Government Affairs Roundup
“Your Timely Roundup of Local, State, and Federal Updates”
Chamber members:
A quick and easy update to share with you today. First, make sure you take note of the most recent detour due to the I80 work as major closures have been announced. There are more improvements coming to the area as well in the near future as new project funding was recently announced.
A few other items below for your interest as well as a reminder on recent storm relief efforts.
Thanks to all of you loyal readers for your kind words continuously regarding the appreciation you have for this update hitting your inbox on a weekly basis. I greatly appreciate it!
*Government Affairs Roundup brought to you by CITGO*
Major Infrastructure Impact: I-80 / Chicago Street Interchange
Significant traffic changes are scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 8 at the I-80 and Chicago Street interchange. All ramps will close with the exception of the eastbound I-80 exit to Chicago Street.
While disruptive in the short term, these closures are necessary to advance construction of the new Des Plaines River Bridge. Crews are entering a critical phase, connecting the new bridge to the interchange and building the roadway and ramp system that will integrate the full corridor.
Traffic will be rerouted, with detours expected to remain in place through Fall 2028. Businesses and commuters should plan accordingly for extended travel times and shifting traffic patterns.
Interchange ramps with detours are listed below, all are anticipated to reopen in 2028.
- Northbound Chicago Street to eastbound and westbound I-80
- Detour: Laraway Road (east) to Briggs Street (north) to I-80
- Southbound Chicago Street to eastbound and westbound I-80
- Detour: McDonough Street (U.S. 6) to U.S. 6 (west) to Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7) north to I-80
- Westbound I-80 to northbound and southbound Chicago Street
- Detour: I-80 west to Larkin Avenue exit and entrance ramps to access Chicago Street via I-80 (east)
- Eastbound I-80 to northbound Chicago Street
- Detour: Use the eastbound I-80 ramp to southbound Chicago Street then turn left (at temporary signal) onto northbound Chicago Street
IDOT Announces $91.8 Million Investment in Will County Road Projects
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a significant investment of more than $91.8 million to fund nine major roadway projects across Will County, reinforcing ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and support regional mobility.
According to IDOT, three of the projects are scheduled for completion in 2026, while the remaining six will be delivered between 2027 and 2030.
Projects Advancing in 2026
Several projects are already underway and nearing completion:
- U.S. Route 6 (Scott Street), Joliet (Washington St. to Ruby St.) – Resurfacing and ADA improvements began in 2024 and are expected to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures remain in place.
- U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway), Joliet (Center St. to Collins St.) and Center St. (U.S. 30 to Jefferson St.) – Resurfacing work began in 2024 and is also anticipated to wrap up this fall, with ongoing lane closures.
- Interstate 57 at Pauling Road (Southeastern Will County) – Improvements include a new bridge deck, shoulder repairs, retaining wall work, and culvert upgrades. The project began in 2025 and is expected to conclude later this fall. A detour remains in place via Illinois Route 50, Monee-Manhattan Road, and South Harlem Avenue.
Projects Under Construction and Upcoming
Additional projects will extend improvements across the county over the next several years:
- U.S. Route 30 (Cass Street) at the Des Plaines River, Joliet – Bridge superstructure replacement began in 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2027. A full closure is currently in effect.
- Illinois Route 171 (Collins Street), Joliet (Cass St. to Division St.) – Resurfacing is scheduled to begin this fall with completion anticipated in 2027. Lane closures are expected.
- U.S. Route 45 (Colorado Ave. to Old Frankfort Way) – Resurfacing work is set to begin this fall and conclude in 2027, with daily lane impacts.
Long-Term Infrastructure Improvements (2027–2030)
Several larger-scale bridge and roadway projects are planned for later phases:
- Jackson Street at the Des Plaines River, Joliet – Bridge superstructure rehabilitation is expected to begin in 2027 and conclude by 2030. Detours will be required.
- U.S. Route 30 (Jefferson Street) at the Des Plaines River, Joliet – Bridge deck replacement and repairs are scheduled from 2028 through 2030, with detours anticipated.
- Illinois Route 53 (Chicago Street) near Joliet (U.S. 52 to West Manhattan Rd.) – Resurfacing is planned for spring through fall of 2029, with lane closures during construction.
These projects are part of the state’s broader Rebuild Illinois capital program, a $33.2 billion, multi-year investment launched in 2019 to modernize Illinois’ transportation infrastructure, create jobs, and drive economic growth statewide.
