U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today gathered with Governor Bruce Rauner (R-Ill.), U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), and other leaders from state and local governments in Rochester to celebrate the completion of the widening of Route 29 from Rochester to Taylorville.
Davis leads press conference celebrating the completion of Route 29 project.
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The 24-year effort to widen the two-lane highway into four lanes was completed in October of 2016. The project became a priority to local stakeholders following a December 1992 car accident on Route 29 that claimed the life of a young woman. Davis, who witnessed the accident, has worked with the Project 29 coalition and leaders at all levels of government to ensure the 23-mile stretch of highway was upgraded.
“After witnessing the accident that claimed the life of Melody Traughber on Route 29 more than 20 years ago, widening and updating this highway has been one of my top priorities,” Davis said. “As a resident of Christian County, congressional staffer, and member of Congress, I was proud to work with countless leaders at all levels of government to arrive where we are today: celebrating the completion of this project which will ensure a safer route for drivers traveling between Rochester and Taylorville. This is a perfect example of why investing in infrastructure is so important. I'm looking forward to serving another term on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee so we can continue to invest in the 13th District and other communities throughout Illinois.”
Davis and other local leaders hold Route 29 signs presented by the commission.
L to R: State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), Secretary of IDOT Randall Blankenhorn, State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Rauner, Carlinville Mayor and Former State Senator Deanna Demuzio, Rochester Trustee Harry Hendrickson, Davis, Shimkus, and Mike Bell from the Route 29 Organization
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Shimkus, who represented portions of Sangamon and Christian counties while the project was under construction, was proud to see its completion.
"The completed expansion of Route 29 will make travel safer and easier between Rochester and Taylorville,” said Shimkus. This project, many years in the making, is an example of how congressionally directed spending can help state and local leaders make necessary and important infrastructure improvements. I'm proud to have been a part of this team effort."
