Rep. Senger Calls Governor’s Signature of Capital Bill a Major Victory for Route 59 Expansion

Springfield…State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville) joined with state and local officials on Monday to commend Governor Pat Quinn for signing the capital bill and allocating $125 million to fully fund the Route 59 expansion project.

“The expansion of Route 59 has been a priority of mine since my start in public service. As a Naperville City Councilman, I understood that expanding Route 59 meant economic development, a safer roadway, and a better quality of life for the residents of our area. I worked aggressively in Springfield to ensure that Route 59 was included in the capital bill for the first time ever,” Rep. Senger said.

Route 59 will be expanded from Route 59 from Ferry Road to Aurora Avenue which is a three-mile stretch.

“The Route 59 expansion project has been a top priority of the Chamber, the Naperville Development Partnership, the business community and our City for years. With Governor Quinn’s signature today, this project will move from conception to reality, improving our quality of life and expanding Naperville’s economic potential,” said John Schmitt, President & CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate all the work of the dozens of elected officials and leaders who spent countless hours advancing this proposal for years, job well done by all.”

According to studies conducted by the City of Naperville, Route 59 sees more than 50,000 vehicles travel it per day and it has become the major artery connecting cities in DuPage County. Each year, more than 400 traffic accidents occur on this corridor.

“For the residents of Naperville and the thousands of cars that use Route 59 to travel from work to their home, I am grateful that the Governor today signed the capital legislation which will improve the safety of our roadways and put people back to work,” said Rep. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville). “This is one piece in helping to revive the economy of this state.”

Illinois has not seen a capital construction program in a decade and its roads continue to deteriorate. This $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan will help rebuild its roads, bridges, school construction projects and other economic development initiatives.