Quinn announces $12.4 million road projects

PEORIA (AP) — State officials have announced two road construction projects around Peoria that are projected to cost about $12.4 million.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will complete the widening phase of Illinois Route 8 and design plans for the replacement of a railroad viaduct over Illinois Route 29 in Chillicothe.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced the projects Tuesday. He says they'll create jobs and reduce congestion. Quinn says state money is available through a capital program.

The Route 8 project includes reconstructing roadway and adding a second lane. Construction for the $10.2 million project begins later this year.

The Route 29 project will replace two existing viaducts and is estimated will take three years. The engineering and design plans cost about $2.2 million, with construction taking place later and costing $22 million.