ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation’s five-year Highway Improvement Program includes major projects for U.S. Route 14 and Illinois Route 53.

U.S. Route 14 between Smith Rd. and Hicks Rd. will receive over $1.1 million for repaving and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities. Three other projects are outlined for U.S. Route 14 in the coming years, potentially including new crosswalks, bridge repair and new left turn lanes.

Illinois Route 53 will receive $1.1 million to repair bridges between U.S. Route 12 (Rand Rd.) and Illinois Route 62 (Algonquin Rd.). Three other projects are outlined for Illinois Route 53 in the coming years.

Palatine Rd. between Williams Dr. and Alison Dr. will receive $800,000 for general repairs.

“Commuters use Northwest Highway and Route 53 every day. They are some of the most-used roads in our community” Gillespie said. “Now that the bipartisan, statewide construction plan is becoming a reality, major roadways across the state will improve and drivers will begin to see savings on vehicle maintenance.”

The program will invest $23.5 billion in improving and expanding roads and bridges throughout Illinois. Projects outlined in the plan will cover 4,212 miles of roadway and 9.2 million square feet of bridge deck statewide between 2020 and 2025.