MAYOR LIGHTFOOT KICKS OFF CHICAGO’S 2022 CONSTRUCTION SEASON

 MAYOR LIGHTFOOT KICKS OFF CHICAGO’S 2022 CONSTRUCTION SEASON

 On Wednesday, March 30, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi and City employees to officially commemorate the start of the 2022 construction season. This event also launched the 2nd year of the Chicago Works jobs and infrastructure plan, a needs-based data-driven funding plan that focuses on investing in communities through infrastructure. The plan seeks to spur recovery and improve the quality of daily life in every neighborhood across the city by prioritizing equity, safety, and efficient project delivery.

“As more and more residents get back to work and travel
around our city, it is vital that we continue our efforts to improve
the infrastructure they rely on,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “That’s why
I am excited to kick off construction season by launching the 2nd
year of the Chicago Works Capital Plan, which will allow CDOT
and other City Departments to make significant progress in their
efforts to improve our city’s roadways, bridges, lighting, ADA
accessibility, and other high priority infrastructure. By starting this
effort early this year, we will be able to maximize the amount of
work we will complete this construction season.”

The first two years of the five-year Chicago Works Capital
Plan were approved by the City Council in November 2020. The
full plan will provide $3.7 billion to improve the quality of life for
all Chicago residents by investing in sustainable transportation
infrastructure, updated City facilities, and modern equipment in all
77 communities. The plan also corrects decades of underinvestment,
particularly on the South and West Sides of Chicago.

“I am pleased to stand with Mayor Lightfoot today as we begin our busy 2022 construction season,” said Alderman Howard
B. Brookins, Jr., Chairman of the Committee of Transportation
and Public Way. “Through The Chicago Works Capital Plan, city
agencies are working together to deliver new and visible projects
in every Chicago community.”

The first installment of Chicago Works invests $1.4 billion
in the first two years of the five-year plan. With an eye toward
long-term local economic development and job creation, Chicago
Works dedicates funding for the repair and replacement of traditional
infrastructure like roads, bridges, sidewalks, ADA-compliant
accessible crosswalk ramps, streetlights, and traffic signals. It
also includes more than $100 million for a dozen new streetscape
projects in INVEST South/West neighborhoods – including funding
for public art, tree planting, and pedestrian safety improvements.

“Chicago Works is an unprecedented opportunity for us to
invest in our infrastructure network,” said CDOT Commissioner
Gia Biagi. “We’re ready to get to work on projects in neighborhoods
all over the city and get a jump-start on the construction
season this year.”

As the City prepares for a busy construction season ahead,
CDOT reminds residents and visitors to use caution when encountering work crews this summer.

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