AASHTO Journal - Illinois DOT Helps Complete Active Transportation Project

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the City of Dixon recently celebrated the completion of a $14 million active transportation endeavor called “Project ROCK,” which is short for “Revitalizing Opportunities for the Community and Kids.”

[Above photo by the Illinois DOT]

Made possible by an $11.9 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity or RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Project ROCK built a bridge across the Rock River using old Illinois Central railroad piers that connects into a system of paths in the city’s Page Park.

Features added to the new bridge – now called “Petunia Crossing” after an online community vote – include a central pavilion area with seating, two viewing platforms, and lighting.

Gia Biagi at podium. Photo by Illinois DOT.

The Illinois DOT said this project is the final link to connect Dixon’s south side with the city’s riverfront as well as Dixon High School and the park district’s baseball diamonds and tennis courts.

“This project is a testament to everyone working together to help achieve a vision for mobility and quality of life,” said Gia Biagi, secretary of the Illinois DOT, in a statement.

“We are proud to partner with Dixon on Project ROCK, which is not only creating a real transportation option for residents, but a place where a community can come together in new and meaningful ways,” she said.

“Petunia Crossing is more than a bridge. It is a connection between our neighborhoods, our schools, our parks, our riverfront and the future we have been working toward for more than two decades,” noted Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes.

“Project ROCK reflects what can happen when a strong local vision is matched with state and federal partnerships, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring this transformational project to life,” Hughes said.

The mayor added that Project ROCK completes another phase of the Dixon Riverfront Masterplan, which had its conceptual beginnings more than 20 years ago with the development of Dixon’s downtown Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza.