Federal grant drives Rochelle road project, possibly jobs

By Thomas V. Bona

BusinessRockford.com

The Hub City is about to start another major road project that could spark development and bring hundreds of jobs here.

Work on the long-discussed Steward Road overpass is expected to start next spring after officials announced today that the city is getting a $3 million federal grant toward the project.

The project is expected to cost up to $7 million.

The overpass, at the southeast side of town, will make it easier for trucks to get to and from businesses in that area.

Already, six companies have said they’ll be able to expand once the bridge is built, according to Rochelle’s economic development officials.

It’ll also help development at nearby ProLogis Park, which has a 600,000-square-foot distribution center under way and room for almost 4 million more square feet of buildings.

Officials estimate that the project will lead to at least 800 new jobs over the next seven years.

The grant was announced by U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Egan, who helped secure it. It’s from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and is one of the largest awarded in the state by the agency.

“We are pleased to be a part of the rapid growth of Rochelle as it becomes the logistics center for the Midwest,” EDA Regional Director Robert Sawyer said.

The overpass replaces the at-grade crossing over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and the city-owned railroad tracks, near the intersection of Caron Road. Construction will take 18 months.

“The city of Rochelle is committed to participating in the funding of public infrastructure necessary for private investment to occur,” City Manager Ken Alberts said. “With this improvement in our transportation system, Rochelle is quickly becoming a major employment center in the region.”

Last month, officials broke ground on the Jack Dame Road project on the southwest side of the city. That road, a truck bypass near the Union Pacific Global III Intermodal hub, is expected to promote development on at least 600 acres of potential industrial and logistics space.

Staff writer Thomas V. Bona may be contacted at 815-987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.

 

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