E.T. Simonds submits low bid of $3,069,078 to repave state Rt. 154 west of Pincknyville

Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $3.2 million in capital investments for road projects in southern Illinois. The projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"These projects will improve roads and bridges in southern Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ several construction workers, which will help the local economy as well."

Illinois Route 154 from the Randolph County line to Walnut Street in Pinckneyville will be resurfaced for $3,069,078. E.T. Simonds Construction Company of Carbondale was the low bidder.

Governor Pat Quinn is scheduled to be in Marion today to break ground on a construction project that is expected to relieve congestion on Interstate 57. The project is being funded through his Illinois Jobs Now! program.

The ground-breaking will take place at 3 p.m. near Rent One Park at 2500 Blue Heron Drive.

This will be the governor's first trip to southern Illinois in nearly a year. His last visit was to Mt. Vernon in August, to sign legislation benefiting Continental Tire.

A bridge will be replaced that carries Township Road 97 over Haney Creek about 3.75 miles northeast of Cave-In-Rock. Perry County Construction Company of Herrin was the lowest of two bidders at $179,579.

These contracts were recently awarded following a competitive bidding process and address critical infrastructure needs while creating construction jobs. The Illinois Department of Transportation will manage the projects.

"Illinois 154 is a major thoroughfare in Perry County with a high volume of truck traffic, like so many other roads in southwestern Illinois," State Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) said. "We need reliable, quality roads to keep the flow of coal and agricultural products moving to markets, and this resurfacing will also provide another source of construction jobs."