Bourbonnais Township, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The intersection of Armour Road and Bradley Boulevard in Bourbonnais Township has officially reopened after a $13.8 million upgrade. This major project, aimed at enhancing safety and easing congestion, involved extensive improvements such as designated turn lanes, widened roadways, and upgraded pedestrian facilities. Local officials anticipate reduced travel delays and safer access to businesses in the area, marking a significant enhancement in community infrastructure.
$13.8 Million Upgrade Completed at Armour Road and Bradley Boulevard
A major intersection in Bourbonnais Township has been fully rebuilt and reopened after nearly two and a half years of work. The intersection of Armour Road and Bradley Boulevard (Illinois Route 50) was finished on August 12, 2025 as part of a project that cost $13.8 million. The work was aimed at improving safety, easing congestion and making it easier for people and freight to reach nearby stores and employers.
What was done and why it mattered
The intersection is the busiest in Kankakee County, carrying heavy traffic from surrounding retail areas and a large pharmaceutical plant nearby. The project added designated turn lanes, widened sections of roadway, and repaved the surface. Utility and stormwater systems were upgraded and new sidewalks, curbs and gutters were installed. New lighting and traffic signals were included, along with landscaping and a paved path for walking and biking to better serve pedestrians and cyclists.
Scope, timeline and conditions
Construction began in March 2023 and reached official completion in mid-August 2025, lasting nearly 2.5 years. Work was staged to keep traffic moving as much as possible, but the community experienced extended periods of construction activity. A ceremony marking the project’s end was moved indoors because of hot temperatures and rainy conditions on the scheduled day.
Funding and program
The project was carried out under the statewide infrastructure plan known as Rebuild Illinois. The funding supported not only pavement and lane changes but also modern storm water sewers, updated pedestrian facilities and improvements intended to reduce long-term maintenance and winter weather impacts.
Expected benefits
Local officials expect the work to reduce collision points, shorten travel delays during peak hours, and make access to businesses and neighborhoods faster and more reliable. The combination of turn lanes, signal upgrades and a dedicated path for walking and biking is intended to expand travel choices and reduce friction between cars, trucks and pedestrians.
Community impact and response
Residents, business operators and commuters endured prolonged construction but now have wider lanes, clearer markings, and improved drainage that should limit standing water after storms. The improvements also support local employers by making deliveries and employee commutes smoother, and they reduce the likelihood of minor crashes caused by crowded turning lanes.
What comes next in the region
The transportation department has signaled a series of additional projects in the region to continue improving travel on and around Interstate 57 and nearby state routes. Planned or funded projects announced following this completion include:
- $3.5 million resurfacing and culvert replacement on Illinois Route 113.
- $80 million interchange reconstruction at Interstate 57 in Manteno.
- $95 million redesign and build of the I‑57 East Court Street interchange in Kankakee.
- $70 million rebuild of the I‑57 U.S. 45/52 interchange in Kankakee.
- $19.5 million resurfacing and drainage work along Illinois Route 114 in Momence.
- $17 million pavement replacement on Illinois Route 50 from Brookmont Boulevard to north of U.S. 45/52.
How this fits into longer-term plans
The Armour Road and Bradley Boulevard upgrade is one of several investments intended to support local growth, improve freight movement, and provide more travel choices. The focus on long-lasting pavement, stronger drainage, and pedestrian links reflects an emphasis on resilience and safety as traffic volumes rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the project finished?
The project was officially completed on August 12, 2025.
How much did the work cost?
The total project cost was $13.8 million.
How long did construction last?
Construction began in March 2023 and lasted nearly two and a half years.
What major changes were made at the intersection?
Designated turn lanes were added, roadways were widened and repaved. New storm water sewers, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, lighting, traffic signals, landscaping and a walking/biking path were also installed.
Why was the project needed?
The intersection is the busiest in the county and experienced congestion and safety issues. The upgrades aim to reduce delays, lower crash risk, and open access to businesses and residents.
Are more road projects planned nearby?
Yes. Multiple projects have been announced or planned, including major interchange reconstructions on Interstate 57 and pavement, drainage, and resurfacing work on nearby state routes.
Key Project Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Armour Road and Bradley Boulevard (Illinois Route 50), Bourbonnais Township |
| Cost | $13.8 million |
| Completion date | August 12, 2025 |
| Construction period | March 2023 — August 2025 (nearly 2.5 years) |
| Main upgrades | Turn lanes, road widening, repaving, storm sewers, sidewalks, curbs/gutters, lighting, signals, landscaping, walking/biking path |
| Purpose | Improve safety, reduce congestion, improve access to businesses and residents |
| Funding program | Rebuild Illinois |
| Nearby traffic sources | Retail centers and a large pharmaceutical manufacturing facility |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction IL Resources
Additional Resources
- Daily Journal: End of the Road Bourbonnais Twp Road Project Complete
- Daily Journal: New Subdivision Coming to Bourbonnais
- Daily Journal: Career Center Road in Bourbonnais in Line for Needed Improvements
- ABC 7 Chicago: Bourbonnais Illinois Amtrak Train Crash Truck
- Chicago Construction News: IDOT Highlights 12 Projects in Kankakee Area
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- Google Search: Illinois Infrastructure Projects
- Google Scholar: Transportation Projects Illinois
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Construction
- Google News: Illinois Road Projects
