CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois can move forward on $1.6 billion worth of statewide transportation projects that are expected to create more than 18,000 jobs, under legislation signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Pat Quinn.

The projects include improvements to road, rail and transit, like expanding highways and modernizing rail infrastructure. Quinn signed the bill in the Chicago suburb of Bellwood – home to one of the planned construction projects – and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood attended the event.

“We’re the heart of the Heartland and that really helps us location-wise but that doesn’t really do enough unless we build our transportation to meet our location,” Quinn said.