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WIU President Jack Thomas with Gov. Pat Quinn at the recent Macomb Bypass announcement in Macomb.
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WIU Part of Announcement for Macomb Bypass

October 10, 2014

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MACOMB, IL -- With music provided by members of the Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks to set the stage, Gov. Pat Quinn announced today (Oct. 10) in Macomb a $35 million investment to continue work on the Macomb Bypass, a new highway that will take motorists around the west side of Macomb. The additional funds will construct a new six-mile, two-lane highway to link U.S. Route 67 and Illinois Route 336/110.

"The Macomb Bypass is the final link in the project to improve transportation in this key section of western Illinois," Gov. Quinn.

The new two-lane section of highway will include ground-level intersections and will be built on the corridor now being created by a $33 million grading project. The $7.4 million construction of overpasses at Adams and Jackson Streets has been completed.

"Many of the individuals at today's event remember that it was a long drive to Macomb and to Quincy, and points-in-between, on a two-lane highway. But for decades, the leaders and citizens of this great community and region, along with those of Western Illinois University, had a vision. They had a vision for improved and greater access to west central Illinois. They had the vision and fortitude to move their ideas and requests forward with those individuals representing west central Illinois in Springfield. They had the determination to see this project move forward," WIU President Jack Thomas said at today's announcement. "Western Illinois University extends its deepest appreciation to Gov. Quinn, our local legislators, City of Macomb officials and to Tom Oakley of Quincy for all of their efforts. Together, Western Illinois University, the City of Macomb and our region make great things happen."

The Macomb Bypass project began in 1997. It will provide a six-mile highway around Macomb connecting Illinois Route 336/110 from the west to U.S. Route 67 to the north. The new four-lane Illinois Route 336/110 from Carthage to Macomb was opened to traffic in October 2008.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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