The Illinois Department of Transportation has spent the past two years planning a major highway project on a 6.5-mile stretch of Illinois 13 in Belleville and Cahokia Heights.

The main goals are to fix drainage problems, widen shoulders and resurface pavement to eliminate potholes and ruts, according to Senior Project Studies Engineer Sarah Wiszkon. Officials also are looking for ways to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.

IDOT expects to begin construction in 2029, after finalizing a design and acquiring needed land.

“Of course, it all depends on funding availability,” Wiszkon said.

The project is budgeted for $125 million in IDOT’s comprehensive plan, known as the Illinois Fiscal Year 2026-2031 Proposed Highway and Multimodal Improvement Program.

Officials hosted an open hou

See Full Page