Rep. Senger Secures $125 Million to Fund Route 59 Expansion

Springfield…Today, the Illinois House and Senate made a monumental vote to pass the state’s first major comprehensive capital construction program in a decade. State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville) is thrilled to announce that the $26 billion capital plan includes $125 million to expand Route 59 from Ferry Road to Aurora Avenue.

“This is an absolutely enormous success for the City of Naperville. We have been lobbying and fighting for this funding for more than a decade, and have never been able to get Route 59 on a state capital plan. Throughout the process of being a Naperville City Councilman and a State Representative, I have heard a loud cry from the public through surveys, town hall meetings and conversations, that this project has been a top priority for the people of Naperville and Aurora,” Rep. Senger said.

Last year, Rep. Senger was part of a large rally to bring statewide attention to the need to improve Route 59. She has worked with local and state officials, and lobbied personally with IDOT Director Gary Hannig for this important project.

“Route 59 is Naperville’s number one legislative priority for this year. We are absolutely thrilled to have it included in the capital bill. These improvements will enhance the lives of thousands of Naperville and Aurora residents on a daily basis,” said Naperville City Administrator Doug Krieger. “This project will significantly increase the capacity of the most congested portion of this critical roadway.”

According to Rep. Senger, expanding this 3-mile stretch of Route 59 will play a critical role to the future growth of Aurora and Naperville, and will put hundreds of thousands of people back to work during the state’s economic downturn. She commends the City of Naperville for the investment they have already put in this project including preliminary engineering and hearings for right of way.

“We understand this was a difficult and courageous vote and we sincerely appreciate the dedication of the elected officials who brought this project and capital bill to fruition. We really think this will move Illinois forward,” said John Schmitt, President and CEO of Naperville Chamber.