Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov said the investment improves travel but added that it means "we are a driving force for increasing economic development opportunities in the diverse communities we serve."

Directors of Illinois' toll highways have approved five more construction contracts totaling $20 million.

The Illinois Tollway board of directors' action Dec. 21 brings the year's total to nearly $1 billion in construction and engineering contracts. The work has been awarded to 78 different contractors.

It's part of the 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program.

Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov said the investment improves travel but added that it means "we are a driving force for increasing economic development opportunities in the diverse communities we serve."

During the capital program's first six years, the Illinois Tollway has obligated more than $5 billion. Officials say $1.5 billion of that has been committed to small, diverse and veteran-owned firms. They say the work has created and retained more than 56,000 jobs.

Today's top stories

Blalock Crews Build TDOT's $67M Newport Bypass

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Equip Expo's Summer Giveaway Offers a Chance for Lifetime Trade Show Registration, Gift Card, Hotel Stay

Tennessee's Pugmill Systems LLC Expands Its Product Offerings to Include Concrete Plants

ASCENDUM Machinery Opens New Savannah, Ga., Facility