Materials Lab at 126 E. Ash St. in Springfield, an 89,131-square-foot facility constructed in 1934. Contractors will upgrade the climate control system, some electrical and plumbing systems, hot water heat system, vent hoods, ductwork and controls, plus replace windows and window seals throughout the facility. The Illinois Capital Development Board will manage the project. The successful bidders include:

• Ventilation: Reliable Plumbing & Heating Co., Champaign, lowest of seven bids, $792,900.
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning: King-Lar Company, Decatur, lowest of six bids, $674,000.
• General construction: Jun Construction Co., Godfrey, lowest of four bids, $422,000.
• Electrical: EEI Holding Corp., Springfield, lowest of three bids, $318,700.

"Upgrading the infrastructure of our Springfield-based highway maintenance facility is important considering the buildings were constructed 80 years ago," State Representative Raymond Poe (R-Springfield) said. "By investing more than $2.2 million in this facility, we help ensure our road crews have the repair materials and vehicles needed to keep our central Illinois highways safe for years to come."

Shelby County

A multi-use trail will be constructed from the Union Pacific Railroad crossing to Lake Dam Road in Shelbyville for $786,946 by Beniach Construction Co., Inc. of Tuscola, the lowest of three bidders.

The projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.