Stadelman: $2 million in state funding 'builds on momentum' in Rockford's downtown

State Senator Steve Stadelman hailed this week's award of $2 million for streetscape improvements on Madison Street in Rockford, saying the state funding "builds on the momentum that has transformed downtown Rockford over more than two decades." The grant is part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas and accelerate local economic initiatives across the state.
"The upgrades that will occur on Madison Street are another key piece in the steady evolution of downtown Rockford into a thriving entertainment, retail and residential district," Stadelman said. "The vitality of Rockford's downtown has a direct impact on the growth of the regional economy.

IDOT begins $3.9 million Springfield Avenue bridge replacement

The bridge that carries Springfield Avenue over the North Fork of Kent Creek in Rockford is scheduled to be closed until the end of November while the Illinois Department of Transportation works to replace the structure between Safford Road and Kilburn Avenue.
Access to Anna Page Park will remain open, but trails that run underneath Springfield Avenue will be closed. A posted detour will direct traffic to use Auburn Street, Central Avenue and Kilburn. View area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Read more: Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - April 25, 2025