Grundy County awarded $5 million for I-80 intersection project, county officials say

The Grundy County Finance Committee learned Feb. 9 that the county was awarded $5,000,000 in community project funding to be used toward a new intersection at Manuka Road and Interstate 80. The finance director said Congressman LaHood recently notified the county of the award and that a formal award contract should arrive in roughly six to eight weeks, with a local announcement planned when weather permits.

The finance director said the county and regional partners have identified the need for an additional I-80 interchange between Ridge and Brisbane in recent planning documents and that the funding should cover most of the justification study and phase one work, with any remaining details to be determined with the county highway engineer. "This is a huge win for us," the finance director said, and committee members applauded the news.

Why it matters: County leaders framed the award as a major step toward a prioritized regional transportation project that appears in local planning materials. The finance director cautioned that project timing and final scope will depend on the formal award terms and the highway engineer's assessment.

What was said: The finance director told the committee the funding was "to be used towards the intersection at Manuka Road and I-80" and that the county will "keep everyone updated" as the formal award and announcement are scheduled. No specific construction timeline or contract details were provided at the meeting.

What happens next: The finance director said the county expects formal paperwork in about six to eight weeks and will coordinate with the highway engineer on study and phase-one scoping. The committee took no vote on awarding contracts at the Feb. 9 meeting; the item was presented as an announcement and planning update.