For additional details and updates on Rebuild Illinois projects, visit:
https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois
Veto Session Outlook
With the conclusion of summer activities, including the State Fair, legislative activity in Springfield has slowed. To date, the Governor has signed 395 bills, completing action on all legislation passed by both chambers prior to June 1. While a line-item reduction veto was issued on HB 111 (the FY27 Budget), no individual bills from the Spring Session were vetoed.
Traditionally, the fall Veto Session serves as an opportunity for the General Assembly to address gubernatorial vetoes. In recent years, however, it has evolved into a forum for advancing unresolved or time-sensitive issues that did not gain traction during the Spring Session.
Given the absence of vetoed legislation this year, lawmakers are expected to focus exclusively on priority policy matters before the start of the new calendar year.
Veto session dates this year are November 17-19 and December 1-3.
New Statewide Regulations for E-Bikes and Scooters
Illinois will implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for electric bikes and scooters beginning January 1, following the Governor’s approval of Senate Bill 3484. The law establishes consistent, statewide standards for the rapidly growing “micromobility” sector, addressing safety, usage, and enforcement.
The legislation introduces a tiered system based on speed and device type:
- High-speed e-bikes (over 28 mph):
Classified similarly to motorcycles, requiring a driver’s license, insurance, registration, and operation on roadways. - Low-speed e-bikes:
- Class 1 & 2 (up to 20 mph): Minimum age of 15
- Class 3 (up to 28 mph): Minimum age of 16
- Permitted on streets, bike lanes, and trails (not sidewalks)
- Electric scooters:
- Speed capped at 28 mph for higher-powered models
- Allowed on bike paths, lanes, and certain roadways
- Minimum age lowered to 16 for low-speed devices
The law also establishes enforcement mechanisms, including fines and potential impoundment for violations.
This policy responds to increasing safety concerns tied to higher-speed devices operating in mixed-use environments. A statewide framework provides clarity for municipalities, law enforcement, and users, replacing the patchwork of local regulations currently in place.
The Secretary of State’s office plans to support implementation through a public awareness campaign and updated driver education materials.
Federal Update: Continuing Resolution to Avoid Shutdown
At the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a continuing resolution (CR) aimed at preventing a government shutdown ahead of the October deadline.
The measure, which has already passed the Senate, would extend current funding levels through December 11, giving Congress additional time to finalize the 12 annual appropriations bills.
Key components of the proposal include:
- Maintaining baseline funding across most federal agencies
- Targeted increases for select programs, including disaster relief, wildfire management, Navy shipbuilding, small business lending, housing assistance, and nutrition programs
- Extension of expiring programs such as the National Flood Insurance Program, surface transportation funding, and veterans’ services
- Temporary provisions affecting federal grantmaking authority and limiting new funding allocations for immigration enforcement
The bipartisan nature of the proposal will be critical in avoiding a shutdown, which could have significant economic and operational impacts across multiple sectors.
Storm Relief Reminder
Individuals and businesses that were impacted in the region from the July 27 and August 9-11 storms can find resources and disaster assistance, and tax relief. A disaster declaration has been approved for Will County for damage resulting from the July 27 and Aug. 9-11 storms. Residents in surrounding counties, including Kankakee, Cook, Grundy and Kane, are also eligible.
This declaration unlocks various resources for residents and businesses in our community:
Assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster- damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment. These applications must be received by the SBA no later than Oct. 19, 2026.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofits meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster. These applications must be submitted to the SBA no later than May 18, 2027.
• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loan applications are due Oct. 19, 2026.
Residents can apply for assistance in person at the outreach center listed below, online at sba.gov/disaster or by calling 800-659-2955.
Severe weather tax relief through the Illinois Department of Revenue
Disaster tax relief may also apply to residents and businesses in our area who were affected by the severe storms. Taxpayers can send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue requesting a waiver of tax penalties and interest, which can be submitted electronically to Rev.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov. Find more information here.
Property damage
Taxpayers who experienced property damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments if they wish to apply for a reassessment:
• Cook County
• Will County
• Kankakee County
• Kendall County
Damage Survey Reminder:
The Will County Storm Damage Survey will close Saturday, August 22 at 11:59 PM. This survey is for residents or businesses impacted by the August 9-11 storms, please complete the survey before it closes: www.willcountyema.org/storm
Stay well,
Mike Paone
Executive Vice President
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct