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Last updated 5:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
Expansion Coming To The Area
"We gotta use the public works to help the private economy get out of the ditch and get going forward," said Governor Pat Quinn during the announcement of the expansion in Marion Tuesday afternoon.
This isn't a new idea, widening the busy stretch of road was first discussed back in 2003.
"We've been waiting on it for a long time, we're ready for it, so we're gonna put people to work," said State Sen. Gary Forby, whose district includes Williamson County.
During that six year delay the cost of the project has nearly doubled. Ironically the business where the governor made the announcement happens to have quite a few concerns about the expansion.
"My biggest fear will be when the construction project starts, how it's gonna affect traffic and the entrance into Mackie's," said John McPeek with Mackie's Pizza in Marion.
McPeek says his business will be affected more than any other in town. His large sign on the side of the road will have to go and part of his property will be given to the state as part of the construction. But while he has his concerns in the short term, in the long run he says he's for it.
"For the next year and a half it will probably be a little scary, but when it's finished I think it will be a great project, it will bring a lot of business into southern Illinois and into Marion and I think it will help our business," said McPeek.
Right now the state is acquiring land for the project and bids will be taken starting in January. Once construction starts next spring it's expected to last until the fall of 2014.
By Ryan Kruger
rkruger@wsiltv.com
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